Kelly takes nyc
Fashion Editorial
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Kelly Takes Over NYC
Join Kelly Prehn, fashion icon behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week and see where the most fashionable and fabulous hang out.
‘New York, New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of’ – land of multiple soundtracks of the 21st Century. Kelly Prehn, the British Fashion Ambassador visits the Big Apple for a Fashion Week exclusive to find out the latest hotspots. ‘NYC is the dream destination for everyone that thinks big’ says Kelly. ‘It feels like everyone in the city is on a high speed race and winning is the only thing that counts - be ready!’
New York is built for shopping. As one of fashion’s power forces, Kelly is ahead of the trends. ‘What is happening in Ginza Tokyo, Quadrilatero d'Or Milano, or Fifth Avenue London is all interconnected now at live speed. But for choice - New York has the best of everything from around the world.’
‘I like to walk in NYC, more than in any city. You really get to get the feel of the place - plus you get to burn off the enormous portions!’ Make sure your heels will carry you for unlimited adventures, so get ready!’
Discover Kelly’s must do’s…
A few tips to maximise your experience. Firstly, before you land in NYC, you need cash ready. Pretty much every service person you come into contact with needs a 20% tip. NYC people are pretty feisty and will ask you if you forget, so spare your blushes. Also, book restaurants ahead of time - ask your hotel concierge before you land to book some fun places. Being on time has different meanings in different cities. In NYC, if your table reservation is 8pm, they really mean on the dot. If you are meeting a group for dinner, all friends often need to arrive before they will seat you. Oh, and take your ID everywhere, to prove you are over 21. If you get asked, you know your Korean 21 part skincare routine has gone into overdrive - result!
For the best of East Meets West, staying at Park Hyatt (53 W 57th St,10019) gives you a flavour of NYC mixed with Eastern comforts when you are fresh from the plane and jetlagged to the max. Every kind of dietary request is understood – New Yorkers are all on the latest food fad – so if you are merely vegan with a gluten intolerance you are practically old fashioned!
Ready to explore? The hotel is located opposite Carnegie Hall, built in 1891 that has hosted everyone from Tchaikovsky, Judy Garland and the Beatles. Head straight to to 5th Avenue where everything fashion, art and culture mesh together. It spreads from the Empire State Building to the Rockfeller Center through to the New York Library. The corner of 5th Avenue and 57th Street is where Audrey Hepburn playing Holly Golightly shot the opening scene of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.
Then visit Saks where Stefere Jewelry by Corina Larpin (loved by Victoria Beckham Erika Girardi and Adele) is shining from the shelves for something unique. Refresh with Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel (768 5th Ave, The Plaza Central Park South, 10019).
You need to go to Opening Ceremony (35 Howard St,10013) which is a gem of avant garde fashion, accessories and jewellery. Caro Lim and Humberto Leon jetset to find the latest styles. Three floors of everything you need to have a thoroughly eclectic look, they stock everyone from brands Alexander Wang, to Hong Kong success story Vivienne Tam, through to-rising designers you want to get educated in before they go mainstream.
Like to mix shopping and eating? Who doesn’t…head to Barneys (660 Madison Ave, 10065) for a mix of Uptown and Downton look, and slightly edgier buying than most department stores internationally. Post shop visit Fred's on the 9th floor restaurant for a NYC brunch spot.
For the best views of Central Park, head for lunch at Asiate at the Mandarin Oriental, New York (80 Columbus Cir,10023). Get lucky with a table at the window and enjoy spectacular gorgeous view over Columbus Circle and Central Park. The perfect selfie spot! Any of the Cipriani restaurants are the place to be for a touch of Italia New York style. With no less than eight venues, you can have the dolce vita and do some serious people watching.
It is time to burn off these NYC portions - head to Ballet Beautiful, (Upper East Side,19 East 75th Street, 3rd Floor 10021). Created by professional ballerina and celebrity fitness guru Mary Helen Bowers, see where Natalie Portman trained for her Academy Award-winning role in Black Swan. Celebrities, supermodels, Victoria’s Secret Angels are often seen coming and going for their appointments.
For the real New York experience, Ralph Lauren’s story is a real life American Dream. A tale of ambition and self-invention, its hero has often been compared to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jay Gatsby—a character, not coincidentally, that Lauren clothed for the 1974 movie The Great Gatsby. The Ralph Lauren Flagship is a dream (888 Madison Ave,10021).
Image Credits. Mike Ruiz, Styling Kristine Kilty, Makeup Gregg Brockington, Hair Niko Weddle.
Kelly wearing Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Victoria Hayes Collection and Roger Vivier.