Fashion Industry’s Insistency and Inconsistency Requires “Place” Relationships

Relationships – we’ve each had our fair share of experiences. Good, bad, heavy and beautiful memories are associated with each, and when mulled over, often take us on a melancholy trip through time. These twosomes constitute a significant part of our lives – after all, it is human nature to bond. But what about the relationship we have with places? Is there a certain venue that you closely associate with?

There are three places that I re-visit time that continuously re-capture my attention and offer a sense of contentment. These comprise my “place” relationship with New York City.

1. 555 West 24th Street (Chelsea): The Gagosian Gallery’s flagship location is the most renowned contemporary art gallery in the vicinity. The sleek, minimalist, 25,000 square foot space is certainly “scene” – but it is also a beautiful escape for those wishing to escape the turbulence of the city. Passion, parody and severity are conveyed in each exhibition piece.

2. Between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues (Midtown Manhattan): Bryant Park may be best known for Fashion Week, but it also serves as a peaceful site for those employed nearby. As a result, the 9.603 acre lawn is where I often go to meet friends at the end of the day. The Euro-like outdoor space offers fresh air (unheard of within midtown) and much-needed conversational spots for an interesting crowd.

3. 28 Bond Street (SoHo): Between Lafayette Street and Bowery is Oak, a deconstructed, low-key yet luxe space consisting of white walls and small racks of perfectly imperfect, edgy, individualistic clothing and accessories from Alexandre Herchcovich, Band of Outsiders, Superfine and Vena Cava. The minimalist interior induces clever, creative and highly personal visual interpretations of outfits.

The fashion industry is one of inconsistency. Everyone – designers, publicists, editors, assistants and writers – needs time and space to breathe and reflect. Emotionally connecting with a place and enjoying the moments spent there are intrinsic to a well-rounded life.

Gagosian Gallery (Chelsea)

555 West 24th Street

New York, NY 10011

+1 212 741 1111

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Bryant Park (Midtown Manhattan)

Between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues

New York, NY 10036

+1 212 768 4242

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (October); Sunday –  Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (November – December)

Oak (SoHo)

28 Bond Street

New York, New York 10012

+1 212 677 1293

Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.