Collagerie
Travel

Meet Me In Manhattan

NY fashion week has kicked off – perfect timing for an insider’s city guide. And to keep the fashion focus, we asked photographer Pamela Hanson for her tips. Celebrated for her strong, sexy, female imagery, this New Yorker knows a thing or two about cool…

Pamela Hanson’s New York

Pamela Hanson
Pamela Hanson

Where To Stay…

  • The Hotel Chelsea is an iconic destination which has hosted everyone from Mark Twain and Stanley Kubrick to Madonna and Bob Marley over the years. This celebrated site has recently been renovated but remains steeped in NYC lore and is ideal for a downtown stay.
  • Nine Orchard in the fashionable Lower East Side neighbourhood makes for a stylish and snug stay.
  • The Carlyle on the Upper East Side is another NYC classic. Luxurious and elegant, the restored 1930s hotel offers old-school service and high-end style in a celebrated Midtown destination.
Café Chelsea. Image: Annie Schlechter
Café Chelsea. Image: Annie Schlechter
The Hotel Chelsea. Image: Annie Schlechter
The Hotel Chelsea. Image: Annie Schlechter
View from the Carlyle. Image: @antoinebn
View from the Carlyle. Image: @antoinebn
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle. Image: @antoinebn
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle. Image: @antoinebn
The East Room at Nine Orchard
The East Room at Nine Orchard
The Design Suite at Nine Orchard
The Design Suite at Nine Orchard

Where To Eat…

  • Bar Pitti This Greenwich Village trattoria is a New York classic. Famous for its lively atmosphere and authentic Italian fare, its outdoor seating is perfect for a spot of people-watching.
  • Omen, The Commerce Inn and Via Carota each offer stylish NYC dining. Omen is a fashion-industry favourite, while the latter two are celebrated for exceptional cuisine from two talented female restaurateurs.
  • Mitsuru is my go-to for incredible Japanese food. It’s a cosy little gem of a place, with an excellent wine list.
  • Alta on Lafayette is my favourite when I’m in the mood for Mexican. It’s a cool little spot and the food is outstanding.
  • Eleven Madison Park is the place to go for an incredible, blow-the-budget dinner, while Bar Clemente upstairs is fabulous and totally chic.
  • Chez Nous in the Marlton Hotel is a don’t-miss dining venue, as well as being the gathering spot for the literary and film crowd.
  • L’Industrie Pizzeria on Christopher Street is another favourite and reliably delicious if you’re in the mood for a quick slice.
  • Sant Ambroeus on Madison Avenue is the perfect pit stop after a shopping trip on the Upper East Side. It’s great for a quick coffee and panini too.
Sant Ambroeus Madison
Sant Ambroeus Madison
Bar Pitti
Bar Pitti
Bar Clemente
Bar Clemente
Chez Nous at The Marlton
Chez Nous at The Marlton

Shop Till You Drop

  • 45rpm and La Garçonne are two of my favourite boutiques and always packed with great fashion finds.
  • Aritzia is great for accessible outerwear and my go-to for down jackets and sweatshirts. It has multiple NYC locations, including its new SoHo flagship and big Fifth Avenue store.
  • Dashwood Books is a curated boutique for photography and fashion publications – perfect for beautiful browsing, while The Strand is a legendary used bookstore, famous for its “18 miles of books.”
  • John Derian is a shopping must-visit for lovers of chic and quirky homewares. It’s also a favourite for picking up great gifts and it comes into its own at Christmas, when it’s truly magical.

Explore The Art Scene

  • Chelsea, the Upper East Side and Tribeca are New York neighbourhoods packed with amazing galleries showcasing the city’s cutting-edge art scene.
  • Matthew Brown Gallery in Tribeca is a newer space that champions young emerging artists.
  • Jack Pierson Gallery in Chinatown and 56 Henry Street are two intimate settings showing vibrant contemporary art.
  • Jack Shainman in Tribeca is another favourite spot and known for its bold programming.
  • The Frick Collection is an absolute must-see. It’s just reopened and is truly spectacular, exhibiting European masters in a splendid mansion setting.
56 Henry
56 Henry
Portico Gallery at The Frick Collection
Portico Gallery at The Frick Collection

Head To The Movies

  • Regal Battery Park is the cinephiles favourite for big film releases, known for its comfort and large-screen formats.
  • Film Forum is a renowned independent, specialising in obscure art-house and foreign movies as well as great documentaries.
  • The Angelika Film Center is very NY. It shows great films and the occasional rumble of the subway underneath adds to the ambiance!

Take In A Show

  • The Armory is an uptown theatre that always has an amazing program. It’s definitely worth checking out what’s showing during your stay.
  • Lucille Lortel Theatre on Christopher Street is charming and small – perfect for compelling, intimate productions.
  • Classic Broadway shows are always fun – sometimes a little cheesy but always a great evening out.
  • Off-Broadway shows offer a less predictable alternative to mainstream theatre.

Go For A Walk…

  • Central Park is New York’s most iconic outdoor space, offering a breath of fresh air in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
  • East River Promenade and Hudson River Park both offer peaceful riverfront strolls – a great way to lose an hour or two.

Anyone For Tennis?

  • Vanderbilt Tennis Club is hidden four floors above the busy Grand Central Station. The vibe is exclusive but it’s a public-access tennis club, and its location makes for a unique sporting experience in New York’s historic train hub.
  • Central Park Tennis Courts are set in the celebrated Manhattan park and offer a scenic urban space to work your backhand.

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