Bites from the Big Apple: Midtown on the rise

Gems, gowns and going out, Sarah Kennedy talks the latest trends from the city that never sleeps

Creating a new Legacy

West Midtown is gaining in strength restaurant-wise with the advent of Hudson Yards. As the towers creep skywards, the action is spreading westwards and Legacy Records fits the bill for a daytime coffee in the downstairs space or, entering through the lobby and following the stairs up, a full, fun evening out.

Have a drink in the sumptuous, club-like bar and then stroll in to the restaurant to dine on locally sourced versions of all the city’s classics.

From fresh fish and steaks to pasta and more, mix with a modern, fashionable crowd in the building that once hosted Legacy Recording Studios.

Here, many of the great movie themes of the 1960s and ‘70s were recorded and now apparently, some great parties are being hosted in the private rooms. Don’t mistake this place for an upscale Hard Rock Café though, it’s far more fun than that.

Creatively curated

The trend for curation of everything from cheese boards to art works rages on, heralding the arrival of The Curated, a store by designer Christian Siriano. Situated on 54th Street close to Manolo Blahnik’s shop, media types will love the one-block-away proximity to old-school gossip eaterie, Michaels.

The Curated carries Project Runway winner Siriano’s luxurious formal wear and day dresses alongside other, specially invited designer ranges including LA’s hot-interior guru, Kelly Wearstler. Each brand owner is responsible for choosing pieces from their own jewellery, fashion, vintage or interior ranges rather than relying on selection from a buyer.

“The goal was to curate and develop a new interactive and customer driven experience," said Siriano of the store’s launch. “We want all customers from all over the world – no matter what age, size, or where they come from – to feel comfortable shopping.”

The back of the store carries all-size womenswear brand Universal Standard, known for their imaginatively designed dresses, separates and kits in luxury-grade fabrics.

Jewels to make you think

The idea of curation is taken one step further at jewellery brand Foundrae’s new store in Tribeca. Alongside the motivational-motif medallions, ‘Cigar band’ rings and other potential heirloom pieces is a lending library.

It was “a very natural idea for us,” founder Beth Bugdaycay told The Telegraph. “I often say, 'write your own story', and that idea of building a story applies to our jewellery since each medallion is seen as a chapter and collected one at a time.”  

“Once we knew we wanted a library as the cornerstone of the store, we then decided to have old school library cards and even a rotary date stamp,” says Bugdaycay, who selected or donated all the books herself. “We wanted people to be able leave happily with a package, even if it’s a book. Having the library allows us to wrap up a book and then welcome them back when they return it.”

Foundrae jewelry definitely has an artistic, edgy element that resonates with the city. “It’s authentic to us,” added the designer. “Murat, [Bugdaycay's husband and co-founder of Foundrae] and I have lived downtown for 25 years. We’re very attached to New York, it is the kind of city that embraces everyone and allows them to flourish."

Each piece carries a grounded message. “We don't consider our jewellery to be talismans,” says Bugdaycay. “We feel strongly that everything our customer aspires to be is already inside them. They just need reminders to draw it out. Our symbols are the reminders; their touchstone.”

Situated on the shady side of quiet Lispenard Street seconds from the frantic buzz of Canal, Foundrae provides a contemplative stopping point while browsing downtown. There's just one problem: it is virtually impossible to remove a Foundrae trinket and return it to the very nice sales assistants without tears.

Furry furniture at the fair

NYC hosts a number of interior design shows in the Spring, including the ICFF High End Luxury Furniture Fair which presents adventurous ideas alongside more traditional, upscale materials and manufacturing.

This year, Crosby Studios, founded by Russian Harry Nuriev, showcased its collaboration with fashion brand Opening Ceremony.

Nuriev is known for his mid-century skewed interiors and acid-bright colors. The mod-style shelves, lamps and furry chairs in striking purple created for Opening Ceremony would be perfectly at home in any Bond villain’s mountain retreat. They can be found for sale at Opening Ceremony’s store on Howard Street.