By Rachel Huber
February in New York means fashion. Alongside the Fall/Winter 2014-2015 ready-to-wear collections in New York this week, we've been celebrating all things made in Manhattan with our ultimate NYC to-do list. From the best boutiques, to the ultimate dining destinations, we've turned to Vogue Paris girl Emily Didonato and the Vogue Paris editors, to line up the ultimate New York itinerary. Get your passports ready!
February in New York: The Vogue Paris To-Do List
Break away to Brooklyn(01 of06)
Ever a favourite destination for the style savvy, Manhattan’s cooler-than-thou neighbour Brooklyn has been the buzz of the 2014-2014 fashion season, especially after Alexander Wang invited the fashion pack out to the city’s hipster outpost for the staging of his Fall/Winter 2014-2015 runway show. If you’re headed there this month, be sure to take in The Brooklyn Museum, a stunning exhibition space currently playing host to The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the sidewalk to the catwalk. The Brooklyn Museum, brooklynmuseum.org Eastern Pkwy, New York, NY 11238
Take in a workout the Manhattan way(02 of06)
The best place to blow off a little steam all the while staying out of the snow? According to New York model Emily Didonato, the key to getting an inspiring workout is to avoid one the Big Apple’s many mega gyms and to opt for one of the city’s many boutique or specialist spots. Think: Soul Cycle, every Manhattanite’s go-to for uplifting indoor cycling classes; Prana Power Yoga, for a chic and simple yoga practice; SLT for a workout that combines the principles of Pilates with classic strength training; and Exhale, a gym that puts core, barre and yoga workouts in a serene spa-like setting. Find locations and class details at exhalespa.com, pranapoweryoga.com, soul-cycle.com and sltnyc.com
Go see and be seen(03 of06)
To take a bite out of the Big Apple’s bar scene, model Emily Didonato recommends none other than the Boom Boom Room, also called The Top of the Standard, it’s not just the place to take in stunning views of the city’s legendary skyline, it’s also the spot for the best in people watching. Fancy more of an offbeat evening? Take Didonato’s cue and head to Sing Sing on St. Marks for a night of karaoke. Top of the Standard, 848 Washington Street, New York, NY 10014Sing Sing Karaoke karaokesingsing.com 9 St. Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003.
Pick a piercing(04 of06)
Or, get one! At Maria Tash, New York’s answer to Parisian go-to fine jewellery and piercing store Abraxas, the jewellery may be refined, but the piercing options are positively punk-inspired, putting it perfectly in-step with the gorgeously grunge jewellery trends seen since Fall/Winter 2013-2014. Simply step inside the discreet grey-fronted boutique and discover everything from sleek and chic classic diamond sleepers, to punk-meets-pretty designs for every piercing imaginable. Talk about the ultimate in stylish New York souvenirs. Venus by Maria Tash, 653 Broadway, NY 10012
Shop until you…(05 of06)
Think of the Big Apple and you can’t help but think of department store icons Bergdorfs and Barneys. Now, thanks to FiveStory New York, you can now also think brownstone. Set on a typical brownstone-lined residential street, climb the stairs FiveStory and feast your eyes on everything from Olympia Le-Tan and Anndra Neen clutches, to Hervé Van der Straeten cuffs and solid silver bangles by Delfina Delettrez – all within an elegant concept store setting. Looking to take home a vintage find? Heed Didonato’s advice and head to the “Lower East Side and East Village” where you’ll find Reformation, a favourite of the Vogue Paris model who goes for its “good mix of old and new things.”FiveStory New York, 18 East 69th Street, NY 10063. Reformation, 156 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
Dine away(06 of06)
If there’s one thing New Yorkers know what to do, it’s eat. And no matter the time of day or night, the city that never sleeps plays host to a dizzying array of dining destinations. For a light and luscious lunch, look no further than some of Emily Didonato’s favorites including Souen for macrobiotic dishes, One Lucky Duck for “amazing salads” and Juice Press for raw eats, pressed juices and smoothie pick-me-ups. Hungrier appetites may want to indulge in Bareburger, another of Didonato’s top tips for the burger lovers. To find locations visit bareburger.com, oneluckyduck.com, souen.com and juicepress.com