NEW YORK CITY

Lessons and inspirations from the Big Apple

It has been quote some time since I last visited New York City – a time where all I saw were huge skyscrapers, busy streets and loads of cabs! But this time around, it was a real treat. Of course, the city is full of food, fashion and fun- but the subtleties are what intrigued me most. The Flatiron District with its amazing old buildings perfectly juxtaposed as modern stores or showrooms; the fact that you are in the birth place of something that is ‘made in New York’; and the inescapable $15 cocktail. All things quintessentially New York City.

Of course, experiencing New York as a designer- my eye was constantly on the move. The enthralling ABC Carpet & Home set in an almost ancient building with furniture, lighting and home décor to make you drool embarrassingly in public- was like a playground filled with inspiration. I am particularly fond of old-meets-new and the ease and comfort of an aged setting amongst the most comfortable and luxurious armchair you have ever had the pleasure of sitting in. There are seven floors to discover, all with different designers, styles and needs for your home. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed and wanted to spend the entire day there!

It seems like everywhere you look there is a little gem- whether very visible or hidden behind the façade of pawn shop in the East Village. This is where I was dazzled by not only the scene, but also the dark, proper yet elegant design of my new favourite dinner spot- Beauty and Essex. As mentioned, the entrance is hidden through a pawn shop that from the outside, looks like a 90s storefront with not much to offer. However, the restaurant is wonderful, and quite the hidden gem if you’re a tourist. Mixed materials, tufted settees and banquettes and the vibrant sconces win you over and make you feel delighted. Thankfully, the food continues this delighted mood and is overall, an impressive experience.

It is no surprise that there are hundreds of places to shop in New York, and there is no shortage of style, taste, colour, cut or price ranges. Whether strolling through SoHo and ogling the fabulous designer clothes; walking along the industrial iron strip in the Meatpacking District to casually flip through some favourites, or having the patience and determination to conquer all seven floors of Macy’s on 34^th Street; New York is filled with inspiration everywhere!

Macy’s still has the original escalators that have been in working order for 95 years! They are beautifully vintage and riding on the ash and oak moving stairway gave me goosebumps! New York has a lot of history, but to be that close to a piece of history was such a wonderful feeling. It is great to see a huge department store honouring their history and embracing it through renovations of the modern world.

All in all, New York as an adult designer is impressive. It is stimulating, fun, exciting, sometimes windy, and too large to possibly do in one trip- but a great place to spark some creative juices and I look forward to sharing those with you in the months to come!

Allie

Alex & Lily