New York Fall ’19 Bridal Week Editor’s Diary

Between shows, appointments, meetings and deadlines, it’s hard to find the time to truly experience New York during Bridal Fashion Week… but somehow, we always find a way. This season we ventured deep into the heart of the city and across the bridge, exploring undiscovered emporiums and boutiques, magical venues and soulful spaces, igniting artistic inspirations within us for the season ahead.

Experience

‘Sculpture by Other Means’ at The Noguchi Museum

The captivating ‘Sculpture by Other Means‘ exhibition at Noguchi Museum displays a dizzying array of art installations marrying contemporary design with ancient crafts by Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi. One space in particular truly inspired us, a cloud of Akari lanterns en masse, seamlessly floating like weightless clouds across the converted Brooklyn warehouse space. As daylight flooded in and through the lanterns it created a breathtaking ethereal moment, something so simple and easily achieved for  styling any event.

Sip Tea at Bellocq Tea Atelier

Self described as ‘an inconspicuous jewel box’, Bellocq Tea Atelier source and hand blend the finest teas and botanicals from across the world, a serendipitous find for the earnest wanderer. Tucked away into the borough of Brooklyn, as you step into the emporium a decadent aroma of fresh tea leaves fill the room, jars of varying blends line shelves and countertops, and staff articulately share their craft of the fine art of tea brewing. Take the time to try a few different blends, relax and unwind, enjoy the ancient ritual and luxury of having a cup of tea (or two).

Customize Perfume at Le Labo

Merging the romance of France, the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic of Japan and the undeniable soul of New York, Le Labo is synonymous with craftsmanship, encapsulating hand picked ingredients, hand formulated into uncomplicated soulful fragrances. Each apothecary inspired perfumery scattered across the city allows you to become a part of the perfume making process, customizing your fragrance of choice into a signature perfume. Test and experiment with essences to your choosing, and watch on as the artisans meticulously blend your fragrance behind the counter and bottle into a Le Labo vessel. Finish off with a personal inscription, a little memento or souvenir from New York.

Sleep

Arlo Nomad

Just around the corner from the Empire State Building, Madison Square Park (and Le Labo no less), Arlo NoMad is nestled in the heart of Midtown, where the tech-savvy, fashion insiders and startups call home. Breaking away from the stifling traditional hotel model, Arlo NoMad has redefined the hotel experience to be a bustling social hub for locals and travellers alike. Steeped in modern, contemporary design fused with an artsy culture edge, Arlo NoMad is trendy, youthful and informal in the best sense. Staff and guests are young, cool and eager to chat, share their knowledge of where to go, eat and shop while in town, but top of the list would be ‘The Heights’ rooftop bar on the 31st floor. With sweeping views of New York city and the Empire State Building, it’s the perfect place to relax with a cocktail on a balmy, starry night or play host to a rooftop reception or engagement party. 

The Williamsburg Hotel

Brimming in chic industrial finishes, quirky accents and a stylish ambience, The Williamsburg Hotel defines luxury with an eclectic Brooklyn twist. Rooms are flooded with natural light, seeping in through floor to ceiling windows overlooking the borough and city skyline and decorated with custom furnishings, modern details and locally handmade products. Staff are knowledgeable Brooklynite locals, eager to share their favorite little haunts of the best places to eat, shop and experience with a beautifully designed neighbourhood guide you can take with you. Though, to truly experience the borough like a local, forgo the Uber and take one of the complimentary bicycles and let the pedals take you wherever feels right.

The hotel overall is rooted in a sense of community for creatives, dreamers and doers from near and afar to soak up the living, breathing borough that is Williamsburg over a drink (or two) in one of the many bars or dining spaces scattered across the floors and rooftop (see below). A cyclical calendar of events draws in a youthful crowd, such as morning yoga classes on the rooftop, live jazz music on the weekends, afternoon high teas and a plethora of weddings throughout the year.

On the ground floor, the private grand ballroom fuses the old world classical charm of New York with a refined modern luxury on a large scale, making it a sought after venue space on this side of the river. Adorned in parquetry floorboards, high ceilings, sculptural chandeliers and marble finishes, it’s hard to come by a hotel of this authentic grandeur that ticks all the boxes for both the bride and guests alike, let alone in New York city. With over 6,500 square feet of space to make your own, and the capacity for 400 guests, it’s an enchanting industrial inspired venue space with a plethora of potential.    

Shop

Home Stories

Home Stories is a beautifully curated boutique of homely decor curiosities; shelves are stacked with handmade ceramics, tables lined with textural linens and natural woven baskets scatter the space. In a place like New York city it’s hard to come across a homewares store like this, one that isn’t brimming with sleek, sophisticated modern designs, but rather pays homage to the perfectly imperfect. Everything is natural and tactile, inviting you to touch and experience the piece for yourself. There is an abundance of inspiring finds here so make sure you pack light.

Glossier

A first for the online beauty dynasty, Glossier have just opened their flagship bricks and mortar store in the heart of New York city. An architectural delight inspired by their iconic packaging, rosy hues and rouge accents line minimalist sculpted walls, as makeup and skincare is displayed like pieces of art on custom pedestals that you can pick and choose and trial in the beauty room. We recommend you take your time and stock up while you can, Glossier is yet to hit Australian shores or offer shipping to the Australian Pacific region so take advantage of the experience while you can. 

Eat & Drink

Rooftop Drinks at The Williamsburg Hotel

One of the plethora of bars at The Williamsburg Hotel, but by far the best view of New York from all of Brooklyn. Perched above the city streets, the rooftop oasis boasts breathtaking views where you can kick your feet up and spend your afternoon relaxing and sipping cocktails poolside into the evening; the perfect r&r from days of pounding the pavement across all corners of the city. It’s not until night falls that you can fully appreciate the beauty of New York; the city’s soul bursts into the starry night as the skyline lights up and calls to you from afar. It’s the best place to unwind and reflect on your last night in New York.

St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club

Steeped in history and an old world charm, St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club is a quaint 1920s Williamsburg diner filled with a beautiful buzz and ambience. Live jazz and flamenco plays out as cocktail classics and French inspired cuisine is served to bustling tables full of conversation. It’s a true look into the soul and people of New York which makes it a favorite amongst locals.