The Big Apple is famous for many things: The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Broadway and much more. It’s a seemingly endless list. But for fashion enthusiasts, New York can offer a very special but different kind of trip. Long regarded as the fashion capital of America, there’s nowhere like it for fashionistas across the pond. Here’s where you should visit.
Fifth Avenue
No fashion-inspired trip to New York would be complete without a stroll down Fifth Avenue. This famed shopping strip stretches from Washington Square Park all the way through the heart of NYC.
Some of the most prestigious brands are clustered between 49th and 60th Streets, under the dominant skyscrapers of Manhattan. Here, you’ll find iconic high-end stores such as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Whether you’re window shopping or splashing the cash, New York holidays including a journey down Fifth are experiences you’ll never forget.
Garment District
Between Sixth and Ninth Avenues and 34th and 42nd Streets, you’ll find the Garment District. This is where New York’s fashion and design magic happens. A visit here showcases a neighbourhood filled with showrooms, fabric stores and design studios.
Although there are shopping opportunities, a trip through the Garment District is a walk back in time with the Fashion Walk of Fame, honouring icons like Diane von Furstenberg and Calvin Klein, and other nods to the city’s creative heritage.
If you’re lucky, you might spot today’s designers at work, developing their next collections for the American and global markets.
Fashion Institute of Technology Museum
For a deeper dive into the industry, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has New York’s only museum dedicated entirely to fashion.
The FIT Museum is a treasure trove of historical and contemporary garments, accessories and textiles. Its rotating exhibitions cover everything from 18th-century fashion to modern designers like Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent.
Admission is free, making the museum a must-see for any visitor interested in the evolution of style. Over 50,000 garments and accessories remain in its permanent collection, providing inspiration and insight into fashion’s past, present and future.
Artists & Fleas in Chelsea Market
If you’re after a more raw, down-to-earth fashion experience, Artists & Fleas in Chelsea Market is the place to be.
Located in the vibrant Chelsea neighbourhood of New York, you’ll find a variety of independent designers, vintage sellers and artisans showcasing unique pieces you won’t find in traditional shops. It’s a far cry from the luxury shops you’ll find on Fifth Avenue – but that’s what makes it special.
Whether it’s handmade jewellery, vintage denim or locally crafted accessories, Artists & Fleas is ideal for finding one-of-a-kind items. The market’s atmosphere is lively and engaging, with a rotating selection of vendors, meaning you’ll find something new on each visit.