Places to see and be seen at Fashion Week
Whether you're front row at fashion week or simply soaking up the ambience, we've complied the places you'll need to see and be seen at
NEW YORK Stay: The Arlo Nomad Hotel
Arlo Nomad is a boutique award-winning hotel in New York City, North of Madison Square Park and just a short walk from the Empire State Building. There are plenty of public spaces to work if you're on business or simply to hang out, including a cosy, warmly-lit, library complete with laid-back lounge chairs and couches. The rooftop bar (open from spring-fall) on the 31st floor is unmissable with views of East River and the Empire State building. arlohotels.com
Eat: Il Buco
This cosy restaurant on Bond Street is all you might expect and more from the perfect Italian. It's frequented by editors, buyers and more, making it ideal for watching the world go by while you sample the antipasti. ilbuco.com
Café Clover
Seasonal, healthful, and local, this is an oasis nestled in a tree-lined street in the West Village.
The focus is on pure, simple ingredients brought together in imaginative ways. cafeclovernyc.com
Shop: Reformation
Suitably sustainable, Reformation is a cult brand the globe over, but take the opportunity to visit one of their stores if you're in New York so you can find the perfect fit in person. thereformation.com
The Real Real
The pre-loved site's offline offering is the ideal place to browse past-season must-haves and hard to find collectibles from old Celine to a Hermès Kelly. They also offer complimentary valuations for luxury items at their Upper East, Madison Avenue side location. Look out for timely pop-up events as well while you're in town. therealreal.com
Do: Metropolitan Museum
No trip to the big apple is complete without a visit to the Met. Past exhibits have included the sell-out ‘Savage Beauty' a homage to the late Alexander McQueen's genius and mastery in fashion. metmuseum.org
High Line
This disused rail-road is a real hidden gem ,having been transformed into a public park stretching all around the side of Chelsea. Small cafés and boutiques populate the length, making it the perfect weekend hangout.
LONDON Stay: Chiltern Firehouse
Located in the heart of Marylebone district, Chiltern is known for having been one of the first firehouses of London. The hotel, with 26 rooms and suites, was entirely restored by famous hotelier André Balazs, and joins his collection of luxury hotels alongside Château Marmont in Los Angeles and the Mercer Hotel in New York. The interior is as astounding as the food - book this once and you'll return. chiltonfirehouse.com
Eat: Cecconi’s
This classic Italian eatery is the ideal brunch spot if you've just landed in London or are looking to catch up over coffee. Order the poached eggs and avocado on toast and relax into the jewel-tones velvet sofas. cecconis.co.uk
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
From the log fire in the conservatory at the back to the white linen table cloths and heavy silverware, this is the perfect destination for a chic lunch or wind-down dinner. Set in the heart of Chelsea, you'll find yourself marvelling at the exterior which is adorned with anything from flowers to baubles depending on the time of the year. theivychelseagarden.com
Shop: Liberty London
This iconic haven of fashion, beauty, homewares and more is famed for its fabrics. Each year, hand painted florals are turned into rolls of fine fabrics. Head to the haberdashery department for a thrill or while away hours on the ground floor amongst the most luxe beauty products from the well-known to undiscovered brands. libertylondon.com
Do: National Portrait Gallery
The Gallery, founded in 1856, is a delight to while away an afternoon in whether you're dropping in for an hour or spending the entire day admiring the extensive collection of portraits from around the globe. This is one place you'll revisit time and time again. With its aim to promote the medium of portraiture including of those in British history and culture making in impact, a trip here is as informative as it is visual. npg.org.uk
Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields Market has become a one stop for everything from fashion to food, art and music since its renovation, with independent traders offering cutting-edge fashion, unique interiors, original artworks and artisan food. This is a great alternative if you're looking for something different to King's Road at the weekend. https://www.spitalfields.co.uk
MILAN Stay: Bvlgari
On a private street in downtown Milan, between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, La Scala and Accademia di Brera, in a tastefully renovated 18th century Milanese palazzo, the Bvlgari Hotel Milano is a fully-fledged five-star experience situated in the heart of the cultural and commercial area of Milan. Exceptional service ensures you have a little peace amongst the pace of fashion month. bulgarihotels.com
The Yard Milano
This quirky boutique hotel exudes cool. It brims with character, with dark cosy interiors packed with antiques, sporting memorabilia and vintage pieces of furniture, from trunks to riding boots. theyardplaces.com
Eat: Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone
Since 1957 Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone has made history, moving from one corner of the fashion district to another, and finally winning a place of honour among high fashion brands in the location it now stands. Ideal for any special dining occasion, you'll be enamored by the al fresco dining in the beautiful courtyard. ilsalumaiodimontenapoleone.it
Da Giacomo
When you want to eat fish, with an exceptionally well executed menu and a touch of unmistakable Milanese charm, this is your destination. Situated at the core of Via Sottocorno's gastronomic district, this haven for the taste buds combines old-school style a sophisticated ambience. We're huge fans. giacomoristorante.com
Shop: 10 Corso Como
Famed Fashion Editor Carla Sozzani first opened the doors of this now iconic store in 1991, when she pioneered the idea of the all-encompassing concept store: one which might sell shoes and dresses, but also magazines, books and more. 10corsocomo.com
Cavalli e Nastri
If you're a vintage lover, this store is an essential stop while you're in the city for Chanel jackets, vintage accessories and one-of-a-kind finds. Inspiring. cavallienastri.com
Do: Teatro Alla Scala
This world-renown opera house, just steps from Piazza del Duomo, was founded in 1778 under the auspices of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. A peak inside the main hall is breathtaking, but nothing compares to the full experience, something you won't want to miss while you're here. tteatroallascala.org
Gelateria Marghera
On a busy day, up to 3000 customers go through the door at Milan's Gelateria Marghera, probably the city's most famous ice cream shop. gelateriamarghera.com
PARIS Stay: Le Royal Monceau
Set only a few hundred yards from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées, Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris captures in its design and ethos much of what is unique about the French capital itself. Originally opened in 1928, the facade retains its authentic Art Deco charms. leroyalmonceau.com/
Hôtel de Crillon
Fronted by the majestic architecture of AngeJacques Gabriel, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel overlooks the spectacular Place de la Concorde. The historic hotel was designed by the architect of the Palace of Versailles. In 2017, and after a Dhs750 million renovation, the
Parisian landmark was reborn as the must stay for royalty, fashion or other VIPs. rosewoodhotels.com
Eat: L’Avenue
Half the fun of eating at this famous eatery is watching the people watching. Sit outside on the corner of Avenue Montaigne, among a regular clientele of fashion designers, stylish locals and you'll feel right at home. Order the tuna tartare, a mound of burrata, and a mountain of pommes allumette with a glass of the sommelier's recommendation and you're set. avenue-restaurant.com
Girafe Paris
An Art Deco design, a modern seafood menu and an impressive terrace – dining at Girafe is a blend of simplicity and luxury. Sit at the large marble bar and let one of the velvet armchairs envelop you while you recline and dissect the day. girafeparis.com
Shop: Nuun
Saudi fine jewellery designer HRH Nourah Al Faisal has created a haven located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré for anyone who is a magpie at heart. Make this top of your list if you're in the market for jewellery that is as unique as it is modern, while still feeling timeless. nuunjewels.com/en
French pharmacies
If you're in Paris, the one place you have to visit is the local pharmacy. Take the advice on hand and you'll come home armed with reasonably priced wonder products which leave your skin looking radiant. Look out for a brand called Hormeta- we buy everything when we see it.
Do: Hotel Costes
A must visit. Hotel Costes Paris is unlike anything else. Hotel, restaurant, bar, perfumes and music on the Rue Saint-Honoré. Powdery velvets, subtly dim lighting and the unmistakable signature scent makes this a haven of opulence that needs to be enjoyed. hotelcostes.com
Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
Welcoming 3,000 traders and up to 180,000 visitors each weekend, the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is often referenced as the largest flea market in the world. If you're looking for a wide offering while you're in search of a hidden vintage find, this is your place.