Inside New York Fashion Week with Jenny Walton
Every September, New York Fashion Week, a pinnacle of the fashion calendar, transforms the city into a dazzling spectacle of style and innovation. This iconic event, which began in 1943 as “Press Week” to showcase American designers during World War II, has evolved into a global celebration of fashion. For this season, The Fifth Avenue Hotel hosted Jenny Walton (@jennymwalton), artist and Vogue’s vintage shopping columnist. As a true Flâneur, Walton approaches style with both grace and delight, showcasing her talent for merging timeless elegance with a contemporary edge. Her retro-inspired looks, often reminiscent of the 1950s, come alive with a playful twist that makes her fashion choices both elegant and fun. Take a look at Jenny’s favorite destinations in New York for an inside glimpse of where to find the city’s most exquisite vintage and modern treasures. The Row, 17 E 71st St, New York, NY 10021 “Stopping by The Row on the Upper East Side is always a highlight,” Walton says. She appreciates the store’s atmosphere, explaining, “This elegant townhouse shop offers meticulously curated clothing that exudes sophistication. They also feature a selection of high-quality small goods.” Founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row provides a refined shopping experience with its focus on timeless, high-quality pieces. Bergdorf Goodman, 754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019 Walton fondly describes her visits to Bergdorf Goodman, stating, “I adore the iconic New York experience of emerging from the subway at Central Park, walking past The Plaza, and stepping into Bergdorf Goodman.” She highlights the shoe floor, noting, “The [department store’s] shoe floor has a wonderful buzzing energy.” Bergdorf Goodman’s extensive collection of designer apparel and accessories makes it a premier destination for fashion enthusiasts. The Strand Bookstore, 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 According to Walton, “While the Strand isn’t technically a fashion store, what would a great outfit be without some wonderful inspiration?” She loves browsing the bookstore’s vast collection of fashion and art books for items that spark creativity, saying, “Whether it’s a painting, a photograph, or a guide on vintage dresses, The Strand provides a rich source of inspiration for shopping.” Brooklyn Flea & Chelsea Flea, 80 Pearl St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 & 29 W 25th St, New York, NY 10010 Walton recommends the Brooklyn Flea and Chelsea Flea for a “leisurely weekend stroll,” recommending, “Arrive early to uncover the gems.” These vibrant markets are a treasure trove of eclectic finds, featuring everything from antiques and vintage clothing to artisanal crafts. Both offer a rich experience that turns every visit into a fun-filled hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces. BODE, 79 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013 Jenny Walton describes BODE as a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts. “With boutiques designed by Green River Project, including the original men’s shop, a women’s shop, and a vintage one-of-a-kind collection, it’s always exciting to see what new and unique pieces they have in store,” she says. BODE, founded by Emily Adams Bode Aujla, is an American luxury brand that blends modern workwear silhouettes with female-centric traditions of quilting, mending, and appliqué. Stella Dallas, 281 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 Walton raves about Stella Dallas, noting, “It’s a vintage haven I discovered a few years ago. Their selection of vintage dresses from the 1920s to the 1970s is exceptional, and they have an especially wonderful range of vintage white cotton petticoats.” Located in Brooklyn, Stella Dallas is known for its curated collection of vintage fashion, offering everything from elegant flapper dresses to mid-century styles. FD Gallery, 26 E 80th St, New York, NY 10075 Jenny Walton also recommends FD Gallery, saying, “This boutique on the Upper East Side is like a mini-museum of vintage and antique jewelry.” The gallery features exceptional 20th-century jewels from prestigious houses, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Bulgari, along with contemporary designs from Hemmerle and Viren Bhagat. Its diverse and meticulously curated collection makes it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted jewelry with a touch of historical elegance. |