From exclusive restaurants to the best hotels, these are the must-visit places in the world’s fashion capitals.
New York, United States
Aman New York
There are few better addresses to stay at in the United States than 5th Avenue in New York. Here, you can find some of the city’s most luxurious hotels, boutiques and decadent historic buildings. One of the most exciting new arrivals on the strip is the Aman New York. Known as being one of the most elite luxury hotels in the world (the Clooneys married at the hotel’s property in Venice, Italy in 2014) the new hotel is home to a spectacular spa and a must-try Japanese restaurant called Nama.
The Peninsula New York
Another stalwart of 5th Avenue luxury is The Peninsula New York. Situated on the same spot for nearly 35 years, the hotel is close to many of the city’s leading luxury boutiques including the original ten-storey Tiffany & Co store. While in the city, be sure to book to have (actual) breakfast at Tiffany’s at the jeweller’s deli.
The Peninsula New York
The eatery is open from 10 am to 8 pm daily and is led by chef of Michelin Star acclaim, Daniel Boulud. For those looking for a different ambience, book in at The Standard High Line Hotel. The cooler younger sibling of the fifth avenue luxury giants The Standard is situated in the city’s popular Meatpacking District. While at the hotel, head to the aptly named The Top of The Standard lounge for sunset. The opulent penthouse space offers incredible 360-degree floor-to-ceiling views over New York’s epic skyline. For dinner, head to Ralph Lauren’s restaurant, The Polo Bar. Popular with A-Listers in the city, the menu offers up a delectable mix of American-inspired dishes with an international twist. For a post-dinner drink, take in Bemelmans Bar, at The Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side.
London, United Kingdom
Corinthia
The British capital is home to some of the best hotels in the world. While visiting, book in at the Corinthia London, the property was originally built in the 1800s and is home to some incredible architecture and original interior features. One of the newer developments is the hotel’s ESPA Life, spanning 3,300 square metres in the belly of the building; the spa is a must-visit while staying at the property. For one of the most dramatic locations in the city, stay at the modern architectural masterpiece, the Shangri-La The Shard, situated in London’s tallest building.
Shangri-La The Shard
The city has a buzzing gastronomic scene, and there are plenty of delightful restaurants to take in while you visit the city. Make time to take in Euro-Korean hotspot Sollip, which was recently awarded its first Michelin Star. Sushi fans should check out Taku in Mayfair which offers a fabulous mouthwatering tasting menu. If you’re pining for local food while in the city, make sure to visit Quo Vadis in Soho. This British-inspired restaurant serves up an eclectic mix of thought-proving taste-bud quenching dishes. London is also host to a slew of fabulous members-only venues.
Annabels
Two top picks are the exclusive Annabels and The Arts Club which both allow outside guests to accompany members to their delectable inhouse bars and restaurants.
Milan, Italy
Four Seasons Milan
To soak up the ambience of Italy’s well-heeled fashion capital, the best place to stay in the city is the Four Seasons Hotel Milan. It is situated in the heart of the city’s luxurious fashion district, the quadrilatero della moda, home to the most exclusive boutiques in the city. For breakfast, head to the close by Caffè-Pasticceria Cova. The historic cafe is popular with Milan’s fashion crowd and is the best place to enjoy an espresso and a patisserie, if it’s on the menu, try the panettone, it is one of Italy’s most famous desserts and it originated from the city of Milan (and Cova has been serving the dish since the cafe first opened in 1817). In the early evening restaurants and bars across Milan host Aparativo. Served a couple of hours before dinner, the ritual involves drinks served with delightful Italian small dishes – akin to the Spanish tradition of tapas but on a smaller scale.
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone
The best place to take in aperitivo is Terrazza Aperol at the start of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II overlooking Milan’s famous Duomo di Milano. Make sure to leave enough time to take in the historic luxury shops too (the first-ever Prada boutique is here), as well as the fabulous art-led bookstore, the Libreria Bocca. For dinner, head to Da Giacomo Bistrot which is a favourite with the art and fashion crowds in Milan. Alternatively, travel to the top floor of the Italian headquarters of Dsquared2 for a delectable meal at Ceresio 7. Also situated in the middle of Milan’s fashion district is the Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone, serving up some of the best Italian dishes in the city.
Paris, France
When staying in the French capital, head to the fabulous five-star Shangri-La Paris, a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower (and as such, it has some of the most impressive views possible of the city’s famous monument). The hotel itself is steeped in French history. As the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the building is dripping in original gold, antiques and art. In a city like Paris, you are in no short supply of luxury properties; Cheval Blanc Paris (close to the Musée du Louvre) and the Mandarin Oriental (in Paris’ famous ‘Golden Triangle’ of luxury boutiques) also offer some of the most sumptuous five-star accommodation in the city, to rest and revive during the whirlwind of fashion week.
Shangri La Hotel
Le Cinq
For some truly indulgent relaxation time, head to The Dior Institute at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée. The spa has everything from state-of-the-art facials to hammam steam baths, to keep you looking fresh while sitting on the FROW. Paris is well-known as the home to not just some of the world’s best fashion designers, but to some of the world’s best chefs too. While in the city be sure to try out the fabulous three Michelin Star Le Cinq restaurant or the delightful Lapérouse restaurant on the Left Bank (where LVMH scion Antoine Arnault is a minority investor). After dark, head to the Buddha Bar Paris to enjoy the city’s famous social scene.
