Structure, minimalistic, organic, edgy. Four words that sum up the aesthetics of New York fashion and lifestyle. During one of my many trips to the “concrete jungle” last week, winter continued to run its course with bare trees and frozen brick streets. Between client meetings and busy work days, most of my free time was spent in Lower Manhattan and Greenwich Village. Time flew by drinking chai lattes with old friends in local coffee shops and shopping in small boutiques such as, In God We Trust and Wendy Nichol. One of my favorite things about New York is its uniqueness. Every clothing store is different, every restaurant is a new ethnicity, and every person is his own. While the general New Yorker mindset remains the same, nothing is of the mainstream. Individuality is embraced more than ever. Same goes for the structure and architect of buildings both big and small, old and new, and styles spanning distinct historical and cultural periods.
Fashion wise, weather was an influential factor to a very Alexander Wang inspired style for many New Yorkers. Being an LA native, I couldn’t help but freeze without black leather gloves worth every dollar purchased in Battery Park. For women, outfits included neutral colors, leggings, matte leather boots and a mid-length coat. For men, outfits included the same neutral colors, dark denim or slacks, and layering sweaters with a coat to top it off. However, this look instantly changes from Uptown to Downtown, day to night, rooftop bars to hotel lounges where dancing lasts till the sun rises and taxi cabs roll in at 5 A.M. Fur coats and floral crowns, structured skirts and strong shoulder blazers; fashion becomes a lifestyle and the lifestyle is limitless. Less than half the size of L.A, Manhattan is larger than life where new people are introduced every day.
While catching a cab back to JFK for a six hour flight home, I’m reminded of what many of us tend to forget, individuality and inspiration; to inspire and be inspired. Driving through the city in the hustle and bustle, it’s hard not to be motivated by your surroundings. Around every corner there is coffee, pretzels or Indian street food being sold to the very busy passer-bys hastily making their way to their next destination. Subways remain busy from all walks of life, full of fashion students, Wall Street business men, and mothers with their children. Taxis overwhelm brick and stone streets while horns and an angry exchange of words fill the air. Concrete pavement is the runway for women and men of all backgrounds every day of the week. From sun up to sun down, the city that never sleeps remains a city of inspiration for actors, models, artists, musicians, educators, businesses, and designers alike. What inspires and motivates you in your daily life? As for me, the answer will forever remain, fashion.
Recent Comments