New York, London, Paris, Milan… four of the worlds most fashionable cities and must-visits for Fashion Week followers the world over. We break down what to do and where to go in each city.
You’ve got your tickets, you’re finalising your looks for those street-style snaps and you’re ready to shoulder your way into the front row. It’s T-3 weeks until September’s season of Fashion Weeks hit London, Paris, Milan and New York, and we’re here to help you navigate the style – and, must-see spots on your travels.
Written by Candice Bresler
When in London
Our top three style tips for looking like a London local• High heels have no place in London
• Sunglasses are cool, but never indoors or on the tube
• And, that’s it, really. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your own style!
Where to eat
Yes, we could recommend London’s Circolo Popolare based on its Instagram popularity alone, but thankfully the latest addition to Big Mamma offers fantastic Italian food too, as well as enough Weeping Wisteria to make your eyes water. Set in the heart of London's lively Fitzrovia district, this sunny Sicilian trattoria offers pizzas by the meter and XXL desserts – ensuring you’re well-fuelled for a day of being whisked from one show to the next.
Make sure you visit Saint Aymes Café
A bit of a hidden gem if you’re a tourist – but, a staple when it comes to the hangouts of local London fashionistas, Saint Aymes CafĂ© is only a 10-minute walk from Paddington Station, making it an easy detour to factor into your day.
So, why should you visit? Well, if the unicorn cakes and flower walls don’t convince you, then perhaps the gold-plated lattĂ© will. The perfect spot to add a touch of whimsy to your day and take a break from the cut-throat world of high fashion.
Sky Garden
It’s free, it offers amazing views of London and has the type of rooftop bar we dream of: it’s the Sky Garden, and no visit to London is complete without a stop. A beautiful public space, you’ll find landscaped gardens, observation decks and an open-air terrace – and, likely a good few other people, too.
Inside tip: While you’re able to just arrive and walk-in, spaces are limited. Keep an eye out for the free tickets that are released a week ahead of time, to ensure nothing stands in the way of your sunset selfie.
Join a street art tour
Perfect for exploring the city – especially if it’s your first time in London – as well as connecting with local artists and getting a feel for the city’s culture, you can expect to see public art from as many as 40 artists on one of Street Art London’s tours. The tours last two hours, so you’ll be done by 12h00 – just in time to catch an afternoon of runway shows. Win-win.
When in Milan
Wardrobe must-haves for Milan• Opt for classic neutrals like black, grey, brown and camel
• Bring your sunglass A-game – no matter the weather
• A well-tailored and structured jacket is a non-negotiable
Where – and what – to eat
It would be almost criminal to visit Milan and not indulge in the city’s signature dish: Risotto alla Milanese. Rich, creamy risotto characterised by its signature golden hue – thanks to golden strands of saffron – there’s no better place to enjoy it than at RatanĂ . Situated on the green edge of Isola, RatanĂ offers traditional Milanese dishes, with a modern spin – think of it as the taste of Milan, on a plate.
Bar Luce
You get ‘picture perfect’ and ‘cinematic’, and then you get an actual bar designed by
cult film director Wes Anderson. Bar Luce is a celebration of the Milanese coffee shops of the '50s and '60s – so, expect pastel perfection and a retro feel that will have you sipping your espresso or Aperol Spritz like the movie stars of old.
Visit the Duomo di Milano’s rooftop terrace
The second-largest cathedral in the world, its incredible Renaissance architecture alone is reason to visit. But, did you know that you’re able to climb onto its rooftop for an additional cost? You’ll have to part with a few extra Euro, but the views across Milan – and beyond – will absolutely be worth it.
Cycle around the Navigli in Milan
No, we haven’t magically transported you to Venice. Did you know that Milan has its own system of Navigli – or canals – too? Hire a bicycle for a few hours and explore the picturesque waterways that once connected the city with the rivers and lakes of the district – there are over 100km of paved, flat cycling paths for you to explore, whether you have one hour to spare, or a full morning.
When in New York
Our top three style tips for New York• Think sneakers, flats or low block heels – leave the stilettos at home.
• It truly is the city that never sleeps – choose outfits that will be as appropriate for a brunch date as they would be for a visit to a late-night jazz club.
• Don’t knock head-to-toe black. It’s the New York clichĂ© for good reason.
Where to eat in New York
From their Milk Bar Pie, to ‘birthday cake’ and iconic cereal milk ice cream – Milk Bar offers passers-by the promise of a delightful sugar high and the opportunity to experience the ‘transformative power of a really freakin’ good cookie or an outstanding piece of cake’. Count us in. After all, if you can’t treat yo’self while on holiday to one of the world’s largest fashion – and food – capitals, when can you?
Visit Dizzy’s Jazz Club
Perfectly merging ‘sophisticated’ with ‘lively’, Dizzy’s Jazz Club is one of the city’s favourites. You’ll find it in Lincoln Centre in the Time Warner Complex – where you’ll not only stumble across some of the best jazz talent in the city, but also breathtaking views of the NYC skyline if you manage to snag a bar seat.
Inside tip: Head to Dizzy’s when doors open for their late-night sessions at 23h15 and get ready for a lively, foot-tapping, skirt-twirlin’ party that might easily become a highlight of your NYC memories.
What to do in New York
‘The city that never sleeps’ is more than simply a cute nickname for NYC – so, it’s no surprise that Midnight Movies are totally a thing. Head down to the IFC Centre on Friday or Saturday nights for a screening of a few chosen cult-classics: think Pulp Fiction or The Big Lebowski.
When in Paris
Our top three tips for Paris• Nail your neutrals – when in doubt, go for black – although beige, white, navy and grey are also safe choices
• Hair and make-up are understated – glowy skin and lipstick will see you through almost any occasion, leave the highlighter and statement eye at home
• Cobblestoned streets are not made for heels – classic ballet-style pumps and understated sneakers are a better choice for navigating the City of Light
Where to eat
Serving good food ‘because they care’, Holybelly gives locals its daily fix of all-day breakfasts and plates-to-share at number 5 and 19 on Rue Lucien Sampaix. Because, yes – there are two, 200m apart – they’re that good. Visiting both in one day is called the ‘Holybelly 24’ – and, comes highly recommended.
Make sure to book a sunset cruise along the Seine
Yes, it could absolutely be yet another tourist trap, except for the fact that it’s relatively cheap and really that magical. Departing from just below the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find a number of companies offering one hour cruises along the famous River Seine, from as little as 10 euro. It’s the perfect opportunity to appreciate a few famous Parisian landmarks from a different perspective, glass of bubbly in hand.
What to do
We’re not above a good clichĂ©, and if that means booking a photographer to help you get a few snaps worthy of the 'gram, then so be it – particularly if you’re travelling alone and don’t have a friend to help you get the perfect shot of you sipping your cafĂ© crème on the sidewalk, or elegantly twirling under the Eiffel Tower. Paris is home to a number of photographers who you can book for an hour or two to help you remember your dreamy time in the City of Light. Here are a few suggestions on Airbnb Experiences to browse through.
No comments
Post a Comment