New York Fashion Week in September marks the unofficial end of summer, when style-setters return to the city to plan their looks for the year ahead.
But if you can’t nab a seat at a hot runway show between now and Sept. 13 — or even if you can — try hitting up the buzzy bars and restaurants where designers, models and artists will be toasting their fabulousness.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
60 Furman St.; 347-696-2505
Back story: Since opening in June, its 4,000-square-foot rooftop has lured stylish partygoers with gorgeously surreal views. “At sunset, downtown is almost backlit and framed by the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty,” says Matt Abramcyk, the nightlife vet overseeing hospitality at the eco-luxury hotel.
Ambiance: The open-air space is outfitted with a geometric-boomerang-shaped pool and a veritable magic garden of greenery. “We wanted it to feel like the perfect outdoor party environment,” says Abramcyk, also the co-owner of Warren 77 (formerly the Beatrice Inn), and Smith & Mills.
The crowd: Fashionistas lounge by the pool as hip locals snap selfies against the Manhattan skyline.
The VIPs: Issa Rae, Snoop Dogg, Henrik Lundqvist.
Best nights to see celebs: Friday and Saturday.
How to get in: Be nice to the doorman — entry is at his discretion. If you’re from the neighborhood, say so, as locals get preferred admittance.
The menu: Think elevated warm-weather staples. Favorites include the lobster roll ($25), fries with tarragon aioli ($7), and guacamole with pickled jalapeño and queso fresco ($14).
Fashion Week 411: Bella Hadid partied here on Wednesday night to celebrate her fragrance partnership with Bulgari. The Editorialist magazine is throwing its Fashion Week bash Thursday night for 125 guests, with Hood by Air following suit on Monday. Says Editorialist co-founder Stefania Allen, “The pool is so fantastic. I just hope nobody falls in.”
— Kirsten Fleming
The Roof at Public Hotel
215 Chrystie St.; 212-735-6000
Back story: Also open since June, hotelier Ian Schrager’s newest venue has nabbed headlines for sex-crazed hotel guests who shamelessly steam up the windows. But the indoor-outdoor rooftop bar also has become a magnet for fashion folks who (usually) keep their clothes on.
Ambiance: Neon-lined elevators make for irresistible Instagrams as guests zip skyward. The doors open onto a chic, minimalist space that allows the panoramic downtown views to take center stage.
The crowd: Compared with its scrappy Lower East Side neighbors, Public’s rooftop attracts a more haute clientele of artists, luxury-industry creative types and models.
The VIPs: Prabal Gurung, Sara Sampaio, Patti Smith, Ashley Olsen.
Best nights to see celebs: Thursday, when fashion hordes congregate for the Linda party, featuring international DJs.
Easiest night to get in: Monday. Otherwise, expect to wait in an hour-long line unless you have a contact.
Fashion Week 411: On Thursday, renowned fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott will host a fete for their new limited-edition self-titled art book. Saturday will see the Business of Fashion’s annual gala dinner, attended in past years by fashion darlings such as Alexa Chung, Kate Moss and Eva Chen.
— Christian Gollayan
Cecconi’s Dumbo
55 Water St.; 718-650-3900
Back story: Opened in July and owned by Soho House, this Cecconi’s joins sister locations in London, West Hollywood, Miami Beach, Berlin, Barcelona and Istanbul. Thanks in part to breathtaking city-skyline views from its waterfront patio, the restaurant/lounge has been serving major buzz with its upscale Italian fare.
Ambiance: A spacious former Dumbo warehouse retains its arched windows, high ceilings and brick walls. Sumptuous seating and a classic striped awning create an elegant air.
The crowd: Well-dressed creatives leisurely noshing on the all-day menu.
The VIPs: Bill Murray, Carmelo Anthony, Matthew Rhys.
Best nights to see celebs: Friday.
Easiest night to get in: Tuesday. General manager Jean-Baptiste Caillet says crowds line up fashionably early — around 4 p.m., for dinner. “If you’re nice, there’s always a table for you,” he says.
The menu: Executive chef Riccardo Bilotta, a native of Trieste, Italy, and an alum of the Lambs Club and A Voce, is winning raves for dishes such as veal tonnato with caper berries ($16), and a wood-oven pizza with black truffle, goat cheese and squash blossoms ($42). The $35 spaghetti with Maine lobster and saffron is Cecconi’s most popular dish.
Fashion Week 411: Although Cecconi’s has no official events on the docket, management is bracing for a bounce. “I opened Balthazar 20 years ago. This to me is like Balthazar’s Italian cousin,” says Caillet. “It has that same energy.”
— Kirsten Fleming
Mailroom
110 Wall St.;
Back story: Jayma Cardoso, an owner of Montauk celeb lair the Surf Lodge, opened this bar/performance space in the Financial District in August with a DJ set by LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy.
Ambiance: Located at the base of a WeWork building, the space is designed like a modish postal hub, with wood-paneled walls, tulip tables and an Andy Warhol poster.
The crowd: Music fans mingle with bougie publicists and suited-up money bros who are lingering in FiDi post-happy hour.
The VIPs: Nina Agdal, Ashlee Simpson.
Best nights to see celebs: Thursday. On performance nights, arrive before 11 p.m. to avoid languishing in line, or have a name to drop at the door.
Easiest night to get in: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The menu: Quirky cocktails ($14) include the Mailroom Mule, a blend of vodka, lemongrass and ginger beer, and a cold-pressed Negroni that combines Campari with house-made coffee. High rollers can order bottle service for about $600.
Fashion Week 411: Too-cool modeling and talent agency No Agency will throw its spring/summer 2018 after-party here on Friday, with doors at 10 p.m.
— Christian Gollayan
Magic Hour
485 Seventh Ave.; 212-967-6699
Back story: Fashion Week devotees are sure to keep the party going when Tao Group, known for its over-the-top celeb bashes, opens this 10,000-square-foot rooftop at Midtown’s new Moxy Hotel on Sept. 20.
Ambiance: Billed as an urban amusement park, the rooftop will feature a putt-putt course called Foreplay, plus carousel seating and a topiary garden.
The crowd: Expect to find Tao’s signature see-and-be seen-mob sipping bubbly . . . while playing golf. Hotel guests will have priority access to the venue.
The menu: As part of a “state fair” theme also planned for the Moxy’s restaurant, shareable bites include Maine lobster roll, duck carnitas tacos, and sausage and peppers. Libations include All Spice No Drama, a mix of Bombay Sapphire gin, strawberry shrub and allspice dram that delivers a cinnamon-y warmth.
— Christian Gollayan