Maybe it’s because of all the major publishing companies in New York and their numerous highfashion magazines that the Big Apple has developed such a reputation for being one of the style capitals of the world—or maybe it’s the other way around. Either way, this city knows fashion. Twice a year it hosts Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where some of the world’s top designers showcase their collections for the next season. Many of them have studios and showrooms in the city year-round. On a street level, you will see everything from sneakers to stilettos being rocked by the city’s fashionistas. Photographers will pause just to snap a pic of them on the subway. Outfits that may seem outrageous elsewhere are perfectly acceptable; New Yorkers wouldn’t bat an eyelash at a lime-green top hat or a feathered coat. You can truly be yourself and let your fashion flag fly!
THE FOOD Craving some of the world’s best pizza at three in the morning? No problem. How about authentic Chinese or homemade Italiano, like mamma used to make in the old country? Venture through New York’s ethnically varied neighborhoods and you can find anything your taste buds desire. From five-star gourmet restaurants to street vendors like Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, the city is a gastronomic mother lode, and you will want to try it all.
THE PARKS Manhattan may be a concrete jungle, but its park system is a fantastic escape from the busy streets and gray walls. World-famous Central Park boasts lakes, sports complexes, a zoo, sweeping fields, fountains, event venues, bridges, tunnels, and more. But it’s not the only park in the city and the others should not be sold short. Bryant Park, located in Midtown, is home to outdoor events and concerts year-round, along with ice-skating and a Christmas market in the winter. Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District features a spacious fenced area for the city’s canines to enjoy. One of the newest and perhaps most unique parks is the High Line, which runs between Thirtieth and Thirty-Fourth Streets on Manhattan’s West Side on what used to be an elevated freight rail line. A public park since 1999, it was founded by community residents and is maintained
144 | J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 015
Photo by Romona Robbins
THE FASHION