New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is finally here. If you are visiting New York now or in the future, where should you go and what should you do? There’s a secret world within the city where the top fashion designers, models, executives, editors and photographers like to go to unwind after a long day of runway shows and meetings. If you’d love to join them, we’re here to help. Here’s how to experience NYC like the fashion people do during NYFW, with 6 insider tips on where to go to eat, hang out and stay like the industry insiders and style influencers who matter most.
where do the important insiders go during New York Fashion Week (NYFW)?
Though New York Fashion Week has changed a lot over the years one thing is a constant: beautiful people will be running around New York City looking for places to eat, drink, and be, well . . . admired. Hotels, bars and restaurants all over Gotham will be ready to greet the fashion elite. But where do the style influencers and industry insiders who matter most actually go? Based on our personal experience and some tips from people in the business, here are some of the best places to eat, hang out or stay the night if your goal is to see a gorgeous model, top designer, senior fashion editor or celeb fan and their entourage. That is, when you’re not shopping.
How to experience NYC like fashion people during NYFW, with insider tips on where to eat, hang out and stay like a true style influencer.
By the way, NYFW this year runs from Friday, February 10 through Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Designers showing this year include Altuzarra, Anna Sui, Area, Batsheva, Brandon Maxwell, Carolina Herrera, Coach, Collina Strada, Dion Lee, Eckhaus Latta, Elena Velez, Gabriela Hearst, Jason Wu Collection, Khaite, LaQuan Smith, Luar, Markarian, Michael Kors, Paloma Spain, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Puppets & Puppets, Sergio Hudson, Simkhai, Sukeina, Tory Burch, Ulla Johnson, Veronica Beard, Who Decides War and Willy Chavarria.
Some of the designers making their debuts will be Cucculelli Shaheen, Heron Preston, Ayama Studio, Koltson, Kallmeyer, Nayon, Kate Barton and Zimo.
Here are the best places to eat, hang out and gossip about all the beautiful clothes being shown during New York Fashion Week. Of course, these will also work anytime you’re visiting New York City and want to live it up like a fashion editor.
6 insider tips on how to Experience New York City like the Fashion people do
1. Figaro Café
This is the newly reinvented interpretation of the iconic Le Figaro Café, where the beat crowd players called their go-to. Think Bob Dylan and Jack Kerouac and then maybe occasionally Al Pacino.
NYFW insider tips on where to eat, stay and hang out. Courtesy Photo.
It is located in the same West Village location. But now, its a chic cocktail bar and restaurant. You will feel like you are in an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Except everyone will have their phones out.
2. Corner Bar at the Nine Orchard hotel
There is always an “it” hotel or restaurant in New York City. And right now, it’s Nine Orchard. Located in the new trendy-again and intriguing Dimes Square, the two new restaurants at Nine Orchard—Corner Bar and Lobby Lounge— are sure to be full of all the beautiful people. Plus steak! Eater called the restaurant “the next great steakhouse” – even though technically, it isn’t a steakhouse.
If you’re not a carnivore, feast on other classic American and Continental dishes, like Oysters Rockefeller, Moules with fennel and Dijon, the aforementioned Steak Au Poivre with peppercorn sauce, and Spaghetti Pomodoro. If you are running between shows, it is conveniently open all day. Dinner time can be hard to snag a reservation. But persistence will get you anywhere, as long as its coupled with charm.
Nine Orchard is located at 9 Orchard St.
3. Aldama
If you feel like venturing to Brooklyn, this is worth the trek (and there are plenty of NYFW events in Brooklyn, too.)
The romantic restaurant specializes in lesser-known regional Mexican dishes like Carne Cecina, Tlacoyo de Pato, and Vegan Mole, a Chef Gerardo Alcaraz signature.
4. Le Jardinier
OK, so Midtown East isn’t exactly the sexiest neighborhood (or one that screams fashion) but this restaurant is worth it. Named for the French word for “gardener,” Le Jardinier is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant with a bevy of choices, most featuring delicious veggies.
Culinary Directory Chef Alain Verzeroli, Chef de Cuisine Andrew Ayala, and Corporate Pastry Chef Salvatore Martone use only the best seasonal ingredients.
5. Mister Paradise
Mister Paradise is always a good choice with its gorgeous décor. The Red Room is a private dining option for a group of 12. Plus, they just rolled out an extensive new cocktail menu, featuring 17 drinks. Some of the most notable new drinks include the Face-Off cocktail, inspired by the Travolta and Cage classic film.
Or opt for the Good Idea and Bad Idea shots. Though they have both chartreuse and amaro, there are subtle differences. See if you can suss them out! sure to be a favorite among New York’s martini lovers, their Prime Martini is made with Boatyard Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Martini Ambrato Vermouth, Szechuan Peppercorn Brine, and Lemon. Are you even at NYFW if you aren’t sipping on a martini?
6. The Wall Street Hotel
If you are looking for a wonderful place to stay and grab a drink or two, take a trip down to Fidi to The Wall Street Hotel. The new 180-room hotel is inspired by classic New York design elements.
How to experience NYC like fashion people during NYFW, with insider tips on where to eat, hang out and stay like a true style influencer.
When you aren’t catching up on some rest in your beautiful room, you can head down to the hotel’s lobby lounge. The Lounge on Pearl features small bites and after-hour cocktails. La Marchande, the hotel’s restaurant, is run by Michelin-starred Chef Jon Fraser and his team.
fashion insider’s guide to New York City
That’s how to experience New York City like a fashion week editor – where to eat, hang out and stay like a true style influencer. Now you just have to decide what to wear, dear reader.
