The Local Edit: Discover New York’s best bars, restaurants, shops and views with Calvin Wang

Sep 19, 2024

Cover Where to buy vintage gem, take photos and eat in the most stylish restaurants during New York Fashion Week, with Calvin Wang

Where to buy vintage gem, take photos and eat in the most stylish restaurants during New York Fashion Week, with Calvin Wang

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In this series of travel guides, we ask creatives and insiders from our global community to show us a city, their way. In this instalment, Calvin Wang, a regular at New York Fashion Week, takes us to the city’s hottest bars, restaurants and more

New York City has always held a special place in the hearts of fashion enthusiasts. Its towering skyscrapers, iconic avenues lined with luxury boutiques and legendary events continue to captivate the world. Who hasn’t dreamt of following in the high-heeled footsteps of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada or Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City?

This season, Tatler’s own Carrie Bradshaw is none other than Asia’s Most Stylish honouree, Calvin Wang. A true fashion insider, Wang knows his way around the hottest events in Hong Kong and Asia. His Instagram feed is a constant source of inspiration, showcasing the most stylish places and events. Earlier this month, Wang attended New York Fashion Week and shared with Tatler his best spots to visit in New York City. From trendy cocktail spots to the best backdrops for your Instagram photos, Calvin’s curated guide is the first thing you need to pack before next season.

Also read: Editor’s picks: September lookbook inspired by Louis Vuitton military print, Dior maroon and Alaïa skirts

Where to shop

Desert Vintage

Above Desert Vintage store in New York City (Photo: courtesy of Desert Vintage)

Above Desert Vintage collection (Photo: courtesy of Desert Vintage)

Desert Vintage store in New York City (Photo: courtesy of Desert Vintage)

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No trip to New York City is complete without a day spent shopping on its vibrant streets. While Fifth Avenue boasts boutiques from the biggest names, New York also brims with unique designer shops and vintage gems. Among them is Desert Vintage, a treasure trove brought to New York from Arizona, where each piece feels like an art artefact, carefully curated by the co-owners. From Maison Margiela to early 2000s Saint Laurent, every item is a testament to their discerning eye, creating a sense of exclusivity for shoppers.

Desert Vintage
34 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Bode

Above Bode’s womenswear collection (Photo: courtesy of Bode)

Above Bode’s menswear collection (Photo: courtesy of Bode)

Bode’s womenswear collection (Photo: courtesy of Bode)

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For those who crave authentic designs, Bode will steal your heart. Founder and designer Emily Bode has created a unique destination where customers can experience the intimate ambience of a private shopping experience. The brand’s concept is to propose designs that are tailor-made using historical techniques like patchwork, appliqué and more. Originally launched as a menswear line, Bode has now expanded to include a womenswear collection, offering a beautiful homage to the modern woman through the use of timeworn fabrics.

Bode Women’s
79 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013

Bode Men’s
58 Hester Street, New York, NY 10002

Where to take photos

Dumbo Manhattan Bridge

Above Dumbo Manhattan Bridge (Photo: Getty Images)

Dumbo Manhattan Bridge (Photo: Getty Images)

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If you’ve scrolled Instagram, you’ve likely seen the iconic photo taken between two brick buildings, leading to the Manhattan Bridge. This spot, a quintessential New York backdrop, is a must-visit for any fashionista looking to showcase their style. Not only does it capture the romantic and artistic side of the modern city, but after snapping your perfect shot, you can continue your walk along the Hudson River, enjoying stunning views of the skyline.

Dumbo - Manhattan Bridge View
39-21 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

The Oculus

Above A view of the Oculus and the new tour of the One World Trade Center

Above View from inside of the Oculus (Getty Images)

A view of the Oculus and the new tour of the One World Trade Center

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A testament to the revival of New York City’s World Trade Centre, the Oculus is impressive from the outside, but even more breathtaking within. Originally envisioned as a train station and shopping mall, the Oculus has become a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors with its stunning architecture and bright light, a symbol of hope and resilience.

Oculus World Trade Center
185 Greenwich St LL3110, New York, NY 10006, United States

Where to eat

The Waverly Inn

Above Inside the Waverly Inn (Photo: courtesy of Waverly Inn)

Inside the Waverly Inn (Photo: courtesy of Waverly Inn)

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A New York institution, the Waverly Inn is the place to be on weekdays during New York Fashion Week. Tucked away on a charming street in the West Village, the restaurant is a favourite with the fashion crowd and has hosted some of the industry’s most prestigious icons. The food is exquisite and the ambience is pure fashion: a boudoir atmosphere, soft lighting, velvet banquettes for dinner and a beautiful glass terrace for those glamorous lunches.

The Waverly Inn
16 Bank St, New York, NY 10014, United States

The Odeon

Above The Odeon in the lower part of Manhattan (Photo: courtesy of The Odeon)

Above Tina Leung, Calvin Wang and Bryan Boy at The Odeon

The Odeon in the lower part of Manhattan (Photo: courtesy of The Odeon)

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Strolling through Tribeca, with its mix of trendy shops, restaurants, and historic warehouses, you can’t miss the glowing orange neon sign of The Odeon. This 40-year-old institution has a timeless charm, with its vinyl banquettes and wooden accents creating a classic bistro vibe. The Odeon continues to draw a cool crowd from the fashion and art worlds, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends. It’s a place that takes you back to a bygone era of New York. A time when good food and good company were the ultimate luxuries.

The Odeon
145 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013, United States

Where to drink

Double Chicken Please

Above Double Chicken Please Bar (Photo: courtesy of Double Chicken Please)

Above Chicken Liver Mousse at Double Chicken Please (Photo: courtesy of Double Chicken Please)

Double Chicken Please Bar (Photo: courtesy of Double Chicken Please)

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Named the first best bar in North America by the prestigious 50 Best list, Double Chicken Please is a must-visit for any cocktail enthusiast. Founded by Taiwanese-born entrepreneurs Faye Chen and GN Chan, the bar has quickly become a sensation since its opening in 2020, thanks to its inventive cocktails that blur the boundaries of mixology and gastronomy. Drawing inspiration from their heritage, Chen and Chan have crafted a menu that blends Asian flavours with classic techniques. Expect unexpected twists on the drinks, like the Mango Sticky Rice or the Thai Curry, where the line between cocktail and culinary creation blurs for the delight of your taste buds. And for those late-night cravings, their small bites are the perfect accompaniment to a delicious cocktail.

Double Chicken Please
115 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, United States

Bemelmans Bar

Above Bemelmans Bar (Photo: courtesy of Bemelmans Bar)

Bemelmans Bar (Photo: courtesy of Bemelmans Bar)

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For a taste of the glamour of old, step into Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel. Named after the famous children’s book author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans, this iconic New York establishment takes you back in time with its intimate setting, wood panelling and masterpiece murals by Bemelmans himself. The bar is renowned for its classic cocktails and elegant atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a night on the town.

Bemelmans Bar, Carlyle Hotel
35 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021, United States

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Topics

New York New York Fashion Week Trip Trendy Must-visit