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THE SPIRIT OF
HOTELS
R E S TAU R A N T S
SHOPS
MUSEUMS
ART
DESIGN
EU
NEW YORK CITY
ARCHITECTURE
THE BEST ITINERARIES FOR NYC
TH E C ITY TH AT N EVE R SLE E PS
THE BRONX
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CULT URE
EATING & DRINKING
SKY HIGH
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SHOPPING
TILL YOU DROP
MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS UPPER WEST SIDE
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MANHATTAN VALLEY
ON
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JERSEY CITY
HU
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CENTRAL PARK LINCOLN SQUARE
UPPER EAST SIDE
LENOX HILL MIDTOWN
GARMENT DISTRICT
ARCHITECTURE
FROM MODERN TO ART DECO
CHELSEA
NOMAD MEATPACKING DISTRICT
QUEENS
WOODSIDE
LONG ISLAND CITY
MURRAY HILL KIP’S BAY
HUNTERS POINT
SUNNYSIDE
GRAMERCY BLISSVILLE NOHO
WEST VILLAGE GREENWICH VILLAGE SOHO TRIBECA
NOLITA
ALPHABET CITY EAST VILLAGE
BOWERY
LITTLE ITALY CHINATOWN
LOWER EAST SIDE
MASPETH
RIVER
THE HOT SPOTS
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ASTORIA
ROOSEVELT ISLAND TURTLE BAY
GREENPOINT
EAST
DESIGN
STEINWAY
YORKVILLE
MANHATTAN
HELL’S KITCHEN
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MOTT HAVEN EAST-HARLEM
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FROM THE STREET
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HARLEM
TWO BRIDGES
WILLIAMSBURG
CIVIC CENTER
BROOKLYN
FINANCIAL DISTRICT DUMBO
VINEGAR HILL
RIDGEWOOD
BROOKLYN TRIANGLE NAVY YARD SUMNER HOUSES BUSHWICK
GOVERNORS ISLAND
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
CLINTON HILL
BEDFORD-STUYVESANT CROWN HEIGHTS
WELCOME TO
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BIG APPLE
THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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10 PREFACE
NYC FEELS There are countless reasons why New York City is one of the most exciting destinations in the world. Going beyond all the well-known clichés, though, T H E S P I R I T O F N E W Y O R K C I T Y is your invitation to experience this City of cities from a different perspective. We want to show you all our favorite places and people. Satisfy your appetite for culture with our selection of must-visit exhibitions and galleries. Read about that legendary New York icon, Andy
Warhol, the fascinating world of graffiti art in NYC, and all you want to know about the city’s fascinating and diverse architecture. Believe you me, we also know where to go to make the most of the shopping paradise that is New York City, taking you from not-to-be-missed shopping streets to those famous department stores. But we also highlight the lesser known hidden gems that are so worthwhile. We interviewed one of the City’s many creative souls for an insight into the City’s extraordinary and artistic world. NYC has an overwhelming amount of places to stay and venues to go for that special meal or relaxing drink. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Intimidated by the stereotypes surrounding the people of New York City? Our introduction to NYC etiquette will show you that it is actually all very straightforward and congenial, once you get the hang of it. We are so excited to present you with this jam-packed guide of guides that will allow you to dive into everything that wonderful NYC has to offer.
EMIL REEN Publisher & Editor in Chief THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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START SPREADING THE
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According to Frank Sinatra, New York is the city that never sleeps. With more than eight and a half million inhabitants, spread over five boroughs, that are connected by 840 miles of subway tracks, the city is always on the go. NYC is the world’s city of superlatives. With 257 skyscrapers (taller than 491 feet), NYC is second in the world with number of tallest buildings. It has the largest population in the US, twice the size as the nation’s second largest metropolitan area, Los Angeles. With 27,000 people per square mile it is also the densest populated city in the US. Nearly two-thirds of the dwellings are occupied by renters, twice the nation’s rate average, and culturally, it is a mecca. There are approximately 83 museums, including The Met, MoMA, and Guggenheim, and 40 theaters On Broadway (499+ seats), and numerous Off Broadway theaters (99-499 seats), and Off-Off Broadway theaters (less than 99 seats). There are more than 45,000 restaurants and eateries in NYC, and for those who don’t have time to sit and eat, can always grab a Pastrami on rye at one of the city’s deli’s or a hotdog from any of the stands that dot the city. It truly is a city that never sleeps. Welcome to The Big Apple!
I WANT TO BE
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NEW YORK! THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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38 Areas
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22 The Amazing Areas of NYC 24 MAP NYC
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Culture Capital of Culture The Exhibition Guide Galleries Galore From the Street The MET Andy Warhol: A Pop-art Hero Mecca of Modern Art THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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COLOPHON PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emil Reen PROJECT & CONTENT MANAGER Ferdy Veerman EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Ramon Heinhuis ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Rob Giesendorf, Solar Initiative CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Baudouin, Erik Boker, Matt Fox, Raquel Remondo Gomez, Miguel Gori, Nick Pluijmers, Benjamin Roberts, Natalie Shirinian, Grete Simkuté, Thiago Silva, Adrie Smits and Catharine Winter. PROOFREADING Katie McCandless PRINTING Mazeline B.V. – Oostzaan, the Netherlands FIND US ONLINE reenmedia.com PUBLISHING HOUSE The Spirit of New York City is published by Reen Media B.V. – Amsterdam, the Netherlands. EDITORIAL FORMAT The Spirit of New York City is a bi-annual magazine about New York City for the fashionable traveler with a contemporary lifestyle and love for art and design. The Spirit of New York City features a wonderful medley of hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, art, design and architecture available in New York City. ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE contact@reenmedia.com
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EDITION January 2018 COVER PHOTOS Skyline NYC – Keith Haring, NYC, Houston Street – The Roof, PUBLIC – Dover Street Market – MAP NYC – Arcade Bakery – The New Museum. ADVERTISEMENT SALES sales@reenmedia.com PRESS RELEASES press@reenmedia.com COPYRIGHT The Spirit of New York City is a concept published exclusively by Reen Media B.V. – Amsterdam, the Netherlands. While every possible effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this magazine, the publisher shall not be liable for errors or omissions or the consequences thereof. — No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
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Hospitality & Gastronomy 2
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46 Dining, Sleeping and in Between 48 Unique Stays 57 Fine Dining 60 Flawless Decorum in the City 62 Hip Places 65 Noon Delights 68 Meet the Chef – Thiago Silva 70 Drinks and Nightlife
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Shopping Shops and the City NYC is the Answer NYC’S Department Stores Shopping Heaven A Dandy’s Story – with Matt Fox Specialty Stores
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Design Design your Life Tour de Design Unseen World Back in NYC Tribeca Loft
Architecture Archi Icons Art Deco Brooklyn’s Brownstone Unique Structures
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THE AMAZING AREAS OF NEW YORK Whether you love to wander through the hipster area in Williamsburg, want to have the ultimate shopping experience in SoHo or prefer the upscale lifestyle around Central Park. Every area in New York has its own charms and we gladly highlight our favorites for you to explore. Words: Raquel Remondo Gomez THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
THE BRONX HARLEM MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS
MOTT HAVEN EAST-HARLEM
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
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UPPER WEST SIDE
ON
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JERSEY CITY
MANHATTAN VALLEY
HU
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CENTRAL PARK LINCOLN SQUARE
UPPER EAST SIDE
LENOX HILL MIDTOWN
GARMENT DISTRICT
ASTORIA
ROOSEVELT ISLAND
QUEENS
TURTLE BAY
WOODSIDE
LONG ISLAND CITY
MURRAY HILL NOMAD
MEATPACKING DISTRICT
STEINWAY
MANHATTAN
HELL’S KITCHEN
CHELSEA
YORKVILLE
KIP’S BAY
HUNTERS POINT
SUNNYSIDE
GRAMERCY BLISSVILLE NOHO
SOHO TRIBECA
NOLITA
EAST VILLAGE BOWERY
LITTLE ITALY CHINATOWN
LOWER EAST SIDE
MASPETH
RIVER
GREENWICH VILLAGE
ALPHABET CITY
GREENPOINT
EAST
WEST VILLAGE
TWO BRIDGES
WILLIAMSBURG
CIVIC CENTER
BROOKLYN
FINANCIAL DISTRICT DUMBO
VINEGAR HILL
RIDGEWOOD
BROOKLYN TRIANGLE NAVY YARD SUMNER HOUSES BUSHWICK
GOVERNORS ISLAND
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
CLINTON HILL
BEDFORD-STUYVESANT CROWN HEIGHTS
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CHELSEA: ARCHITECTURAL MIX The wealthy Chelsea area offers a unique architectural mix of high-rise public housing projects, single-family brownstones and new glass condominiums. The historic area filled with flowering trees, is known for both its gay and its art scene, including flagship galleries and the Whitey Museum of American Art. Make sure to visit The High Line, a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets, and to explore enclosed urban food court and shopping mall Chelsea Market.
HARLEM: DYNAMIC MUSIC In its heyday, Harlem was the undisputed home of soul food and jazz, with legendary clubs like The Apollo Theater. The neighborhood has undergone many revolutions, but became up-and-coming since the revitalization of 125th street in the nineties. Today, the area is most of all a dynamic place, with jazz music and soul food as its DNA, and no trip to Harlem would be complete without visiting its numerous museums, restaurants and music venues. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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SOHO: VIBRANT SHOPPING The historic SoHo ‘South of Houston’ area is beloved for its neighborly old world beauty and charm. Its signature features include a nearly skyscraperless skyline, decorative architecture with approximately 250 cast-iron facades, ornate fire escapes, Corinthian columns, oversized windows and beautiful lobbies. The vibrant cultural and commercial life is famous for its shopping experiences with West Broadway as the ‘the ChampsElysées of SoHo’, great restaurants and marvelous hotels. It is no wonder first-time visitors often instantly fall in love with the area.
BROOKLYN HEIGHT S: BRILLIANT VIEWS Once the city’s first commuter town, today the historical and always upscale Brooklyn Heights remains one of the wealthiest neighborhoods. Populated with beatific brownstones, some legitimate mansions and a Promenade with a perfect view of the Financial District’s looming buildings and New York City’s many fireworks displays. The Brooklyn Bridge entrance and its Promenade offer similarly brilliant views of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Make sure to visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park with its Piers for outdoor movies, sports, a beach and restaurants.
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TRIBECA: A WELCOME ESCAPE TriBeCa, the Triangle Below Canal Street, became a popular smalltown feeling neighborhood for those escaping expensive SoHo in the late eighties. Today, the relative tranquil atmosphere still offers a welcome escape. Only now the quiet of cobblestone streets contrasts with the heavily trafficked truck routes to the Holland Tunnel, luxury apartments can be found adjacent to city government offices and chic boutiques compete with high-end restaurants. Worth the mention is many celebrities’ favorite Nobu, which serves innovative new style Japanese cooking.
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UPPER WEST SIDE: DIVERSE CULTURE The Upper West Side is the most densely populated area of the United States and the home of numerous celebrities and diverse cultural attractions and institutions, like The American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Opera House. The area is sandwiched between New York’s ‘flagship’ park Central Park to east and Riverside Park to the west. We suggest going for a stroll down Riverside Drive to admire the impressive monuments, grand apartment buildings and views of the Hudson River.
WILLIAMSBURG: HIPSTER HAVEN As Manhattan has become increasingly upscale and expensive, Brooklyn has become the home of intelligentsia and creative underclassmen. Especially the Northern Area of Williamsburg has redefined and rebranded itself into one of Brooklyn’s hotspots. The neighborhood is now a haven for artists and hipsters. Relax in McCarren Park, have a local beer at the Brooklyn Brewery and discover the fashion-forward shops and great thrift shops in this trendy area full of bars, live music and food hotspots. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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1 CAPITAL OF CULTURE New Yorkers are fortunate to live in one of the most cultural cities in the world, and they are immensely proud of it. Words: Benjamin Roberts, Grete Simkuté The city that never sleeps is home to hundreds of museums and galleries, many of which are internationally renowned. Destinations like the Met, MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Whitney boast immense collections and put on spectacular art shows. For those more interested in history, nature or social phenomena, institutions like the American Museum of Natural History will prove to be more than satisfying. New York is the nation’s leading creative center, attracting large numbers of artists and creatives. Its liberal, experimental spirit has given birth to the careers of some of the most well-known artists worldwide – dead or alive. Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Cindy Sherman, Damien Hearst, the list is endless. The city, however, embraces young, emerging talent all the same, with numerous galleries showcasing the works of the up-and-coming. Are you ready to immerse yourself in a cultural scene that has no equal? We will guide you along the way! THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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photo: karin jobst
The New Museum
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THE
EXHIBITION GUIDE New York is chock-full of great museums that feed your curious mind. It should not be surprising, then, that artists, collectors and art lovers alike visit this city in search of inspiration. From groundbreaking contemporary exhibitions to exciting, bizarre and thoughtprovoking shows, NYC’s museums have you covered. For the full New York experience, be sure to include these exhibitions on your travel itinerary.
VIETNAM IN VISUALS
Six soldiers on search and destroy patrol, 1966
The Vietnam War is without a doubt one of the most controversial events of the 20th century. The New York Historical Society Museum hosts an exhibition until April 22, 2018, on this piece of contested history – and does it well. Throughout the vast exhibition, you will be told the narrative of the war through more than 300 artifacts. Key objects, such as antiwar posters, artwork by Vietnam vets and historical film footage, bring the Vietnam war up close and personal; here, history surrounds you.
EPICENTER OF MODERNISM
Piet Mondrian, Summer, Dune in Zeeland, c. 1910
Modern art lovers rejoice! The Guggenheim Museum has devoted a new gallery space to its permanent collection, showcasing its rich holdings of early modernism. Originally named “The Museum of Non-Objective Painting,” the Guggenheim is as famous for its iconic building – designed by Frank Lloyd Wright – as it is for its impressive, ongoing collection of Cubist, Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist works. You will find yourself caught up as if by magic in this spiral of prized art pieces made by titans such as Picasso, Miró and Kandinsky.
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CLASSIC FANTASTIC Pierpont Morgan Library, The Morgan Library & Museum – ongoing
photo: graham haber
Inside of a majestic, Renaissance-like villa, you will find the Pierpont Morgan Library. Once the library of financier Pierpont Morgan, this pink building dating back to 1906 is now open to all who love their classics. Morgan himself was an avid collector of manuscripts and drawings from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as of musical scores by Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. If not for its contents, you should visit this library for its grandiose interior; the extraordinary murals and marble surfaces will dazzle you!
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HISTORY MADE ALIVE
Mulberry Street, Manhattan, c. 1900
New York at its Core, Museum of the City of New York – ongoing
top: detroit publishing co., library of congress prints and photographs division, bottom: jeff chien-hsing liao
From a remote Dutch colony to a city at the center of the world, New York’s history may be relatively short, yet it is immensely epic. The Museum of the City of New York tells the dramatic 400-yearold story of transformation in its first permanent exhibition, which has been five years in the making. New York at its Core is framed around the key themes of money, density, diversity and creativity, providing you a lens through which to examine the past, present and future of the Big Apple.
Mulberry Street, Manhattan, 2015
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Albert Swinden, From the Williamsburg Housing Project Murals, c. 1939
REDISCOVERED MURALS
Williamsburg Murals: A Rediscovery, Brooklyn Museum – ongoing
In 1936, four pioneering American abstractionists were asked to create murals on several houses in Williamsburg. These wall paintings were unique; they were the first non-objective public murals in the United States, containing no recognizable symbols, figures or objects. For many years, it was thought that the Williamsburg murals were lost or destroyed. Luckily for us, they were rediscovered in the late ’80s and are currently on view at the Brooklyn Museum.
COPY THIS!
Lesley Schiff, Flower in Hand, 1981
Experiments in Electrostatics: Photocopy Art from the Whitney’s Collection, 1966 – 1986, Whitney Museum of American Art
The copy machines of today get a lot of love from office employees and owners of lost dogs, but did you know that the photocopier has played a small – but crucial – role in modern art? Decades before digital technology revolutionized the capabilities for manipulating images, artists were creatively making use of this democratic copy tool. Experiments in electrostatics, on view until at least spring 2018 at the Whitney Museum of American Art, explores the possibilities of “copy art” by showcasing still lifes, portraits, abstractions and collages, all made between 1966 and 1986, the glorious days of the Xerox. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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SNAPSHOTS OF THE MUNDANE
Stephen Shore, 2nd Street, Ashland, Wisconsin, 1973
In the ’70s, when all other photographers were working in black and white, Stephen Shore made the bold decision to print his snapshots in color. Today he is known as a true pioneer of color art photography. Now, after more than 50 years, the Museum of Modern Art presents the most comprehensive exhibition ever on Shore’s work, on view until May 28, 2018. We love not only Shore’s daring use of color, but also the way he transforms banal everyday life scenes into meditative images. Go and see for yourself!
GLASS GEMS
Tiffany Studios, Peacock Library Lamp, C.1905
Louis C. Tiffany’s pressed-glass lamps and windows are often called “glass jewels,” and for good reason. These glass mosaic objects showcase the most delicate floral and geometric patterns and are simply breathtaking. At the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, you can not only admire these artistic gems, but also immerse yourself in the creative process behind them. Fun fact: this collection belongs to the Neustadt couple, two Austrian immigrants who bought their first Tiffany lamp from a second-hand shop for 12 dollars in 1935. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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Agnes Denes, Wheatfields for Manhattan, Batery Park Landfill, 1982
photo: donna svennevik
URBAN MASTERPIECES Art in the Open, Museum of the City of New York
New York is a treasure trove of street art. From massive wall murals to public sculptures and installations around town, this artistic form of self-expression will make you turn your head more than once. Art in the Open, on view at Museum of the City of New York until May 13, 2018, brings outdoor art inside the walls of a museum. This wide-ranging exhibition features over 125 objects on display, highlighting works of art as diverse as the city itself, including pieces by Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring and Christo.
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GALLERIES GALORE Galleries are the bedrock of any truly thriving art scene. As the center of the gallery world, New York offers some of the best unique galleries showcasing the works of both established and up-and-coming artists. We have selected our top picks for you out of the 1,500 galleries that will make for an enjoyable – and visually stimulating – day out.
MORE IS MORE
Mary Boone Gallery
Do large-scale works and dramatic installations tickle your fancy? If so, step inside Mary Boone Gallery. Boone is a true celebrity among art dealers and founded her gallery way back in the late ’70s. This “Queen of the Art Scene” continues to produce hit shows where bigger is better, featuring young and established artists alike. The star attractions? Ai Weiwei, Barbara Kruger and bad-boy painter Damian Loeb, just to name a few.
PROVOCATIVE PIECES
Cindy Sherman, Installation view, 2016
Metro Pictures
Is Cindy Sherman one of your favorite artists? Then Metro Pictures is your kind of gallery. Here, Sherman remains the superstar. One of the best-known photographers of our time, Sherman made her name by photographing herself as different personas to explore identity stereotypes. Apart from this titan of art, Metro Pictures represents a number of other contemporary artists whose work is as conceptual and provocative as Sherman’s. Every exhibit in this gallery will keep you talking for days.
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photo mary boone galleryl: robert mckeever
Peter Saul, Installation view, 2017
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ART EXTRAVAGANZA
Cy Twombly, Installation view, 2015
Larry Gagosian’s gallery
It is said that Larry Gagosian’s gallery is one of the very few galleries capable of competing with the museums. Gagosian’s A-list roster of artists includes Jeff Koons, Richard Prince and Damien Hirst, who holds the title of the highest paid living artist of all time. Hirst’s exhibit from 2000 at this gallery is legendary as one of the most extravagantly produced shows in recent history (picture a three-story-high anatomical model and you will understand why). Visit this art space to be stunned by shows that are top rated, without exception.
VINTAGE SHOTS
Edwynn Houk’s Gallery
Anyone who is crazy about vintage photography will surely enjoy Edwynn Houk’s Gallery. This swank midtown gallery on Fifth Avenue is a leading showcase for vintage, modern and contemporary photography. Since its inception in the ’80s, it has specialized in vintage photographs from 1917–1939 by leading figures from the Modernist movement. In the meantime, it has grown to include works by a select group of established contemporary photographers, such as Robert Polidori and Annie Leibovitz.
photo grimm gallery: genevieve hanson
Sebastiaan Bremer, Installation view, 2017
ALL THINGS CONTEMPORARY
GRIMM Gallery
Located on the border of SoHo and Chinatown, you will find GRIMM Gallery, a newbie to the scene. Gallery owner Jorg Grimm is already running two galleries in Amsterdam and decided to follow his long-held dream by opening a third art space in New York just a few months ago. Grimm represents over 25 international artists working in all media, so you can be assured that a show in this gallery will be one of a kind. William Monk, Seven Leagues to Pompeii, Exhibition view, 2017
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JAPANESE ZEN The Noguchi Museum
photo: nicholas knight
The Noguchi Museum in Queens is an artistic landmark if there ever was one. Founded in 1975, it was created by Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese–American sculptor whose work is permanently on view in the museum. Twelve galleries and a garden are populated with Noguchi’s sculptures; also on display are drawn studies, architectural models and furniture design. The building was designed by Noguchi to be a meditative oasis amidst its industrial setting. Need a break from the art? Take a stroll in the outside botanical garden with its bamboos and cherry trees.
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FROM THE STREET
Keith Haring, Boys’ Club NYC Pitt Street
In 2008, Sotheby auctioned the graffiti piece ‘Keep It Spotless’ for the astounding amount of $1,870,000. It was painted by the anonymous graffiti artist Banksy, whose real identity remains unknown because in the US and UK there is a warrant for his arrest on charges of vandalism. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
INTRODUCING STREET ART Graffiti was first spotted in Philadelphia in the early 1970s but quickly caught on in New York City, particularly among young people. Creative young men from poor neighborhoods sought an alternative medium, instead of the canvas, as an outlet for their art. Some graffiti artists thought that if they spray painted their work on subway cars, then it would be seen all over the city. Many of the young people of this generation, also known as “Generation X,” grew up in the 1970s and 1980s during a period of economic downturn, high unemployment and grim future. Spray painting objects in the public domain was a way of making their art accessible to everybody, as subway cars traveled through the city and were seen by everyone, without having to buy them in a gallery or pay entrance fees to a museum. VANDALISM OR ART? However, most New Yorkers in the 1970s and 1980s did not see it that way. For the general public, graffiti was still considered an act of vandalism. And they weren’t com-
photo: tseng kwong chi, muna tseng dance projets, inc.
More than 30 years ago, New York City’s crime-fighting mayor Ed Koch waged an all-out war against graffiti artists like Banksy. His campaign, “Make your mark ín society, not on society” was devised to deter young people from painting subway cars and defacing the sides of buildings.
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Keith Haring, Boys’ Club NYC Pitt Street
KEITH HARING
photos: tseng kwong chi, muna tseng dance projets, inc.
Pittsburgh art school dropout Keith Haring (1958–1990) also started out painting in New York’s subways. When he was younger, Haring’s art was strongly influenced by Walt Disney cartoons, Dr. Seuss, the cartoonist Charles Schultz and the characters from the The Bugs Bunny Show. In New York City, he used the subway as his laboratory to experiment with his art. He drew with white chalk on unused advertisement blackboards, which he often found in the subway stations. After his work was discovered in the early 1980s, Haring started exhibiting in galleries and later gained national and international fame.
BROOKLYN’S BUSHWICK: CENTER OF STREET ART Since the 1980s, the New York neighborhood Bushwick (in Brooklyn) has emerged as the center of street art. Rampant with crime, violence, drugs and prostitution during the last decades of the 20th century, the neighborhood was a no man’s land. However, because the neighborhood had numerous abandoned factory buildings, it became an oasis for graffiti artists from all over the world, especially after 2000, when nearby Williamsburg area became gentrified. In 2012, the Bushwick Collective, a group of artists from all over the world, made the neighborhood their headquarters. Shopkeepers pay the artists for their work on nearby buildings because it attracts more customers. The neighborhood has become such a popular destination for its graffiti that daily tours are organized for tourists to view the art. Nowadays, graffiti has emerged from the shadow of vandalism into a full-fledged art movement.
Keith Haring, NYC, Houston Street
pletely wrong. Not all subway cars were pieces of art; many were downright ugly, clad with lewd text and obscene images that were meaningless and had no aesthetic value for the general public. In that regard, graffiti is not a 20th-century phenomenon. After Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. and covered the city and inhabitants of Pompeii under a thick layer of ash, archaeologists discovered walls inscribed with texts such as “Lucilla ex corpore lucrum faciebat” or “Lucilla made money from her body.” The oldest text found at Pompeii was “Gaius was here.” However not all the scribble in subways and on the walls of buildings in the 1970s and 1980s was meaningless. Some graffiti artists who painted subway cars, such as the African-American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) had a genuine talent and were craftsmen in the classical sense of the word. Basquiat, who grew up in a THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
Jean-Michel Basquiat in his atelier
poor Haitian family in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, started as a graffiti artist in the late 1970s. In the early 1980s, when hip hop and post-punk music were emerging, Basquiat became acclaimed as a neo-Expressionist painter and addressed societal issues such as segregation, poverty and wealth. Basquiat later moved to Venice Beach, California, where he lived with his girlfriend, pop-singer Madonna, and worked with David Bowie. He died in 1988 after overdosing on heroin. —
“Basquiat became acclaimed as a neoExpressionist painter and addressed societal issues such as segregation, poverty and wealth”
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Today the Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as the Met, boasts more than 14,000 objects from all over the globe. The collection is displayed over three unique locations, but undoubtedly most iconic is its edifice on Central Park along Fifth Avenue.
THE MET
A LITTLE HISTORY In April 1870, a group of businessmen, artists and thinkers came together in an era of wild capitalism with an ambitious plan to educate the American people. The group pulled their financial resources together and officially established the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Not long after, three private art collections of European art, which included 174 paintings, were donated to the museum. Among them were works by Frans Hals and Antonie van Dyck. In 1880, ten years after the museum was founded, a Revival Gothic building was constructed on Fifth Avenue, then next to a vast and empty Central Park that had been dotted with seedlings eight years earlier.
American history and domestic life. The European collection boasts 25,000 works and includes masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Portrait of the Artist (c.1663–1665), Johannes Vermeer’s Study of a Young Woman (c.1665–1667), Auguste Renoir’s By the Seashore (1893) and Pablo Picasso’s Portrait of Gertrude Stein (1905–1906). EGYPTIAN COLLECTION In addition to the European and American art, the Met has an abundant Egyptian art collection of more than 10,000 objects. One of the highlights is the Temple of Dendur, which was built in 10 B.C. and donated in 1965 to the United States, when the Aswan High Dam was built and threatened to come under the flood plain. The temple is an impressive 21 feet high, 21 feet wide and 41 feet long, and feels like something off the set of an Indiana Jones movie. The temple and its high gate are housed together in the specially constructed Sackler wing of the Met, with glass walls that allow visitors to see Central Park in all its glory. Today, with more than seven million annual visitors, a visit to the Met truly feels like an enlightening journey through the history of mankind, without having to leave Manhattan. —
AN IMPRESSIVE MIX OF ART Over the last 150 years, the Met has become a world-class museum that represents 5,000 years of history. Today the Central Park building, with its two million square feet, accommodates a colossal collection of art. To start, the 24 period rooms house world’s largest collection of American paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, displaying
“The temple is an impressive 21 feet high, 21 feet wide and 41 feet long, and feels like something off the set of an Indiana Jones movie”
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ANDY WARHOL A POP-ART HERO THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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Below: Gold Marilyn Monroe, 1962 Left page: Cow, 1966
In the 1960s, New York City was a dying dinosaur. A metropolis of nearly eight million people faced increasing crime rates, racial tension and a middle class fleeing to the suburbs. As a result, the real estate market plummeted and houses and apartment buildings that were once in posh neighborhoods turned into slums. At the same time, the city became a cultural mecca for artists and alternative thinkers who found cheap housing and inexpensive work studios.
andy warhol foundation for the visual arts / artists rights society (ars), 2017, new york
THE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS FAME In November 1962, a phoenix rose from the city’s decline when a 34-year old, palefaced artist named Andrew Warhola from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, launched his first exhibition of paintings at Stable Gallery. He was immediately catapulted to world fame. Warhola’s parents were Slovakian immigrants, and his father worked in the coal mines. In the 1950s, the creative and sensitive Warhola moved to the Big Apple, where he reinvented himself, first by Americanizing his name to “Andy Warhol.” In the city, he started working as a commercial artist, and in 1962, rented his first studio, The Factory, on the fifth floor of a building at 231 East 47th Street, for only 100 dollars a year. Warhol’s launch to fame came with his photo silk-screened canvas entitled Gold Marilyn Monroe, a portrait of the actress as a modern-day Byzantine icon, which was exhibited only three months after the actress was found dead in her Los Angeles home. Warhol hand-painted a large canvas in gold and silk-screened onto it a photo of Monroe’s face, which he had taken from the movie Niagara (1953). He later used her face again and painted the background in bright yellow, blue, green and turquoise. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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Above: Orange Car Crash Fourteen Times, 1963 Below: Empire, 1964
“While working as a commercial artist in the advertising world, Warhol became familiar with how visual repetition helps inspire awareness of product names” Warhol went on to make other Marilyn variations, doubling her face and multiplying it into a grid. The exhibition immediately sold out, and Warhol wedged his name into the world of Pop Art for eternity. C A M P B E L L’ S F A M O U S S O U P C A N S Earlier that year, Warhol first exhibited a conglomeration of 32 separate paintings of Campbell’s soup cans, each individually painted on a canvas with three inches of space between them. Warhol, who is said to have drunk soup every day for 20 years, came up with the idea after visiting a supermarket where he saw all the soup flavors arranged on a shelf. Each canvas gives the impression of looking at a grocery store shelf. By repeating the same image, each painting emphasizes the uniformity and universality of the label of a Campbell’s soup can. While working as a commercial artist in the advertising world, Warhol became familiar with how visual repetition helps inspire awareness of product names. However, with his painting Campbell’s Soup Cans, he hoped to emphasize the smugness of abundance and affluence for a wider audience. Andy Warhol soon became synonymous with Pop Art, integrating the traditions of fine art with the imagery of popular and mass culture, which often included advertisements, comic books and celebrity magazines. CELEBRATING CULTURE Besides painting, Warhol was also a director and filmmaker. In 1964, Warhol made a silent 16mm black-and-white film of the Empire State Building shot from 8:06 p.m. to 2:42 a.m. on July 25–26, 1964. The eighthour, five-minute film does not include a traditional narrative or characters. Warhol’s Empire illustrates the passage from daylight to darkness, which in itself is a narrative. The main character is the Empire State THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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Above: Campbell’s Soup Cans, 1962 Below: Andy Warhol, Billy Name, Craig Braun, John Parsche Rolling Stones Records, Album cover for the Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers, 1971
“His workplace became an inspirational playground and cultural hangout for his wide variety of intellectual, playwright and drag queen friends” Building, which in the 1960s was still the largest building in New York City. Warhol believed the aim of this film was to “see time go by.” In the 1960s until his death in 1987, Warhol, with his blond wig, was the iconic figurehead of the Pop Art movement. His eccentric lifestyle was accentuated by his visits to New York’s Studio 54 and his studio, The Factory, which was not only his workplace but also an inspirational playground and cultural hangout for his wide variety of intellectual, playwright, and drag queen friends, later known as “Warhol Superstars.” — THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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MECCA OF MODERN ART Since its founding in 1920, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is hands-down the mecca of modern art. We’re delighted to take you on a little tour on the fifth and top floor – it is here where late 19th and early 20th-century art can be found. HOW IT ALL STARTED MoMA was founded by three patrons of the arts who aimed to challenge the conservative policies of traditional museums and established an institution devoted entirely to modern art. The museum opened in 1929 and in the following ten years moved three times to larger locations, until it finally settled in 1939 to its current site on 53rd Street. In the course of the 20th century, the collection rapidly expanded and today has approximately 200,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, media and performance art works, architectural models and drawings, design objects and films.
Right: Henri Matisse, Interior with a Young Girl, a.k.a. ‘Girl Reading’, Paris 1905-1906 Left page: Pablo Picasso, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Paris, 1907
To house this overwhelming and growing collection of modern art, MoMA commissioned Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi and Kohn Pedersen Fox to renovate and expand the museum in 1997. Taniguchi, known for his philosophy that “architecture speaks for itself,” unveiled a new MoMA, radiating transparency and elegance. The new building is a sanctuary of modern art spread over five floors. The basement and ground floors feature two theaters, while the first floor has a sculpture garden. On the second floor, visitors can feast on the museum’s collection of contemporary art (1980–now) and printed books, and THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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the third floor displays architecture, design and an impressive collection of drawings and photography. The fourth floor exhibits the museum’s collection of painting and sculpture (1940–1980) including works from 20th-century American iconic painters such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Jones and Jackson Pollock. The 14 rooms on the fifth and top floor, where our tour takes place, honor MoMA’s collection of late 19th and early 20th-century art (1880–1940). A FEW OF THE MANY MASTER PIECES The collection on the fifth and top floor is highlighted by Edward Hopper’s Gas (1940), a portrait of a desolate gas station, depicting loneliness, a theme Hopper often captured in other works. Fellow artist Charles Burchfi argued that Hopper’s paintings transcended time because they were honest representations of American life. The same human solitude is experienced in Vincent van Gogh’s impressionistic Starry Night, painted from the Dutchman’s asylum room at Saint-Rémy in the south of France in 1889, six months after he was admitted. The work, painted just before sunrise, depicts a churning sky with a flame-like cypress tree emerging into the darkness, moments before dawn, with a quiet French village below. Another Impressionist’s work is Claude Monet’s The Japanese Footbridge (c.1920– 22). This painting, part of a series of pond scenes that were executed at the same pond at Giverny in the late 1890s, differs greatly from Monet’s fin de siècle adaptions, which were primarily done in a more naturalistic and softer style. MoMA’s version is the last one of the series, showing that Monet had become a different artist and painted with denser swirls and looser strokes in his scheme of colors. Contrary to his earlier works, the bridge is obscured from sight in this later piece. Monet’s color palette had also changed, and he began using maroons, rusts and oranges, giving The Japanese Footbridge an almost Van Gogh-like quality. Similar to Van Gogh and Monet, Henri Matisse painted in the summer in the south of France. The painting Interior with Young Girl (Girl Reading) (1905–06), for which the artist used his daughter as a model, Matisse fulfilled his goal of learning “how to make colors sing.” The portrait reveals Matisse’s departure from Impressionism and shift towards Fauvism, a style that was shortly popular between 1900 and 1910 and emphasized painterly qualities
Above: Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, Saint Rémy, 1889 Below: Claude Monet, The Japanese Footbridge, c. 1920-1922
Right page, above: Edward Hopper, Gas, 1940 Below: Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Street, Dresden, 1908
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and the use of color instead of a realistic representation of the subject. A RADICAL TURN FROM THE WORLD OF ART Ernst Ludwig Kirschner’s Street Dresden (1908, reworked in 1919) is a fine representation of the museum’s collection of Expressionistic works. The movement was a reaction to the idyllic and rural portrayals of
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Impressionism and aimed to represent the harshness of an emerging urban and industrialized world. Kirschner violently emphasized the use of colors in an urban setting and depicted his figures with mask-like faces and vacant eyes, attempting to capture the psychological alienation that modernization had brought to society. This new focus in art culminated with Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907), which was a radical watershed in traditional composition and perspective in painting. The work depicts naked female figures, which are projected forward in jagged shards; a fiercely pointed slice of melon in the still life of fruit at the bottom of the composition dangles from a tabletop that has been turned unrealistically upside down. This work is considered a harbinger of his Cubism style, which was a radical turn from the world of art in the 19th century and would later have a profound impact on the development of art in the 20th century. — THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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2 DINING, SLEEPING AND IN BETWEEN No matter what you have planned for your trip to New York City, make sure you don’t miss out on the wealth of excellent hotels, exquisite restaurants and delicious cocktails at the most exciting venues. Words: Catharine Winter With so many options to choose from, we are pleased to present you with a selection that we know you’ll love: hot spots that will provide you with only the best service, the most original setting and the most sensational flavors. An irresistible feast for all your senses. We’ll take you on a spectacular journey from SoHo to Williamsburg and from the Flatiron District to West Chelsea; from traditional American to authentic Italian and classic French; from the most amazing rooftop bars to boutique hideaways. We’ll make sure you don’t miss a beat during your stay in the city that never sleeps. You’re invited. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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photo: matthew williams
Whyte Hotel
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U N IQ U E STAYS The ultimate New York experience is incomplete without staying in one of its spectacular hotels. Our insider’s guide includes a selection of iconic, original, magical places to stay. With an unbeatable eye for detail, the most original amenities and sprawling views, this is where you want to book your room.
SOHO GEM
SIXTY SoHo Hotel
This contemporary boutique hotel has a classy-chic modern style with bohemian touches. The rooms feature hardwood floors, some boasting spectacular views of the city, and we do love that Dean and Deluca-stocked mini bar. The exclusive seasonal rooftop terrace is particularly unique. With easy access to some of Manhattan’s most popular sites and an excellent bar and restaurant on offer, this hotel is definitely on our A-list.
MANHATTAN SPARKLE
Viceroy New York
At the center of all the action in Manhattan, we found a hotel that combines downtown allure with uptown sophistication. Fancy a drink? The rooftop bar is the perfect place to unwind after an exciting day in the city. And in the morning, you can make a perfect Illy espresso in your room and enjoy floor-toceiling views of Manhattan for the perfect start to your day in the city.
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BOUTIQUE DESIGN
Boro Hotel
A blend of modern, minimalist interiors infused with warm touches creates a relaxed yet artistic setting. A home away from home, the carefully designed lobby features unique light fixtures, a modern fire pit and a café bar, which serves breakfast, specialty coffee and teas. We love the inviting atmosphere and panoramic views of Queens and Manhattan at this boutique hotel in the heart of the up-and-coming Dutch Kills area in Long Island City.
NOMAD CHIC
Ace Hotel New York
This urban hotel was built in collaboration with local artists and designers and features an improvisational blend of styles, mixing the historic with the contemporary to produce a soulful mash-up. The lobby exudes a sense of freedom and unconventionality with striking details, such as the custom-designed lighting made of blown glass and industrial pipes. The rooms are individualized with sketches on the chalkboard walls created by international up-and-coming artists.
photo boro hotel: floto + warner
CRYSTAL MAGIC
Baccarat Hotel
Glowing inside and out, the only way to describe this embodiment of elegance and perfection is “spectacular.” The commitment to fine craftsmanship representative of the 250-year-old Baccarat heritage is tangible in every incredible detail, from the 24-hour light show created by 2,000 of the brand’s most iconic glasses to the button marked “champagne” on the telephone in the magnificently appointed guest rooms. What’s not to love?
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1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
BROOKLYN ZEN Arguably the best way to enjoy the view of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline is from your very own hammock in one of these tastefully decorated guest rooms. The 4,000 m2 rooftop retreat featuring native plants is equally amazing. The hotel’s commitment to health, wellness and the environment is tangible throughout the property. We love the yoga and barre studio operated by POE Yoga. A true haven dedicated to living well.
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QUINTESSENTIALLY BROOKLYN
The Williamsburg Hotel
We experienced a stylishly cozy sense of charm at this Brooklyn property. As you enter the building, you’re met with this hotel’s striking highlight: the soaring bar with multi-colored yarn as its crown. The guest rooms, with their floor-to-ceiling sliding windows, boast Manhattan, Brooklyn and East River views. The tastefully designed loft-like spaces feature bespoke leather, brass and gorgeously textured details. We recommend getting one of the rooms with a balcony!
WEST CHELSEA ABODE
Hotel Americano
You will love the original Japanese Ryokan-style guest rooms with wooden platform beds at this boutique hotel located in the heart of the Chelsea Riviera, between the High Line and Hudson River. The soft, stylish setting creates a warm and inviting home away from home during your stay in New York City. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious French cuisine with a Latin touch in a cutting-edge dining room with outdoor garden patio.
The NoMad Hotel
Present-day New York meets old-world splendor. In a fully restored, turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts building, we found the retro style grandeur of days gone by with contemporary twists. Inspired by European grand hotels, the property exudes a warmth that is enhanced by the richly textured furnishings and original artwork. We were particularly impressed by the freestanding claw-foot bathtub in many of the custom-designed rooms, which have a distinctly homey feel.
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photo the nomad hotel: benoit linero
MAJESTIC OPULENCE
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photo: matthew williams
Wythe Hotel
AUTHENTICALLY WILLIAMSBURG With beautifully preserved industrial features like the original masonry and cool, arched windows, this hotel on the Williamsburg waterfront, built in 1901, is utterly unique. Historic features blend with modern amenities, creating an authentic style. The guest rooms, with heated concrete floors, local artwork and sprawling views of Manhattan, are a pleasure to stay in. And the sixth floor bar is the perfect place for a cocktail. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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citizenM New York
ARTISTIC SOPHISTICATION An open-air yoga pavilion with a spectacular view of Manhattan, a stunning collection of contemporary art in the lobby and digital artwork displays in the guest rooms, and an actual bird hotel are just a few of this hotel’s features that will make you forget all about the Times Square tourist-trap clichés. We love the exclusive designer atmosphere that feels like a refuge from the overwhelming hubbub just outside. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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The New York EDITION
CONTEMPORARY LUXURY
photo: nikolas koenig
We witnessed a unique sense of style at this next-generation luxury hotel; sophistication and good taste with joyful touches. A refuge from the city, it invites you to bask in a level of comfort reminiscent of 20th-century private clubs. The Alvaro Aalto lounge chairs sprawled in front of a 30-foot long, hand-forged blackened steel fireplace are just one example of how the iconic clock tower building was transformed into an expansive, intimate oasis.
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FINE DINING There is no shortage of fine dining options in New York City. The secret is to find the most original, authentic restaurants that will add that certain je-ne-sais-quoi to your dinner plans. Our selection features award-winning restaurants in unique, fun settings where innovative dishes are served. Sensational flavors guaranteed.
FOOD LAB
Momofuku Ko
Different cuisines come together in a delicious tasting menu prepared with local, seasonal ingredients. With their exciting dishes and sensational flavors, it comes as no surprise that this restaurant boasts no fewer than two Michelin stars. The clearly visible innovative take on gastronomy, the original setting and the casual, spontaneous atmosphere create a truly authentic concept. The menu doesn’t just change from season to season, but from day to day. A must-try.
photo momofuke ko: gabriele stabile
CRAFT BEER
TĂ˜RST
An eclectic soundtrack sets the scene at this Brooklyn hot spot with a Nordic-chic vibe. Deliciously original, at this Michelin star restaurant, where beers like the Femme Fatale and Even More Jesus are served, beer is a form of art. A diverse Brooklyn crowd gathers around shared tables to enjoy excellent food in a pub-like ambiance. If you are looking for a treat in Williamsburg and you like beer, you must go here.
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NZ DELIGHT
The Musket Room
In a rustic setting mixed with contemporary design elements, Chef and co-owner Matt Lambert serves exquisite dishes inspired by the best of New Zealand cuisine. Many of the ingredients come directly from the Michelin-starred restaurant’s own back garden, which you can view from your table in the airy Garden Room. We love the elegantly composed dishes and the wine list, featuring rare New Zealand wines curated by New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNEY
Aska
Chef and owner Fredrik Berselius mixes his Swedish culinary traditions with a distinctly Brooklyn style in the dishes he prepares. His love of nature can be seen and tasted in every delicious bite of the seasonal tasting menus. The two Michelin-starred restaurant is located in an 1860s restored warehouse building at the edge of the Williamsburg Bridge. You will love the intimate yet spacious setting of the dining room.
Flora Bar
With an eclectic approach in keeping with the iconic modernist setting of the Metropolitan Museum’s new space for contemporary and modern art, this establishment features an expansive marble bar and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a green courtyard. The menu is a tasteful showcase of New York’s many multicultural influences, with an emphasis on exquisite seafood prepared with a sensational combination of ingredients. We recommend the red shrimp with sea urchin and nori. Truly delectable.
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photo the musket room: emily andrews photo aska: charlie bennet photo flora bar: glen allsop
MET GASTRONOMY
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photo: ditte isager
Le Coucou
BON VIVANT In a playful homage to classic French cuisine, dishes are served with a distinct local perspective and only the best ingredients. Executive Chef Daniel Rose presents refined and well-balanced gastronomy, from traditional hors d’oeuvres to carefully selected cheeses and an extensive wine list. You will love the intimate, homey setting with the warm glow of hand-blown glass shades, complemented by a circuit of banquettes covered in comfortable blue-gray mohair. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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FLAWLESS DECORUM IN THE CITY It’s easy to look at New York City as though it were a theme park, with stereotypical characters that add to the experience. But if you go beyond first impressions, you’ll see a vibrant city filled with hardworking people trying to make the very best use of what little time and space they have, and being courteous while they’re at it. It just takes a bit of know-how to navigate NYC etiquette. T I P P I N G • In NYC it can feel like everyone has their hand out for a tip. But try to put things into perspective; most people who work in the service industry rely heavily on the tips they receive for their income. And generally, they do give you excellent customer service. At restaurants, you can apply the double-the-tax rule, which comes to about 17% of the bill. Never go below 10%. At high-end venues, the expected tip can be more than 20%. This also applies to the hotel concierge. In general, an average of $10 is perfectly fine, but it depends on the request. If the concierge got you that hard-to-score dinner reservation, he deserves a tip of more than $20. The unspoken rule is that if you get better, more personalized attention, the tip should reflect this. Finally, always have a few dollar bills on hand. You are expected to tip in cash; coins are a no-no.
S O C I A L E T I Q U E T T E • New Yorkers are busy people. Social etiquette revolves around efficiency; being courteous without taking up too much time. Greeting cashiers and saying “Have a nice day” are quick and effective ways to be polite in a city where time and space are critical aspects of life. Avoid unnecessary chit-chat at the cash register. When someone greets you with “Hi, how are you?” bear in mind that this is not actually meant as a question. Don’t be tempted into the awkward situation where you give a detailed account of how you are actually feeling. They just don’t have the time. A standard, “Fine, thanks. You?” will suffice. Similarly, if you do start a conversation with a stranger, keep conversation light and casual. And be very sensitive to whether they seem like they want to chat. Give them plenty of space to answer with a THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
simple yes or no and leave it at that. Also, avoid making conversation about subjects like politics, religion or someone’s relationship status or salary, as these are strictly reserved for close(st) friends. D R E S S C O D E • You might be surprised by the number of people you see at any given time out on the streets of NYC who look like they are on their way to the gym. In the world’s fashion capital, yoga pants, athletic wear and just-out-of-bed (but in fact groomed to perfection) hair are the latest trends in smart casual. Incidentally, giant mass-market labels are reserved strictly for tourists who can’t be expected to know better. Although casual wear is mostly acceptable even in snazzy night clubs (if you can pull it off, that is), fancy restaurants in Midtown and Uptown will expect you to dress the part. Still, it
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doesn’t tend to get more formal than wearing a jacket and appropriate footwear. N Y C D O S • If you want to avoid looking like a tourist in a theme park, act like you belong in New York City. Be quick, efficient and effective. At the same time, be yourself and add to the eccentric mix. You are in New York City, of all places. And even if New Yorkers don’t have time to stop and stare in awe at the incredible action going on around them, you do! It would be a mortal sin not to take a minute (or two) to take in the sensational energy that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
“If you want to avoid looking like a tourist in a theme park, act like you belong in New York City. Be quick, efficient and effective. At the same time, be yourself and add to the eccentric mix” N Y C D O N ’ T S • While we encourage you to take in the unique NYC vibe at your leisure, there are a couple of things to bear in mind for the experience. If people are banging into you (for which they will offhandedly apologize), it means you are in their way. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
Also, pedestrian traffic is like a conveyor belt in New York City; if one person stops, everyone will end up bumping into one another. Step to the side if you must stop, and do not turn the sidewalk into an obstacle course. New Yorkers will not be amused. —
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HIP PLACES Dining at one of New York City’s fashionable hot spots is about an authentic atmosphere that is perfectly aligned with the best food imaginable. From traditional American fare to exotic Indian, expect the unexpected and be prepared for a spectacular culinary treat at our selection of the city’s trendiest restaurants right now.
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Café Altro Paradiso
In West SoHo, we savored the most delectable Italian food in a classic New York setting. The innovative Italian cuisine is inspired by the chef ’s grandmother and influenced by world travels, resulting in a delicious new take on classic dishes, to be enjoyed with an excellent glass of Italian wine. The marble floor, oak bar and street photography create a pleasantly rustic yet modern atmosphere. A carved window allows you to watch the kitchen in action.
ABC Kitchen
Located between Union Square and the Flatiron District, this restaurant is at once stylish and warm in a rustic setting. Michelin star Chef Jean-Gorges Vongerichten presents farm-to-table cuisine with the spotlight on a healthy, seasonal menu, prepared with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. For dessert, you must try the delicious house sundae, with peanut and salted-caramel ice cream, chocolate sauce and caramel popcorn. Out-of-this-world good.
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photo café altro paradiso: david sullivan
SLOW FOOD
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INDIAN GEM
Inday
The sleek, minimalist look of the restaurant is a reflection of the dishes: healthy, nutritious and delicious. The menu draws upon the traditional Indian notion that food is meant to provide nourishment for your body and balance for your life. The good news is that you don’t have to make a choice between exciting food with vibrant flavors and super-healthy nutritious fare. Here, you can have both.
DINER 2.0
Empire Diner
The iconic freestanding diner in the dynamic West Chelsea neighborhood of New York City serves classic, elevated comfort food. We experienced a contemporary diner experience in a sophisticated atmosphere, with a dining room that is cleverly split into two parts by an open kitchen. One side has casual booths and a bar; the other is more traditional. We particularly like the “small plates” – upscale takes on classic favorites.
PRIME STEAK
Cote
Have a seat at the soapstone-topped grill table and prepare to be impressed by your meal at this sensational Korean steakhouse. In a decidedly sleek, über-hip setting, you must try the delicious prix fixe Butcher’s Feast, a play on the traditional Korean barbeque spread meant to be enjoyed with dear friends. A particularly cool touch: wines by the glass are poured from an extensive 600-bottle list of impressive magnums.
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Lilia
Award-winning chef Missy Robbins serves lighter Italian food at this warm and elegant restaurant in Brooklyn, where the spotlight is on premium-quality fresh ingredients for classic dishes like pastas and grilled fish. We enjoyed the rustic food in the well-designed dining room with its expansive windows, skylights and warm light glowing on the exposed brick walls and natural wood tables. An intimate setting that perfectly complements the flavorful Italian tastes. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
photo: evan sung
WILLIAMSBURG RISTORANTE
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NOON DELIGHTS So many options, so little time. We have discovered the best, unique places for a perfect cup of coffee and some next-level sandwiches. From the best ingredients to the most inviting atmosphere, from European charm to local excellence, this is where you want to start your day.
SOHO FIND
Sessanta
If you are looking to savor delicious multi-regional Italian food, we like this gem in the heart of buzzing SoHo. In a setting that transports you right back to the glamorous, post-war glory days of New York–Italian culture, some of the must-try dishes for brunch and lunch include the Rigatoni Bolognese and the Nizzarda salad, prepared to perfection by Chef Adam Leonti. For the full experience, we recommend sitting in one of the cozy booths.
photo nobletree coffee: kevin hatt
SOIL-TO-SIP COFFEE
Nobletree Coffee
Sample a unique and broad selection of coffee specialties made from the most exclusive locally roasted coffee beans, sourced from rare direct-to-farmer relationships. This innovative New York coffee establishment features an incredibly cool Mod Bar as well as multiple taps for cold brew. We enjoyed our flavorful coffee mocktail while taking in the breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty from the tasting room at the Brooklyn roastery.
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ARTISANAL PERFECTION
Daily Provisions
For a cup of artisanal coffee with the perfect breakfast pastries, we heartily recommend this all-day coffee and sandwich shop. Equipped with an in-house bakery, pastry chef Daniel Alvarez produces the most delectable array of goodies. We recommend the succulent, slow-roasted rotisserie chicken for lunch. More of a tea person? The dedicated tea menu features an excellent selection of In Pursuit of Tea loose-leaf options sourced from around the world.
E XCEP TIONALLY FRENCH
Augustine
In the historic Beekman Hotel, we found a unique French restaurant; a breath of fresh air in the Financial District. The tasteful décor of vintage mirrors, brown banquettes and a mosaic tiled floor create an unmistakable sense of old-world chic. We love the warm ambiance, perfect for your morning coffee or a decadent lunch, prepared by Executive Chef Daniel Parilla. A carefully curated wine list features a one-of-a-kind selection of rare aperitifs and digestives.
High Street on Hudson
The dishes served in this industrial yet warm atmosphere are at once familiar and exceptional. At this restaurant on a quaint corner in Manhattan’s West Village, we enjoyed ingredient-driven dishes from a lunch menu that takes sandwiches to the next level. For dessert, we wholeheartedly recommend the Raspberry Thyme Bundt Cake, hand-crafted by the on-site bakery, to enjoy with your freshly brewed coffee. For a truly unforgettable experience, try a seat at the chef ’s table!
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photo daily provisions: emily andrews photo augustine: ron haviv
ESSENTIALLY LOCAL
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Buvette
EUROPEAN ALLURE
photo: cerruti draime
Located on a characteristically tree-lined block in the historic West Village, we can best describe this “gastrotheque� as a combination of classic elegance and the feel of a familiar local diner. The perfect place for an exquisite espresso or a long lunch of shared dishes with friends, it exudes authenticity in each and every detail. Dishes feature the best and closest sourced meats and produce of the season.
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MEET THE CHEF THIAGO SILVA Born in Brazil, raised and based in Queens, New York, this local self-made chef first got involved in the pastry industry as an intern at Fauchon, the iconic and internationally renowned French delicatessen house. Interview: Ferdy Veerman
Since then he has worked as an executive pastry chef for several restaurants, helped chefs create unique menus and been honored with several awards for his outstanding skills. Dying to get to know this inventive and curious person, we asked the super-creative Silva about what he has been up to lately, his passion for pastry and, of course, his favorite hot spots in the city. When and how did your passion for pastry evolve? “The first time I stepped into a professional kitchen, I was eight years old. I fell in love with the energy and action that was going on. I began decorating cakes from home at the age of 14 and never really looked back. I became more passionate dur-
ing my first pastry cook job, where I started doing plated desserts. So many layers to a plated dessert from visual, flavors, textures, it really drew me in.” Do you have any upcoming exciting projects you’d like to share with us? “From helping open new restaurants, to competing in shows, I like to keep busy and always challenge myself. I recently just competed in Best Baker in America and just guest-judged a new competition. I am also pretty close to signing a book deal. Chefs have to hustle, so stay tuned. I’m always up to something.” A rule every hobby baker should know: “Please use a scale and measure in grams! In the US there is a very bad habit of using cups and tablespoons, and when they do use a scale they work in pounds and ounces. Working with a scale and working in grams is easier and more efficient, so if this is a new hobby or old hobby: GET A GRAM SCALE!” This is why I love NYC so much: “I can say a lot here, but I’ll only point out a few. NY is so diverse; all types of cuisine. You never have to eat the same food over and over. There’s so many supply and ingredient shops that I personally love to browse through to get inspired. People here move with a sense of purpose. I love the hustle! THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
Best places for a relaxing stroll: “Central Park! Pack your lunch, pack a blanket, and walk towards the center of the park. Get ready for a nice stroll followed by an amazing nap. I love the blending of the city views with the beauty of nature.” My favorite neighborhood in NYC: “For a large part of my career, I worked in the Meatpacking district. I really fell in love with this neighborhood, from really good food, to awesome markets, great stores, lots of energy. I was very inspired working there. NY is always changing and building, and I love that as big as it is, it’s always moving forward.” A few must-do activities when visiting NYC: So many tourist attractions here! I’d say visit Yankee Stadium for a game. There are so many food options there, it’s insane. The view of the city while on the ferry towards Governors Island is breathtaking, so I would plan a trip. I know everyone would target a Broadway show, but I’d say visit the MET for an opera show.” It’s 10 a.m. in NYC, the perfect time to: “Have a bagel!! NY is known for bagels! Please skip the colored rainbow ones; go with the classic spots! Ess-a-Bagel, Midtown; Kossar’s, Lower East Side; Black Seed Bagels. My favorite is Brooklyn Bagel in
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Jun-Men Ramen
Astoria, Queens, maybe because I had one every day on my way to school. And make sure it’s the everything bagel.” My top 3 best places for lunch: “Sunday in Brooklyn for lunch and brunch is by far my favorite spot. For a full, hearty lunch, Jun-Men Ramen is my go to ramen spot; best ramen broth ever. Los Tacos No 1 in Chelsea Market is a must for a quick grab. Order the Especial!”
photo photo photo photo
breads bakery: brian kennedy sunday in brooklyn: gary landsman nomad: benoit linero met opera: jonathan tichler
These places in NYC are a heaven for pastry lovers: “Catch has some of NY’s best desserts. I’d know because I created most of them. Make sure to get the HIT ME cake. Supermoon bakery also has some really fun croissants, and you should stop by Breads Bakery and grab some babkas. You NEED doughnuts, so visit The Doughnut Project and Dough.”
View of Central Park Babkas at Breads Bakery
The Doughnut Project MET Opera House
What restaurants do you take your friends and family to? “My favorite restaurant for a special occasion would be The NoMad. This would be a great spot to truly enjoy food and have some awesome conversations. For great energy and food, I’d go visit Catch. Always a hit! For real comfort food, there are some awesome spots in Queens: La Casa del Pollo, John Brown Smokehouse, Taverna Kyclades.” —
“Sunday in Brooklyn for lunch and brunch is by far my favorite spot. For a full, hearty lunch, Jun-Men Ramen is my go to ramen spot; best ramen broth ever”
The NoMad
Sunday in Brooklyn
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DRINKS AND NIGHTLIFE New York City has unparalleled nightlife. No other place in the world offers such a variety of exciting and original places to have a drink. And then there’s the view from the rooftop bars. Our hand-picked selection of venues is sure to take you through the night. NEIGHBORHOOD LOUNGE
Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
PHENOMENAL COCKTAILS
Employees Only
Enjoy a signature drink or two in the welcoming atmosphere of this speakeasy-style bar. Art deco touches like overhead luggage racks add to the old-world vibe at this establishment, which prides itself on its pioneering drinks list. Industry classics include the signature Provençal, consisting of lavender-infused Plymouth Gin stirred with herbes de Provence-infused French vermouth and Cointreau – the perfect accompaniment to an unusual experience. For some old school cocktailing at its best, this is the place.
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photo aldo sohm wine bar: francesco tonelli photo employees only: emilie baltz
In a spacious yet intimate setting with a custom-finished oak bar as the sprawling centerpiece, you immediately feel at home in the welcoming atmosphere that was designed for the enjoyment of wine. The passion for wine is clearly visible from the meticulously crafted list, not to mention the #9PMPour, when a favorite bottle is hand-picked by the owner and poured at 9pm every night. The personal touches create the vibe of a friendly neighborhood bar.
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ROOFTOP COCKTAILS
Westlight
On the 22nd floor of Williamsburg’s William Vale Hotel, we found a sleek, spacious and modern bar, which provides 360-degree views of New York. A rooftop bar with a wraparound terrace and rare view of North Brooklyn, they serve exquisite, handcrafted cocktails and a small-plates selection made up of exciting global street food. The cheddar corn fritters are our favorite. We recommend making your reservations well in advance.
HOLY HOPS
Threes Brewing
NE X T-GENER AT ION TAVERN
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
For a classy, classic piano bar experience, this is where you’ll find plush banquettes and candlelight, complemented by warm brass fixtures and the piano itself, highlighted in marble at the bar. The setting provides the perfect backdrop to 600 of the best bottles of wine. Beyond those from the usual French regions, you’ll also see rare wines from countries like Slovenia and Morocco. We highly recommend the thoughtful small-plates menu.
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photo westlight: noah fecks photo la compagnie des vins surnaturals: alice gao
To enjoy one-of-a-kind craft beers in a pleasant and welcoming setting, we point you at this Brooklyn-based brewery with an amazing outdoor patio. They focus on lagers, farm house ales and hop-forward ales. Trendy without being pretentious, this is the place to go for a laid-back beer with friends. The brewery also hosts live music and cultural performances. We can highly recommend the small-plates menu, with delectable dishes from The Meat Hook.
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The Roof – PUBLIC
ROOFTOP DREAMS
photo: nicholas koenig
For the quintessential rooftop cocktail, a must during your stay in Manhattan, we recommend The Roof at the PUBLIC hotel. With unobstructed views of the city and the chic setting created by custom banquettes in black velvet inside and day-beds with a multitude of throw pillows outdoors, there is no better way to relish the experience. Exceptional music by renowned guest DJs from around the world provides the soundtrack to your perfect evening.
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3 SHOPS AND THE CITY New York, New York. As one of the best shopping destinations in the world, fashion capital New York City has everything to offer for everyone. Words: Raquel Remondo Gomez Think amazing luxury shops, shopping streets offering a broad variety of everyday and high-end brands, cozy boutique shopping areas and huge department stores against a backdrop of luxury real estate, impressive architectural buildings and amazing art. Need a break? Take a seat in one of the many food hot spots or public parks and enjoy the exquisite tastes and green scenery while getting inspired by the fashionable people walking by. And there you have the magic of New York: even taking a break is an experience itself. In order for you to have the most memorable time, we personally selected the most interesting places for you to explore, including our own favorites. Are you ready to discover NYC’s famous department stores, iconic areas, shopping streets and luxury shops?
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NYC THE
IS
ANSWER
If you’re looking for the perfect city to go shopping, New York City is the answer. This city eats, sleeps and breathes fashion, and with its countless shopping streets, you can shop till you drop. We highlighted six of the best shopping streets for you to explore. All you need is an empty suitcase. MADISON AVENUE
SPRING STREET
DREAM
FASHION
WORLDS
MACARONS
YOU MIGHT KNOW MADISON AVENUE AS THE BACKDROP FOR TELEVISION DRAMA MAD MEN. In real life, this long avenue goes all the way up from 23rd to 135th Street and is filled with shops from high-end brands like Hermès, Tom Ford, Céline, Prada and Chloé, as well as department store Barneys New York. Shoe heavens Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo and lingerie dream worlds La Perla and Victoria’s Secret complete the lineup for an unforgettable shopping spree.
&
SOHO IS KNOWN FOR ITS AMAZING SHOPPING S T R E E T S L I K E S P R I N G S T R E E T . Here you’ll find the best mix of cafes, small boutiques and a full range of top fashion brands, from Nike to Chanel. If you make a little detour around Spring Street, you will discover the famous Parisian macaron brand Ladurée (398 W Broadway) and the famous Georgetown Cupcake from TLC’s TV show DC Cupcakes, originally from Washington, DC (111 Mercer Street).
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LAFAYETTE STREET
THE CULTURAL
BROOME STREET
LIKE
PERFECT
DEPARTMENT STORE BLOOMINGDALE’S, ART G A L L E R I E S , Y O G A S T U D I O S . Walking around Broome
MIX
IMAGINE YOURSELF SURROUNDED BY A MIX OF C U L T U R E S , C U I S I N E S A N D S T Y L E S . The one-way LaFayette Street offers a taste of everything and goes all the way through Chinatown, Little Italy, NoLita and NoHo. Make sure to enjoy some Mexican food at La Esquina (114 Kenmare Street), taste the best french fries we’ve ever eaten at Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery (380 Lafayette Street) and end your day with a drink at The Blond (11 Howard Street).
Street, you’ll find all sorts of hidden gems next to favorites like Topshop and Zara. Make sure to have a vegetarian meal at one of our favorite spots, The Butcher’s Daughter (19 Kenmare Street). And if you’re up for something special, get some fresh ink at famous tattoo shop BANG BANG (328 Broome Street), just like Rihanna, Cara Delevingne and Justin Bieber.
5TH AVENUE
BREAKFAST
BLEECKER STREET
CARRIE
BIEBER
STYLE
IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE SEX AND THE CITY STYLE, VISIT BLEECKER STREET IN GREENWICH V I L L A G E . The cozy streets are filled with trees, small boutiques, little cafes and designer shops like the Marc Jacobs Bookmarc store (400 Bleecker Street), selling books and gadgets. Have a look at Carrie’s apartment (64 Perry Street) and finish your day with a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery (401 Bleecker Street), just like Carrie and Miranda did in the TV show.
AT
TIFFANY’S FROM ABERCROMBIE TO GUCCI, ART LOVERS AND FASHION ADDICT S WILL SURELY ENJOY THE FIVE MILES OF SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA ALONG F I F T H A V E N U E . Make sure to go to the top of the famous Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center and enjoy the view over the Diamond Avenue. Or stroll along the same Tiffany & Co’s shopping windows that Audrey Hepburn did in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The new Blue Box Café on the flagship store’s fourth floor now actually makes it possible for your breakfast at Tiffany’s dream to come true!
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Window Display Bergdorf Goodman
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NYC’S DEPARTMENT STORES If you want to make a day out of shopping for designer brands, New York’s department stores with their wide array of merchandise for shoppers, from fashions and accessories to cosmetics and housewares, are like no other. Whether you are ready to spend some serious money or you are happy just to browse, we’ve selected three personal favorites that are great for shopping.
BERGDORF GOODMAN If you are looking to admire designer pieces, including couture looks and a bridal salon, Bergdorf Goodman is your must-visit department store. This New York institution, located at 754 Fifth Avenue, is a bastion of old-school luxury and contemporary service. The eight-floor temple of sophistication is well known for classic high-end fashion as well as items for younger shoppers. Think in-store boutiques from Narciso Rodriguez and Jean-Paul Gaultier, elegant lines like Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren and design stars such as Proenza Schouler. The much-trafficked fifth floor is packed with more affordable, on-trend brands like See by Chloé and Anna Sui. Make sure to visit the shoe department, a series of small, boutique-like rooms, and their beauty and fragrance department, which offers an unparalleled selection of the best upscale beauty brands including Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown and Giorgio Armani. The men’s store is across the street at 745 Fifth Avenue. BARNEYS Shoppers interested in cutting-edge designer fashion will be more than pleased with Barneys Downtown, the sister store to the chic mother of all department stores, Barneys New York. The 58,000-square-foot space on Seventh Avenue and 16th Street occupies a portion of the same city block where the company was founded in 1923. Designed by the award-winning, NYbased firm Steven Harris Architects, the store spans five floors and has an intimate shopping experience, with rich, luxuri-
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“Whether you are looking for the newest trends, a great gift or just a huge dose of inspiration, we love to pay a visit to these famous New York City department stores, as they are a shopping dream come true.” the many pieces exclusive to this specific location, recharge at Fred’s, Barneys’ storied in-house eatery.
ous materials like marble-lined walls and velvet seating. The most iconic element is the gorgeous four-level staircase that spirals its way through the store’s central atrium. On the lower level, you’ll find the beauty department, plus a Blind Barber, offering men’s haircuts, shaves and brews while you wait. The level features both men’s and women’s accessories, shoes and ready-towear styles. When you’re done admiring
MACY’S Barneys Downtown will certainly fulfill every fashion lover’s dreams, but if you are looking for more affordable styles, we recommend Macy’s, quite possibly the most famous department store in New York City and one of the few major NYC shops specializing in mid-priced fashion. In 2015, a four-year $400 million reinvention of Macy’s Herald Square flagship store (151 West 34th Street) was completed, and it is definitely worth the visit. Its magnitude was massive and its impact impressive, as it transformed the majestic Broadway Building store with the singular goal of creating THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
the most dynamic shopping environment for customers through cutting-edge design, service and state-of-the-art technology. Offering approximately 1.2 million square feet, all 10 floors offer popular fashion and beauty brands, mixed with in-house lines, exclusive designer diffusion collections and a wide variety of home decor. Make sure to pay a visit to The World’s Largest Shoe Floor, the Herald Square Café and the new Luxury Hall, showcasing multi-level shops by Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry, creating a visually stunning and spectacular entrée to the Main Floor. BLOOMINGDALE’S Another famous upscale New York City department store, also owned by Macy’s Inc., is Bloomingdale’s. This ultimate Manhattan department store resides in a glorious Art Deco building (1000 Third Avenue) and is seen as an American icon of elegance. Join the Upper East Side in their shopping sprees on the iconic black-and-white tiled ground floor and explore Bloomingdale’s perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, housewares and designer clothing and accessories. Personalize your new towels with custom monograms, pick your favorite Louis Vuitton bag and enjoy a spa treatment. And be sure not to miss avant garde celebrity chef David Burke’s restaurant on the 59th Street side, a perfect spot for lunch. —
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SHOPPING HEAVEN Visiting New York City is always a good idea, and we can definitely say the same about shopping. Combine the two of them, and you will surely feel like you are on cloud nine. Luxury designer flagships, avantgarde stores, hipster boutiques. This concrete jungle has an infinite number of shopping opportunities, and we personally selected the finest ones for you.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Calvin Klein
As a leader in American fashion for over 50 years, Calvin Klein is renowned for its clean aesthetic and innovative designs. The reopened Madison Avenue flagship store (654 Madison Avenue) was created to celebrate the future of the brand. A floor-to-ceiling design by American artist Sterling Ruby evokes an environment under construction, as scaffolding fills the space while bright yellow paint coats the walls, all meant to truly reflect Calvin Klein’s brand identity.
GAME CHANGER
Dover Street Market
The Dover Street Market New York (160 Lexington Avenue) is a true department store game-changer, even by New York standards. Walls are covered with polka dots, shoes are sprinkled in glitter and the seven floors are stacked on top of one another like a tree house, accessible by a clear glass elevator. We love to explore their avant-garde labels, which range from Supreme t-shirts to custom Prada and a lot of Comme des Garçons labels.
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PARTICULAR FASHION Acne Studios
Acne Studios is a Stockholm-based fashion house, known for its attention to detail with an emphasis on tailoring and an eclectic use of materials and custom-developed fabrics. Their Horatio Street flagship store (54–60 8th Avenue) is located in a large residential building. Everything about the store is unique, from the floor-to-ceiling light boxes of frosted glass placed among walls of stainless steel, to the displayed pieces of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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AMERICAN LUXURY Shinola
American brand Shinola dedicates its time to quality products, craftsmanship and the return of manufacturing jobs to America through their in-house Bicycle Workshop, Detroit Watch Factory and Shinola Leather Factory. We always enjoy a visit to their beautiful New York flagship store (177 Franklin Street) to explore their handmade “American luxury through American quality” products like individually numbered watches, bicycles made by expert bike builders, jewelry, audio and leather goods.
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AMSTERDAM COUTURE
Scotch & Soda
Inspired by the world, Scotch & Soda’s designers search the globe daily for that particular artistic painting or vintage piece to create the most unexpected fabrics and patterns possible. This brand recently opened a stunning new retail location on the corner of Fulton & Fron streets in the Seaport District, which offers 1,500 sq. ft. of creative and sophisticated fashion. We are blown away by the designer’s choice of raw materials, wood plank ceilings and herringbone-patterned floors!
YING & YANG
Totokaelo
Visiting the Totokaelo New York store (190 Bowery) is a true experience, where fashion, art, design, music, culture and architecture merge in an explicitly modern way. We are sure this fashion brand will captivate you with its highly edited survey of the world’s best articles, while the store will inspire you with the yin and yang styled design, the dynamic between fashion and art, and the playful themes of light/dark and heaven/hell.
SHOE ARCHITECT
Pierre Hardy
We know true appreciators of shoes as well as architecture will love a visit to the Pierre Hardy flagship store (30 Jane Street). The luxury sneakers, shoes, bags and accessories for men and women by shoe architect Pierry Hardy are presented in an amazing architectural boutique. The outer façade, with historical touches like rough walls of brick and stucco, contrasts beautifully with the interior with duplicate panels of glass-smoked mirrors.
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MONOGRAM PARADISE Louis Vuitton
With its modern, minimal but classy interior, Louis Vuitton’s SoHo boutique at 116 Greene Street perfectly reflects the brand’s roots as a travel company. Designed by Peter Marino to resemble an art gallery, hand-painted columns, molded leather and a bronze work of art are just some of the artistic surprises to be found here. This is definitely the place to discover iconic monogrammed bags and authentic accessories in classic as well as innovative designs.
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A DANDY’S STORY
WITH MATT FOX Three months after graduating from college, Matt moved to New York City in 1996. It was no surprise that he ended up in NYC. He grew up in central New York about four hours away from the city, and he had always known he would live there. As a child, he would go on day trips to the city with his family once or twice a year. Coming from a small town, it was such an exciting place to him, so alive. He studied theatre in college, and without a doubt NYC was THE place to do theatre at the time. A P E R F E C T M A T C H • “To me, New York City is the perfect city. People from all over the world, with diverse backgrounds and beliefs, are thrown together in the tightest of spaces. And the results are amazing. There is just so much to see and do in this city – the theatre, museums, architecture, parks, shopping. I’ve lived here for more than 21 years, and I’ve barely scratched the surface.” M Y N E I G H B O R H O O D • “I live and work in Hell’s Kitchen, which is the neighborhood just west of Times Square. It’s funny; we’re so close to the Times Square madness, and yet it feels like another world. I kind of hate crowds, so I do a pretty good job of avoiding Times Square all together. Hell’s Kitchen has a real, small-neighborhood feel to it. It’s hard to walk down 9th Avenue and not bump into several people I know. Being so close to the theatre district, lots of actors, stagehands, ushers, musicians and other theatre people live in the area. And we’re steps away from the Hudson River!” THE START OF FINE AND DANDY • “My partner, Enrique, and I started Fine And Dandy as an online shop in 2008. We both had other careers; I was managing Broadway theatres, and Enrique was working in fashion retail management. We were looking for a creative outlet and had the idea
What’s it like to live in a city like New York, the city of dreams, fast pace and never-ending creativity? Matt Fox is one of the many – currently over 18.5 million souls – who call this unparalleled metropolis home and, not surprisingly, plans to for many more years to come. to start something online. For several years, we operated the online business out of our apartment. In 2010, I left my theatre job to be with Fine And Dandy full time, and we started doing pop-up shops throughout the city. In 2011, we started looking for a retail space, and we opened here in 2012.” D I V E R S E C L I E N T E L E • “We have a very diverse clientele. It ranges from very young kids in high school or younger, to folks in their 90s. A story I love to tell: Shortly after we opened, this older gentleman came in. I think he was from Georgia, and he was
Matt Fox and Enrique Crame
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all dressed up—very classically dressed. He walked in and said, ‘I’ve been waiting 30 years for a place like this to open.’ We had this great conversation; it was pretty amazing. Two days later, this goth couple came in. They looked around a bit, and then a few minutes later, the girl turned to the guy and said, “Finally, honey, you’ve found your store.” N E W Y O R K E R S & F A S H I O N • “New Yorkers make the effort. New Yorkers care about the way they look. Even when dressed casually, New Yorkers are extremely styl-
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ish. I’ve heard so many tourists comment about the amazing style of New Yorkers, and it’s so true. The New York City sidewalk is a runway. I find so much inspiration just from walking around, riding the subway, etc. New Yorkers are a creative bunch, and it’s totally evident in their style.” S P E N D I N G A D A Y O F F • “Well, as a small business owner, I don’t have a lot of time off. But when I do have those rare moments, I love to be outdoors. We live very close to the Hudson River, and over the past decade the city has done a phenomenal job of rehabilitating the piers. And there is a bike/running path along the Hudson River from Harlem down to Battery Park, so a run along the Hudson and through the parks on the piers when the weather is just right is the absolute best.” S O M E F A S H I O N A D V I C E • “I advise everyone to take a little more effort each morning into thinking about your physical appearance and what you wear. It’s the first impression someone has about you. Take a few extra minutes and look in the mirror. Put some thought into an outfit. Think about what it says about you. Is that what you want to be saying?” F A V O R I T E S T O R E S • “Domus is a fantastic housewares shop in Hell’s Kitchen. Each year the owners close the shop for a few weeks in January to take a trip to some incredible international destination, and they do a lot of their buying for their shop on that trip. “There is a relatively new clothing store in Astoria called The Stonework. What makes this store particularly special is that one of the owners does custom embroidery work, so you can purchase an item of clothing and personalize it. One of their top sellers is doggy bandanas personalized with the dogs’ names. This fall they started selling products from Fine And Dandy. “I’ve recently become rather obsessed with the John Derian stores in the East Village. John Derian started out in the late ’80s creating beautiful decoupaged items – trays, bowls, paperweights, etc. His stores are chock-full of them and lots of other goodies for the home.” — THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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SPECIALTY STO R ES Hopefully you’ve left some space in your suitcase when you’re on your way to visit New York City. Iconic books and vintage accessories are only a small piece of what the city has to offer. We personally selected eight of our favorite specialty stores you’ll definitely want to visit: all unique options on their own.
DENIM DREAMS
3x1 Denim New York
Denim connoisseurs can watch their dream jeans being born in all-in-one custom denim shop 3x1 (15 Mercer Street). The 24-person factory behind glass makes no more than 25 pairs of jeans per day and gives you an inside look into the denim business. 3x1 offers three shopping experiences: Ready-Made, Custom-Made and Bespoke. With the last option, the sky is the limit; design your ultimate luxury dream jeans, handmade, fitted and designed just for you.
WALK-IN CLOSET
The Apartment by The Line
Imagine yourself in the ultra-chic apartment of a sophisticated New York woman and being able to take everything home. The Apartment by The Line – New York (76 Greene Street, 3rd Floor) makes this shopping dream possible, as everything in this concept store is for sale. The intimate apartment setting has the most enviable walk-in closet filled with fashion ready for you to discover. Or build your ideal wardrobe with the assistance of a private stylist. Sunday in Brooklyn
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Hermès – Jigsaw Puzzle Mini Playing Cards
VINTAGE LUXURY What Goes Around Comes Around
Be ready to get excited by the impressive vintage collection at What Goes Around Comes Around (351 West Broadway), including Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. The genuine luxury vintage shop presents high-end fashion brands for men and women, hand-selected from all over the globe. Our insider tip: make an appointment-only booking to see the basement archive – usually reserved for celebrity and VIP clients – and ensure yourself of a unique designer treasure. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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AROMATIC ARGENTINA Fueguia
photo: nichloas calcott
If you are looking for a unique perfume, we suggest a visit to Fueguia 1833 (21 Crosby Street). Founder Julian Bedel produces limited series of fragrances inspired by his birthplace of Argentina. The use of scarce, natural ingredients presented in engraved crystal bottles results in a unique concept in the universe of perfumery and sustainable fragrance production. The Fueguia 1833 boutique, designed by tonychi, is a true visual and aromatic experience of beautiful scents and elegantly understated designs.
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HAT HISTORY J.J. Hat Center
If you want to find a hat that suits your individual style, we guarantee that you’ll have a memorable experience at New York’s oldest hat shop, J.J. Hat Center (310 Fifth Ave). With over one hundred years of experience, they offer expert advice and more than 10,000 high-quality hats. Have a look in the shop and take yourself back in time with their classic interior and many types of fedoras, newsboy caps, berets and more.
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PERCEPTION PLAY
FEIT Greenwich
FEIT is a luxury footwear and accessories brand and an innovator in the neo-luxury movement. Their products and their stores are both true design experiences. Their products, handmade from natural materials, are produced in limited numbers by master craftspeople. We suggest a visit to the West Village boutique (11A Greenwich Avenue); its architectural and lighting design plays with your perception of depth and the boundaries within the space.
PHOTOGRAPHY MECCA
Dashwood Books
Photography lovers, we’ve got the perfect hot spot for you. Dashwood Books (33 Bond Street) is New York City’s only independent bookstore devoted entirely to photography. It is a mecca for artists, collectors and art directors as well as a valued source for fashion, advertising and film pros. The lovely wooden shelves are filled with rare, obscure and near impossible-to-find photography titles, both new and old, with contemporary photography as the main specialty.
MODERN DANDY
Fine and Dandy Shop
A shop specializing in the accoutrements of the well-dressed life, Fine And Dandy (445 West 49th Street) offers the dandiest accessories for dapper guys. The must-visit store is a colorful mix of ties, bow ties, scarves, handkerchiefs, cufflinks, suspenders, iPad sleeves and more. And even though the American-made men’s accessories label was inspired by a vintage lifestyle, the execution is extremely modern, improving your outfit as well as your attitude.
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4 DESIGN YOUR LIFE Every design connoisseur knows that in New York City inspiration is just around the corner. Walking the streets, you already feel the infinite energy sizzling in the air. Words: Raquel Remondo Gomez, Ferdy Veerman Different architectural styles enrich every city area; don’t forget to look up to see the most amazing buildings and look out from the city’s highest rooftops to enjoy stunning views over this immense, artfully composed city that never sleeps. Hot spots and new concepts keep popping up everywhere, while artists, young professionals and ambitious entrepreneurs outdo themselves with their innovations, creative ideas and inspirational hard work. Explore the museums, discover the latest trends or find that one unique gem that will brighten up your day. Every store, hotel and restaurant seems to present itself in a unique way. This city is not just about design; it is about the experience. Are you ready to be surprised by all that New York City has to offer? We gladly lead the way with our carefully selected highlights. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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photo: stephen kent johnson
Demisch Danant, Installation view, The Way of the Essential, 2017
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TOUR DE DESIGN
If you are looking for design inspiration, trends and novelties, New York City has got you covered with its tall buildings and big museums. But in NYC, there is always more. We carefully selected these in-crowd hot spots for you to immerse yourself in the world of galleries, stores and creative platforms. Get inspired!
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Demisch Danant, Installation view, The Way of the Essential, 2017
FRENCH HISTORY Demisch Danant
photo: stephen kent johnson
French design lovers will be very pleased when visiting the intimate gallery Demisch Danant (30 W 12th Street). Founded in 2005 by Suzanne Demisch and Stephane Danant, the gallery specializes in 20th-century French design with an emphasis on the late 1950s through the 1970s, representing the work of Maria Pergay, Pierre Paulin and Joseph-AndrĂŠ Motte, among others. Make sure to visit their curated exhibitions on historical work and the intersection of architecture, design and art.
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HAPPY WORLD
ABC Carpet & Home
A healthy home and a healthy planet for all. ABC Carpet & Home (888 Broadway Street) pursues this mission by building their design on craftsmanship, quality and integrity. The spacious store is full of nature-inspired, innovative and modern furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories. Our favorite discovery was their beauty, jewelry and apparel collections. The store also houses Deepak HomeBase, a platform meant to create a happy world together, hosted by visionary futurist Deepak Chopra.
QUESTION OF LOVE
Moooi
Designing with a sense of surprise and expectation, Dutch design brand Moooi offers groundbreaking lighting products, exceptional furniture and the Moooi Carpets collection. The interior of the Moooi New York Showroom & Brand Store (36 East 31st Street) is a true lifestyle experience. Based on their belief that design is a question of love, the building has a characteristic raw concrete structure and flooring, and houses an eclectic mix of designs and a creative platform.
MoMA Design Store
If you know art, you know MoMa. But did you know the Museum of Modern Art has its own design stores? The Soho location (81 Spring Street) presents a diverse selection of design objects and gifts by a range of classic 20th-century designers and today’s brightest design talent. We especially enjoyed the in-store HAY mini market and the architecture and design book collections. Nice to know: you support the MoMa with every purchase.
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photo moooi: andrew meredith
SUPPORT ART
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JAPANESE MINIMALISM Nalata Nalata
Design isn’t only about shapes, materials and colors; great design ought to tell a story. Nalata Nalata, located at the near end of Extra Place in the East Village, specializes in finding objects that come with a unique story. Their store, mostly dominated by wood – from the flooring to the shelves and the products on them – is a true feast for the aesthetic design lovers among us. We personally fell in love with the handcrafted brass creations of Futagami. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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UNUSUAL STUFF Patrick Parrish
From his popular blog and Instagram (handle: Mondoblogo) to his own gallery, Patrick Parrish is always on the hunt for what’s new. He is known for his unusual selection of both contemporary and 20th-century design and art. When stepping into his gallery (50 Lispenard Street), expect to find rare, mid-century pieces, an under-$500 section and exhibitions by young talent. We gladly join his admirers alongside Steven Gambrel, Jennifer Aniston and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.
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ADVENTUROUS ART GALLERY
SculptureCenter
If you decide to head over to Queens, make sure to pay a visit to contemporary art museum SculptureCenter (44-19 Purves Street, Long Island City) for its free public programs and events like artist talks, performances and concerts. Founded by artists in 1928, SculptureCenter is a not-for-profit arts institution dedicated to experimental and innovative developments in contemporary sculpture. Today, it is considered one of New York’s most adventurous art galleries, renowned for championing under-recognized and emerging artists. Nicola L.: Works, 1968 to the Present
MASTER CRAFTSMEN
Les Ateliers Courbet
Their appreciation for material quality and detailed craftsmanship makes Les Ateliers Courbet the ultimate destination for timeless heritage and provenance pieces, sought-after collections and artist collaborations. Since 2013, their Master Craftsmen’s Gallery presents rarified furniture, lighting, flooring, decorative objects and home accessories. The designs are culled from archive collections or handcrafted by some of the most revered manufacturers in the world and finally artfully arrayed in the two adjoining salons (134 10th Avenue).
AMERICAN DESIGN
Matter
If you are looking for inspiration or the current state of design, we would like to take you to Matter (405 Broome Street), the go-to place to buy beautiful things and join their design conversation platform. This gallery-meets-showroom-meets-manufacturer represents a refined selection of national and international contemporary design as well as their in-house brand, Matter Made. This contemporary American design collection offers lighting, furniture and objects.
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UNSEEN WORLD
photos: nes creative, design: workstead
Filmmaker Woody Allen once said: “There is no question that there is an unseen world. The problem is, how far is it from midtown and how late is it open?” This is exactly the case with design in New York City. From jewelers to hotels to bakeries, innovation can be found everywhere!
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I. FRENCH
Arcade Bakery
DECADENCE Although every trip to New York demands a busy schedule, we advise design aficionados to make sure they squeeze in some time to check out the hip and happening Tribeca neighborhood in order to enjoy Arcade Bakery. Located in the impressive hallway of the historic, majestic Merchant’s Square Building on Church Street, the palette is simultaneously new and old, where existing terrazzo floors and limestone walls contrast with new mahogany and brass touches throughout. Make sure not to miss the series of fold-down tables and wooden panels, creating a series of alcoves for guests and an atmosphere of French decadence. If the warm design isn’t enough, Arcade Bakery also offers the finest baguettes, croissants and quiches to be found. Please note, this modern bakery is only open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. —
“The designer perfectly created a balance between past and present by using antique brass lighting and streamlined custom mahogany millwork” THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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II. LUXURY
PUBLIC
FOR ALL Hotelier Ian Schrager, founder of legendary ’70s nightclub Studio 54 and creator of the boutique hotel concept, is shaking things up yet again with his new hotel brand, PUBLIC (215 Chrystie Street). PUBLIC’s fundamental premise is “luxury for all.” This isn’t luxury as we traditionally know it, though; now the luxury of a hotel is about experiences that are accessible for everyone. PUBLIC is “the people’s hotel.” With this approach, Schrager introduces a new aesthetic: simplicity as the ultimate sophistication. It’s effortless, timeless, pure design, providing a relaxed vibe and familiar atmosphere. DESIGN EVERYWHERE When entering the hotel, designed by award-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, great design is evident throughout the entire building. The public spaces, from
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photo: nicholas koenig
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IN-HOUSE HOT SPOTS If you need a break from your room or your energetic New York stay, we have selected several of PUBLIC’s social spots for you: wander around Bowery Garden, inspired by Italy and the Tuileries in Paris, or the dramatically lit entrance portal of Chrystie Park. Do some shopping and explore the unlikely combination of cool products in the in-house store, TRADE. Or get inspired at the progressive, avant-garde multimedia performance space Public Arts, a perfect cube of sheer, exposed, raw-concrete walls. Enjoy the best of New York food at the hotel’s main restaurant, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Public Kitchen. Or visit Louis, part grocery, part luncheonette, part coffee shop and part market. Looking for something more energetic? Even exercising is done in style at PUBLIC in its 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness center designed by David Barton.
“Exposed, custom-color, poured concrete columns and woodpaneled walls meet highly polished concrete gallery floors” When it comes to hotel bars, each one offers their own unique vibe. Diego, akin to a private gentleman’s club in London, pleases the eye with black Saint Laurent marble mosaic flooring and a hand-woven tapestry of Diego Rivera’s famous fresco Man at the Crossroads. The bar features a unique mix of steel, bronze and wood as well as floor-to-ceiling windows. We were especially impressed by the roof terrace and its extraordinary 360-degree views. NAUTICAL ELEMENTS Last but not least, the 367 smart and efficient guest rooms feel like spacious cabins on a yacht. Their salvaged and reclaimed sunken oak flooring perfectly matches the raw, exposed concrete ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms are thoughtfully designed, down to every last finish and detail with smart technology and distinct zones for sleeping, relaxing, working and entertaining. The final touch is a custom-designed bed inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s at Monticello. All the comforts of home, but better. PUBLIC truly offers affordable luxury for everyone. —
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photos: nicholas koenig
multiple communal workspaces to lushly landscaped gardens, were designed to bring people together, create community and connect work, leisure, fun and culture. Exposed, custom-color, poured concrete columns and wood-paneled walls meet highly polished concrete gallery floors. The hotel includes notable touches such as the oversized custom revolving glass door, poured concrete stairs and organic concrete benches. Our personal favorite is the amazing custom-designed escalator with a hot-rolled steel exterior and contrasting interior with an infinity lighting effect. In the hotel lobby and bar, make sure not to miss the custom-made, sculptural, tournament-size billiard table in solid, hand-rubbed bronze with a custom-colored felt top designed by French sculptor and furniture designer Eric Schmitt.
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III.
Tiffany & Co. The Blue Box Café
ICONIC BLUE Founded in New York in 1837, Tiffany & Co. is known as one of the world’s premier jewelers. The highly anticipated renovation of the fourth floor of its 727 Fifth Avenue flagship store incudes a new luxury home and accessories collection as well as Tiffany’s first-ever retail dining concept: The Blue Box Café. This means that having breakfast at Tiffany’s – Audrey Hepburn-style – is now a dream come true. The striking interior is infused with iconic Tiffany blue and incorporates industrial details that evoke Tiffany’s craftsmanship and heritage. Playful and unexpected touches sit harmoniously alongside elegant finishes like herringbone marble and amazonite stone. Make sure not to miss the staircase, which features a modern trio of nearly 15-foot-high light chains, created by Paris-based design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. —
“The striking interior is infused with iconic Tiffany blue and incorporates industrial details that evoke Tiffany’s craftsmanship and heritage” THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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BACK IN NYC The creative couple Elizabeth Baudouin and Natalie Shirinian used to live in Laurel Canyon in a historic bungalow that once belonged to the manager of the American pop band The Monkees. It was an ideal home, until the surrounding wilderness decided to move indoors. That’s when they said goodbye to their life in nature and decided to move back to NYC. Now they live in a fantastic loft apartment in the eclectic neighborhood of Tribeca. For their loft, they wanted to create a space that served as a hub for the community they are building with their agency NES Creative. Part home, part showroom, part exhibition space, their residence incorporates pieces from artists they represent, interiors realized by Natalie’s design, and is regularly used as an exhibition space for collaborations and one day only showcases. How did you get involved in the design industry? “I (Natalie, hello!) started in film and talent management, which led me to represent my first client, Mary McDonald, who was from the fashion world and crossed over into design and television. My agency – NES Creative – built up from there, representing the best in the design industry. My partner Elizabeth, who has a background in the music industry promoting artists commercial brands, joined me two years ago. Together we’ve built up the agency to a full-service creative agency representing the leading edge in design, style and culture.” What characterizes design in NYC? NATALIE “New York is the mecca for many fields. We feel, especially for design, there are so many different designers and galleries that have come from all over the world, have created such a moment and are staples in NYC, which many people can shop and buy from. Since NYC is
so fast paced and busy, it’s a great city in which to establish yourself for business. It’s a phenomenal place to evolve as an artist – everyone is pushing each other to be better!” Who are your favorite local designers? ELIZABETH “Material Lust is an amazing creative couple we represent (and are lucky to call friends). Their work borders art and design. Their pieces evoke ancient ritual and contemporary design. You’ll even find their work in The Brooklyn Art Museum! APPARATUS is another crucial New York studio. Their aesthetic and lighting elevates any interior and we just love them as designers and people. We are also very excited about Crosby Studios. Harry’s mind is so spot on, a true visionary. He has this way of using one color and building a whole world around it.” Any more designers we should know about? ELIZABETH “Yes, there are so many talented designers in
“NYC is a phenomenal place to evolve as an artist – everyone is pushing each other to be better!” NYC. For ceramics, Romy Northover is our go to. She has showcased an exhibition in our space called “Ancient Future.” She also called upon by fashion designers like Calvin Klein to bring her minimalistic, delicate pieces to his spaces. Also, there is Bec Brittain who turns lighting on its head with innovative, space age like fixtures. She designs the “wow” factor pieces. A true statement designer and incredible human all around.” Which design store should we definitely visit when in NYC? ELIZABETH “Two easy choices – make sure to pay a visit to The Primary Essentials in Nolita. They carry the best minimalistic home wares, with many local designers as well as unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Also, Oliver Gustav who has his New York shop inside and beside the 11 Howard Hotel. You won’t find any other shop in America quite like it.”
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What is the most stylish hotel in town? NATALIE “That of course depends on what you’re looking for in terms of design, but I would say The Greenwich Hotel for its Hollywood appeal, PUBLIC for the future of design, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge for its eco-inspired interiors and The Carlyle Hotel for its classic charm.” At this point in time, where do we stimulate our creative senses? NATALIE “Tribeca! This neighborhood houses a mix of design showrooms and film production companies. The entire Conde Nast company teeters at the neighborhood’s edge, and the incredible co-working space Spring Place inside the massive Spring Studios brings together all the creatives in fashion, design, film and culture. It’s undoubtedly the best-curated community you’ll find in New York. This is where our team works out of and we can’t imagine being anywhere else.” And are there any architectural highlights we must see in Tribeca? ELIZABETH “You should definitely see 56 Leonard Street, a 60-story skyscraper that resembles the game of Jenga. It’s a vertical glass expression of sculpted surfaces, cantilevers and sparkling glass – truly the future of what NYC deems iconic!” —
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TRIBECA LOFT In this edition we give you an exclusive look inside a New York Citybased dream residence – a home that inspires and encourages you to dream away. With its restrained, minimal and warm design, this Tribeca loft is undoubtedly a visual stimulus for every design lover’s senses. warm coziness is easily within reach, which to us is definitely a plus of smaller living. And isn’t that what it’s all about? This loft apartment of 1,500 sq. ft. – spacious by NYC standards – gets it just right. Superbly located in Tribeca’s most beautiful turn-of-the-century brick loft building on West Side Highway, this is definitely the kind of place where we’d want to invite our friends for some celebratory nights with good food and wonderful chats. Brooklyn-based creative studio Workstead, known for its holistic approach to design, first had to transform the floorplan into a series of serene spaces. Though the residence has only five rooms, reinventing the internal flow of a building is always a critical moment in the design process. Since the house faces the Hudson River, the designer chose a floorplan that provides most of the rooms with a priceless bonus: some of the best sunset views NYC has to offer. In this residential project, Workstead was asked to retain the history of the building as much as possible. “Our client had a minimal THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
but warm taste, appreciating both the history of the building, but also the simplicity that a renovation could bring to his way of life. The client had previously lived in another unit in the building, so was familiar with some of the other renovations completed and knew what he wanted to accomplish.” Restored wood beams and columns, existing brick walls, and oak flooring and millwork pieces were the result, coming together to create a space that is at once rich and spare. The client already owned pieces from BDDW and Uhuru, and Workstead added a few more special finds from Espasso, including a pair of armchairs by Jorge Zalsupin and a coffee table by Asher Israelow. The designer’s biggest challenge? Without a doubt, the kitchen located at the far back corner of the apartment. Given the intention to create a dynamic, welcoming space, some creative solutions were needed. The design incorporates custom-crafted cabinets from zinc and oak, making creative use of the light off the Hudson River and reflecting a play of light and shadow that changes throughout the day. —
photos: nes creative
Choosing to reside in New York City naturally comes with a price – accepting the fact of living in a relatively small house. Making the very most out of every single square inch of your living area requires a great deal of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. On the other hand, creating a sense of
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Flatiron Building
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Whitney Museum
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ARCHI ICONS New York City is alive with energy, fast-paced and a feast for the senses. But the city also has no shortage of stunning architecture. Words: Erik Boker Besides the most famous of all styles of New York, the skyscraper, there is a vast array of styles and structures that are equally iconic to the landscape, from bridges, airport hotels, row houses, museums, to state buildings. In this section, devoted to the outstanding architecture of one of the most exciting cities of the world, we will introduce a number of special buildings that certainly demand attention, but also focus on two specifically eye-catching styles that can easily be found during a visit and that lend themselves to the unique look of luxurious New York. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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ART DECO Art Deco can be said to be more a construct than a movement or style. It is something that was later used to describe a culmination of multiple factors. Exotic influences on America’s lifestyle; the industrial revolution and advances in technology; and a crucial exhibition of design in Paris, the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts), leading to an explosion of style in the 1920s and 30s. American designers at the time, though not invited to the exhibition, were already building skyscrapers in New York and were eventually able to see reports on the styles shown there and, later, the design objects themselves as they toured the world. The landmark influence that those styles had on what was already a time of excitement, freedom of expression, abstraction, jazz and the joie de vivre of the roaring ’20s left a stylistic design legacy worldwide.
American designers paid homage to the traditional French Art Deco styles they had discovered but then moved more toward practicality and geometrization – in opposition to the curved, organic lines of Art Nouveau – and embraced the use of synthetic materials like concrete, metal and plastic. The geometry, combined with the use of these manufactured materials, creates a power and stability but also movement, an articulated rhythm of form in the age of technology, speed, dance and jazz. ART DECO IN NYC With the rapid pace of advancement after World War I, American designers worked to embrace and stimulate the wants and needs of a burgeoning middle class, incorporating Art Deco principles into everything from THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
architecture to fashion, advertising, jewelry and furniture. It was bold, geometrical and theatrical, while bridging classic and minimalistic styles. And it helped make New York the most modern city in the world at the time, emblematic of a unique point in American history. With that, there is perhaps no better place to witness the striking aesthetic of Art Deco than in New York City, from its most iconic to its lesser-known hidden gems. THE CHRYSLER BUILDING Walter P. Chrysler, the automobile magnate, hired William Van Alen in 1929 to create something that would be a monument to industry and, specifically, the automobile. The competition mounted nearby with the construction of the Empire State Building, to be crowned the tallest building in the world. Thousands of men working around the clock hand-laid 3,826,000 bricks (only comprising the non-load-bearing walls of the building) and placed 400,000 rivets to finish the project in two years. Metal was used radically to create its machine-age exterior finish, complementing the white and dark gray brick, while details of suggested fenders, hood ornaments, radiator cap gargoyles, aluminum trim and its signature tapered stainless steel crown accentuate the references to the automobile. In the final moments of the race to the top, Van Alen devised a higher raised arch for the ornamental crown and secretly devised a steel spire, clandestinely completed in sections, which was installed at the top in 90 minutes to add the additional height to reach over its 77 floors to 1,048 feet. Today the Chrysler Building, surpassed in height by the Empire State Building only a few months later, is recognized as a master-
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Empire State Building
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The Eldorado
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piece of Art Deco, and still stands as one of the most recognized buildings in New York. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING With fierce competition for tallest building recognition, the Empire State Building achieved a construction speed record that still stands today for a project that size. After William Lamb designed the building in under two weeks, construction began in March of 1930. Fifteen months later, the building opened and overtook the Chrysler Building in height, standing at 1,454 feet from base to antenna. It stood as the tallest building in the world for 40 years. Unfortunately, the Great Depression had by then befallen New York City and coincided with the grand opening. Due to the economic times, the vast number of vacancies left in the building allowed critics to nickname the building the “Empty State Building.” However, today the building
boasts a vibrant roster of notable tenants, including LinkedIn, Shutterstock, GBG, JC Decaux and Expedia. The Empire State Building is a landmark Art Deco skyscraper and possibly New York’s most famous building. Its 102 floors and over 6,000 windows were constructed from the inside out. The façade is comprised of Indiana limestone and granite, windows lined with aluminum, and an impressive use of setbacks that create the geometric effect of towering building blocks. At its crown is an illustrious Art Deco observatory on the 102nd floor, where visitors can enjoy the grand view over the landscape. AMERICAN RADIATOR BUILDING Completed in 1924 with a design by Raymond Hood, the American Radiator Building is one of the more striking and significant examples of Art Deco principles applied to a skyscraper. Standing at 337 feet, it is not such THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
an immense presence as that of the Empire State Building, but the high-contrast blend of Art Deco details and neo-Gothic design creates a standout structure. Raymond Hood, who was trained at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, took advantage of the New York City zoning law, which demanded a minimum number of setbacks in the design as a skyscraper reached above a certain height. The multiple setbacks, pinnacles and beveled corners create a dynamic silhouette, boldly accented by a façade of black granite brick with gold pinnacles and edges. The sharp contrast and bold coloration succeeded in imparting a perfect visual advertisement for the American Radiator Company. Along with details such as carved allegories of energy transformation, the entire structure appears like a glowing coal; its vertical setbacks visually referencing a
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Chrysler Building
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Rockefeller Center
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ing, its mixture of textures and materials is tantamount to a grand example of Art Deco. Its ornamentation and finials at the culmination of each tower are the primary eye-catchers, however. Designed by Emery Roth, the metal finials add a futuristic electricity to the symmetry and terraced texture of the building.
Art Deco Detail
steaming radiator heater. THE ELDORADO On the Upper West Side of Manhattan, twin towers of opulent apartments pierce the sky and overlook the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park. Completed in 1931, with designs in classic Art Deco by Margon & Holder, the Eldorado dominates the complete block-front between West 90th and West 91st Streets. Its bold towers taper by way of geometric setbacks to form sharp, abstract, geometric spires. The southernmost tower contains a penthouse of two floors.
“The sharp contrast and bold coloration succeeded in imparting a perfect visual advertisement for the American Radiator Company” Yellow-cast stone and a yellow terra-cotta façade reference the exoticism inherent to the mythology of the opulent magical city of El Dorado. Standing at 30 floors of sculptural detailing and geometric stylTHE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
ADDITIONAL ART DECO You might have already decided on your own favorite symbol of the Art Deco era, but it is difficult to leave out the many other wonderful examples found in New York City. If you find yourself on a quest for more, there are an almost-unlimited number to cure your appetite. To mention a few examples worth exploring: try to find time to visit the 22-acre Rockefeller Center, a sprawling example of Modernism, Art Deco and capitalism between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue. For all the dynamism of the Gothic spires atop its 50 floors, the General Electric Building in Midtown also boasts an impressive vaulted atrium with salmon-pink marble. Elsewhere, treats abound, such as the New Yorker Hotel, One Wall Street, the Brill Building, the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the Grand Concourse in the Bronx and many, many others. —
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B R O O K LYN ’ S BROWNSTONE As one of the most desirable forms of dwelling in any New Yorker’s mind today, the brownstone remains one of the most recognizable styles found throughout the city’s neighborhoods. In fact, the brownstone itself is not an architectural style per se, but a reference to the actual stone used to “front” the mostly brick structures that create the now-prototypical New York row houses. THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
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Brownstones in Brooklyn, NYC
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“The design of the row house offers a unique street block, whereby all of the houses are immediately adjoined to create a solid street façade”
A RISING STONE The use of this soft, reddish-brown sandstone rose swiftly in popularity in the Romantic Period in the mid-19th century, and because it was an inexpensive substitute for limestone or marble, it remained in demand to build the facades (and later the entire structure) of the dominant row housing for the upper and middle classes well into the 1940s. However, the limitations of the material’s softness made it prone to cracking and crumbling, and eventually respect for the mediocre stone also crumbled, creating a long history of being a passionately loved or deeply reviled material. In its great resurgence in the 1990s, the brownstone was seen as a symbol of wealth and iconic to New York’s architectural history. In 2000, its significance to the New York City landscape was deemed so important that the main brownstone quarry of the region, in Portland, Connecticut, was designated a National Historic Landmark. Now, the stone’s value has risen dramatically, quarries are disappearing, and the name “brownstone” is so fashionable and ubiquitous that it has become synonymous with any attached row house or townhouse. But many row houses are not made with
brownstone material, instead built with brick or a concrete mix, and cannot be considered actual brownstones by definition. The design of the row house offers a unique street block, whereby all of the houses are immediately adjoined to create a solid street façade. With that in mind, brownstone’s advantage was that it was easily cut into long sheets and, put together, could create a seamless monumentality to the façade. Brownstone was initially used in the earlier 19th-century for front steps, railings and trim, making the front entrance almost one full level above the street, for hygienic reasons. In so doing, this practice historically set in stone, you might say, perhaps the most recognizable and charming attribute of the brownstone: the stoop. The stoop is an often-steep ascent of stairs to the majestic entrance of these single-family dwellings, but is unique in its power to ground the solidity and elegance of the buildings and add a deeply important sociability to the block. NYC BROWNSTONES There are quite a few distinctive styles of brownstones you may encounter around the city, most contained within two or three stories, a basement and small attic, and notable tall windows. The most common THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
and quintessential style of the Brooklyn brownstone is the Italianate, a slight Gothic style most popular in the mid-19th century, characterized by its symmetry, elaborate ornamentation and organic foliated molding surrounding the doorways. The oldest style of brownstone is the Federal, built in the beginning of the 19th century, with simple details and dormer windows. Later in the century, Romanesque and Queen Ann styles became popular between 1870 and 1890, and can be seen especially in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Romanesque delivers an asymmetrical design and even noticeable Spanish influences, while the Queen Ann is the most ornate you will find, an array and mixture of all different architectural styles, combining eclectic elements, details, textures, materials and gable roofs. The brownstone is the architectural archetype of Brooklyn, mainly. A stroll around Brooklyn’s neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill or Bedford-Stuyvesant, for example, will reward you with a feast. But also scattered throughout Manhattan’s neighborhoods, especially the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Harlem, as well as in Queens and Long Island City, brownstones readily await the passerby. —
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UNIQUE STRUCTURES With more than 50,000 different buildings in New York City, visitors will encounter a wide variety of architectural styles beyond Art Deco and brownstones. New York is a factory of ideas, and the marvel of innovation over two centuries has spawned some mind-bending architectural feats, some postcard-iconic and others lesser known. When not gazing up at the Empire State Building, you’ll find inspiring public spaces, raised parks, glass and steel behemoths, medieval gardens, Jet Age curviness and the unmissable Gothic gateway connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.
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TWA HOTEL Back in the days when the innovative JFK airport (then called Idlewild Airport) allowed airlines to own and design the terminal where they operated, TWA (before being acquired by American Airlines) hired architect Eero Saarinen in 1956 to create a Terminal 5 that would be an expressive interpretation of movement. Saarinen designed a sculptural piece of concrete, reinforced by an invisible steel meshwork that created a column-less flow of form, a fluidity that purposefully alluded to the non-linear movements of the traveler. Like a symbol of flight, described by some as resembling an eagle landing, it is a curvaceous white wonder of form, fluidity and lightness, a continuous shell cantilevered by four distinct arches. The ground floor was a great lobby, where travelers were greeted, and a second floor offered curvy galleries and smaller boarding halls. Saarinen died before the Terminal 5 opened in 1962, and due to acquisitions, it had been out of service since 2001. JetBlue expanded into the terminal in 2006, with renovations by architect Gensler. Currently it is being refashioned into a 505-room hotel as well as a museum of TWA and New York’s landmark history as the birthplace of the Jet Age.
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The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is undoubtedly a modern masterpiece and easily one of the most significant works in the later career of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Originally commissioned in 1943 to house the Museum of Non-Objective Painting (as established by the Guggenheim Foundation), the project was wrought with setbacks, including war-time material expenses, modifications to Wright’s 749 separate drawings and the death of Solomon R. Guggenheim in 1949. Construction finally began in 1956, and the building was opened on October 21, 1959, six months after Wright’s death.The architecture of the space is unique to that of any museum built for the purpose of displaying art. Wright employed a unique spiral ramp rising upwards to a dome skylight, seamlessly integrating the collections into one, so visitors can view the museum without the interruption of different floors. In 1990, the architectural firm Gwathmey Siegel & Associates added to a 1968 annex created by Wright’s son-in-law, William Wesley Peters, to create an eight-story tower for offices, galleries and storage, in order to fulfill an original ten-story plan made by Wright that went unrealized. In 1992, the renovations were complete and the entire Wright building was re-opened to the public. In 2008, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
photo: david m. heald
THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
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THE NEW MUSEUM
photo: dean kaufman
As its name rightly infers, the New Museum is a recent addition to the New York architectural landscape, located deep in the Bowery district. The intention of the museum was to create a new structure not only devoted to the display of contemporary art, but also to serve as an incubator for new ideas, an intention that architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA felt perfectly fitting to the historically political, fearless, vibrant attitude of the Bowery. Amidst relatively small and mid-sized buildings clustered in the area, they imagined and built a distinctive form of seven light-filled rectangular boxes stacked on top of each other, shifted laterally in different directions to accent the differing functions of each gallery box. To enhance a sense of dynamism and coherence, and serving to animate the spaces with changing light to emphasize change and new ideas, they applied an anodized, expanded aluminum mesh skin to the structure – an icing on the layered cake, cementing the New Museum as a dynamic space for gallery exhibition in New York. The New Museum began as a commission in 2002 and eventually led to SANAA being awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2010.
THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
128 ARCHITECTURE
THE B R O O K LY N BRIDGE Beginning in 1800 and coalescing in 1860, plans to build a bridge connecting the waterfronts of Manhattan and Brooklyn boroughs took shape. The idea was to construct the largest suspension bridge in the world and create something as remarkable as the Suez Canal or the transcontinental railway.In the years leading up to 1870, engineer John Augustus Roebling completed the planning, but before construction began, he lost his foot due to injury and died of tetanus. From 1870, his son took over before becoming ill himself, subsequently handing over the project to his wife, Emily, who incidentally was the first woman to walk across the bridge in 1883 at its opening. Both the architecture and the structural stability of the bridge are distinguished by two 268-foot towers, with two facing 100-foot Gothic arches per tower, often likened to cathedral windows through which crossing traffic passed. The towers are made principally of granite and bear the weight of four enormous cables. The Brooklyn Bridge is still considered a monument to engineering and construction, and one of the greatest symbols of New York City.
THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
TH E M ET CLO I STE R S
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Overlooking the Hudson River in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan sits a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that is solely dedicated to showcasing art and architecture from the Middle Ages. The Met Cloisters is an idea adapted from the legacy and collection of George Grey Barnard (1863–1938), who was a student of Rodin and himself an accomplished sculptor and connoisseur of medieval sculptural works. Barnard was passionate about bringing Americans closer to art from the Middle Ages, and after migrating from France before World War I, he set up his own interpretation of a “cloister” museum from his own collection, including covered walkways surrounding a large, open courtyard garden, by which the walkways connected buildings and offered peaceful places for reflection. With help from funding from John D. Rockefeller (and his own personal collection), the Met acquired the building and collection in 1924 and set about expanding it and giving it shape through proper curation and exhibition of the pieces. Architect Charles Colleens, together with Rockefeller himself and curator Joseph Breck, paid special attention to historical accuracy and the flow of period presentation to create a paraphrased medieval building and three cloister gardens: the Judy Black Garden at the Cuxa Cloister and the gardens in the Bonnefont and Trie cloisters. Since 1938, it has remained a vital resource in the understanding of medieval art, sculpture and architecture.
THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CITY
NEW YORK
NEW YORK SO
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WITH MORE THAN EIGHT AND A HALF MILLION INHABITANTS SPREAD OVER FIVE BOROUGHS, THAT ARE CONNECTED BY 840 MILES OF SUBWAY TRACKS, NEW YORK CITY IS ALWAYS ON THE GO. NYC IS THE WORLD’S CITY OF SUPERLATIVES. WITH JUST ONE OTHER CITY IN THE WORLD HAVING MORE SKYSCRAPERS, THIS METROPOLIS OFFERS 257 BUILDINGS TALLER THAN 491 FEET. IT HAS THE LARGEST POPULATION IN THE US, TWICE THE SIZE OF THE NATION’S SECOND LARGEST METROPOLITAN AREA LOS ANGELES. THE BIG APPLE IS ALSO THE DENSEST POPULATED CITY IN THE US WITH 27,000 PEOPLE PER SQUARE MILE. AND CULTURALLY, IT IS A TRUE MECCA! LET US SHOW YOU T H E
SPIRIT
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NEW
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CITY.