Tag: manhattan

Categories
Fashion Industry News NYC

Nolcha Shows NYFW Nods to American Themes in SS2022 Presentation

Fashion is Back

A beautiful sunny day made for a welcoming beckon into New York City for fashion week. It seemed as though Mother Earth was, too, celebrating the return of the beloved event like the rest of us. Sunday, September 12th marked the return of Nolcha Shows – the award-winning fashion event held during New York Fashion Week for independent fashion brands.

American Spirit at Fashion Week

The show nodded to the themes of Americana and patriotism that are emanating from the big apple this week, with the 20th remembrance of the American tragedy 9/11, a Met Gala theme appropriately titled “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”, and an almost complete return to American life and tradition after the pandemic. Fashion Week, and this show, in particular, was surely an indicator of the latter. Cheers swelled from the crowd when Nolcha Co-Founder Arthur Mandel stood before them, acknowledging that the shows were finally back after two years. 

The show began with a performance of the national anthem from the beautiful voice of Army spouse Deidra Lee Stubbs. Over the loudspeaker played the American classic, “Old Time Rock & Roll” by Bob Seger during the opening looks. Sitting front row was not only Miss USA and Miss Universe, but also a group of women deservingly recognized for their contribution to the safety of the country: military spouses. Nolcha Shows and in partnership with InstaSleep Mint Melts routinely recognizes these women as highly deserving individuals who sacrifice so much to be a part of the framework of the military and behind-the-scenes heroes. 

Miss USA  Asya Branch and Miss Universe Andrea Meza at Nolcha Shows NYFW 2021

 

Nolcha Shows NYFW Presented the Following Fashion Brands at the SS2022 Show: 

KavenLiu DIMOR 

The looks at KavenLiu DIMOR floated down the runway in silky blues, whites, and shades of shiny black. The collection, centered around the celebration of the female form married with elements of structure and architecture, made for delicious juxtaposition and an understanding of women’s bodies. The flattering silhouettes were complemented by what they were made up of: silk, hemp, and cotton.

Photo by Jess Lugo
Nolcha Shows NYFW Spring Summer 2022
KAVENLIU DIMOR
KAVENLIU DIMOR
KAVENLIU DIMOR

 

KOREANO

The looks at KOREANO showed versatility, playfulness, and sophistication. Deep burnt oranges and antique patterns hinted at a potential for 70s inspiration. Different iterations of the little black dress revealed a keen understanding of what women seek to wear, no matter the occasion. The modern woman is sure to find her ideal look in this collection alone.

Photo by Jess Lugo
Nolcha Shows NYFW Spring Summer 2022
KOREANO
KOREANO
KOREANO

 

KLOVA

Minimalism is KLOVA’s middle name, and this collection was a signifier of just that. This collection in particular, centered looks around two legs. Long flowy pants and jumpsuits swooshed around ankles in a beautiful display of exquisite tailoring and textile choice. Comfort, grace, and peace were all celebrated elements in this KLOVA collection.

Photo by Jess Lugo
Nolcha Shows NYFW Spring Summer 2022
KLOVA
KLOVA
KLOVA

 

The 5th Season

Inspired by birdlike elements, The 5th Season got playful this season with patterns, unique textures, and explorative jewelry. Complementary blues and oranges made the collection contrast yet unify in a delightful manner. Tailored garments were crafted exquisitely and with precision. The 5th Season proved their collection to be born from rebirth, elegance, and freedom.

Photo by Jess Lugo
Nolcha Shows NYFW Spring Summer 2022
THE 5TH SEASON
THE 5TH SEASON
THE 5TH SEASON

 

The above collections were complemented by stunning jewelry from Calista and Ashton Jewelry. Diamonds poured off of earrings, eyeglasses, and necklaces and dusted the shoulders of those strutting the catwalk. Stunning pearls dropped down from ears. Golden rings glittered at waistlines.

The show wrapped and patrons exited jubilantly and with a distinct satisfaction. Fashion is back – and better than ever – and New York couldn’t be happier.

For more on Nolcha Shows from Downtown, click here.

Categories
Featured NYC

Downtown Highlights: Classic Harbor Line

Classic Harbor Line's Full Moon

Somewhere, beyond the sea, Classic Harbor Line waits for thee.

Welcome back to Downtown Highlights, the series in which we take the opportunity to “highlight” businesses in NYC, like Classic Harbor Line – your one-stop (shop? or should we say port?) for seeing the city you love from the water.

After a tumultuous year and a half or so, it is important for us at Downtown to make sure that we’re serving the places that are serving us.

Classic Harbor Line owns a fleet of nine stunning vessels, designed by Scarano Boat Building of Albany, New York. These floating pieces of history call the east coast home. Hop on a Classic Harbor Line yacht in Boston, Massachusetts; Manhattan, New York; Newport, Rhode Island, and Key West, Florida.

Tours specialize in ticketed cruises and private charters, fit for guests and locals alike. Experience a sail as you’ve never experienced before on the luxuriously comfortable yachts that feature teak decks, mahogany trim, and carbon fiber rigging.

We at Downtown magazine had the pleasure of joining Captain Greg Freitas of Full Moon and Captain Sarah Pennington of America 2.0 on the two yachts for our Downtown Highlights series.

The first yacht we had the pleasure of visiting was Full Moon at Brookfield Place’s North Cove Marina in Manhattan. She’s a 65 foot fully restored 1950 classic yacht complete with full bar services, a full-service galley, and catering. We sat down with Captain Greg in her saloon to chat about Classic Harbor Line and his career as a yachtsman. “OLD SALT” fittingly read his cap as he gave anecdotal details of his experienced life on the water.

Over at The Chelsea Piers Marina, we paid a visit to America 2.0. She’s a 105 Feet LOA and a tribute to the first Schooner America — the winner of the very first America’s Cup in 1851. She’s a class act, complete with comfortable seating and bar service, and an open salon below featuring a full-service galley and two heads. Captain Sarah’s invitingly sat with us and gave us America 2.0’s history and her own.

Set sail yourself with Classic Harbor Line or take a walk along the esplanade to watch their stunning ships.

Bon Voyage!

For more Downtown Highlights, click here

Categories
Featured NYC Restaurants

Downtown Highlights: Dough – Dough-Not Miss This!

You Dough-Not Want to Miss These Doughnuts

This time on Downtown Highlights, we visited Dough, a brioche doughnut shop. Dough started as a small shop in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Their popularity quickly grew, encouraging the opening of more shops across New York City. Now, Dough has seven locations including Flatiron, Brooklyn, Rockefeller Center, Astoria, Urbanspace Vanderbilt, City Kitchen, and Smorgasburg.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Vicky Pantazi, the manager of the Flatiron Dough location. When asked what makes Dough special, Pantazi said without hesitation that it’s the dough.”It’s very fluffy, it’s very soft, and that’s what makes us unique” Pantazi stated. All doughnuts at Dough are made fresh in small batches daily to ensure that all customers only receive the best.

Dough has vegan options as well. Vegan options include Vegan Plain Glaze, Vegan Cinnamon Sugar, Vegan Hibiscus Glaze (Seasonal), and Vegan Blood Orange (Seasonal). Even though these options are vegan, the dough is still really soft and fluffy. We tried the Vegan Cinnamon Sugar doughnut off-camera and fell in love with it. We couldn’t even tell that this doughnut was made solely with vegan ingredients!

 

The Taste Test – Hibiscus Glazed Doughnut

Since Dough has not yet developed a line of gluten-free doughnuts, Sam came out from behind the camera to do the taste testing instead. She decided to try the Hibiscus Glazed doughnut. This flavor is available year-round. The bright pink glaze on this doughnut was so eye-catching, she couldn’t resist.

The doughnut was as delicious as it was beautiful. The dough was soft and fluffy, just as Pantazi had described. The pink glaze was sweet and smooth, and of course, strongly tasted like hibiscus. The glaze is made fresh in the kitchen by cooking down hibiscus flowers. No wonder it tasted so fresh!

The next time you are looking for some breakfast to start your day with, check out Dough. You won’t regret it! For the last Downtown Highlights episode, click here.

 

Categories
Entertainment Lifestyle Living NYC

Summer Date Ideas in New York City 2021

Photo by Joanna Nix from Unsplash

It’s about to get romantic

Have you been searching for some new summer date ideas in New York City? Well, we’ve got you covered! Here are our picks for romantic summer dates in New York City.

Coney Island

Image by Guusje Weeber on Unsplash

For a fun-filled day with your significant other, visit Coney Island. Complete with rides, a beach, and shops, there are fun activities that all couples will enjoy. Also, while you’re here be sure to visit Nathan’s Hotdogs. Founded in 1916, the original Nathan’s Hotdogs is on Surf Avenue in Coney Island. These all-beef hotdogs have built a reputation, making them a famous staple of the Coney Island experience. A trip to Coney Island is the perfect date for a sunny summer day.

Classic Harbor Line Cruises

Manhattan Photo by Classic Harbor Line

How about a late-night cruise on the Hudson River? With Classic Harbor Line, you can go on relaxing cruises while enjoying the beautiful sights of the city including the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and Ellis Island. One of our favorite tours is the Jazz Cruise, a 1.5-hour cruise complete with live, talented jazz musicians. This cruise is aboard the Manhattan, a stunning 1920s style yacht. A night on the water with Classic Harbor Line is most definitely a night to remember. 

Museum of Modern Art

Image by Alex Palmer on Unsplash

Otherwise known as the MoMA, this popular museum is the perfect summer date to escape the heat. Featuring modern and contemporary art, the MoMA is open from 10:30 am-5:30 pm Sunday-Friday and Saturday 10:30 am-7:00 pm. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $14 for full-time students with ID. 

Rooftop Reds

Image by Rooftop Reds

Calling all wine-loving couples: Rooftop Reds is the perfect date for you! Located on 299 Sands Street, Building 275, Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds is the world’s first rooftop vineyard. This vineyard makes around 20-25 cases of wine every year. This is a romantic rooftop date you won’t want to miss this summer.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Image by Yasir Eryilmaz on Unsplash

For a romantic escape into nature in the heart of Brooklyn, plan a date at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden! This 52-acre garden was founded in 1910. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden has over 14,000 taxa of plants. Admission is $18 each for adults and $12 for seniors 65 and up and for students with IDs. 

Tokyo Record Bar

Image by Tokyo Record Bar

If you and your significant other are looking for a unique date in the city, you definitely should check out Tokyo Record Bar. Tokyo Record Bar describes itself as “an underground listening room dedicated to quality and obsession through music, food, and booze.” In order to enter this lounge, you need to walk through Air’s Champagne Parlor. 

Tokyo Record Bar does two seatings a night, Monday through Saturday. Once seated, guests are given a song list and a drink menu. Tokyo Record Bar has a large variety of genres of music so everyone can find something they like. The song requests are handed to the DJ who then will then make the playlist for the night and sometimes add some more songs of their choice. Guests will also receive a seven-course tasting menu, complete with various traditional Japanese snacks and food. To experience a taste of Japan from New York City, Tokyo Record Bar is the perfect date.

Dreamland Roller Rink

 

Image by Dreamland Roller Rink

For a summer date that will send you back to the age of disco, visit Dreamland Roller Rink with your significant other! This themed roller skating rink encourages visitors to journey to the past by coming in retro costumes. MCs and DJs will narrate this spectacular night of disco. Dreamland Roller Rink also hosts themed parties, so that each visit is unique. Dreamland Roller Rink is a must-visit this summer for a unique and unforgettable date night.

Jetty Jumpers Jet Ski Tours

Image by Jetty Jumpers

If you and your significant other are looking for some adventurous summer date ideas, you should definitely check out Jetty Jumpers’ jet ski tours. These exciting tours are about three hours long. While jet skiing, you will see some of New York City’s most prominent landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower, and more. This is the perfect date for adventurous couples who want a day out on the water.

Color Factory

Image by the Color Factory

The Color Factory is the perfect date for couples looking for a unique experience and a lot of photo opportunities. The Color Factory is an art exhibit that revolves around the beauty and varying palettes of color. Each room is a different experience of color and encourages guests to embrace their imagination and creativity. The Color Factory is an experience unlike any other, the perfect date to escape into air conditioning. In addition, all summer you can visit Eataly Downtown and Color Factory’s collaboration.

Bryant Park Movie Nights

Image from the Bryant Park Corporation Website

Bryant Park movie nights are back this summer, the perfect romantic date under the stars. Admission to these movies, are free. The concession stands open at 5:00 pm and the movie starts at sundown. The movie schedule can be found on the Bryant Park website. If you and your significant other are movie buffs looking for a romantic movie night, be sure to check out Bryant Park movie nights this summer.

 

For more New York City date ideas, click here

Categories
Culture Entertainment Featured Music NYC Theater

Jenna Chrisphonte Joins The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center

Jenna Chrisphonte Joins The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center
PAC

Welcoming Jenna Chrisphonte as Director of Civic Alliances

As of July 6, The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center welcomed its new Director of Civic Alliances, Jenna Chrisphonte. She will work under the leadership of the theater’s Artistic Director Bill Rauch and President Leslie Koch. Chrisphonte will serve as the liaison between the PAC and “community-based organizations, NYCHA residents, community boards, immigrant groups, marginalized populations, cultural institutions, and elected officials”, according to a press release.

Support from Artistic Director Bill Rauch

“I am so thrilled to welcome Jenna to our team, given the vast experience, passion, and energy that she brings to this new role,” said Rauch. “The work of the Director of Civic Alliances is core to our mission of making connections between artists and communities from across all five boroughs of New York City.”

Chrisphonte’s new leadership is not the only change being made at the PAC. The theater, located at the World Trade Center, is under renovation. The improved establishment “will celebrate life and humanity, redefining Lower Manhattan as a cultural destination and serving as a living testament to the power of the arts to inspire and unite,” according to the statement.

President Leslie Koch Cheers Her On

“The PAC aspires to be a shared space for neighborhood residents and workers in Lower Manhattan, New Yorkers from throughout the city, and visitors from around the world,” said President Leslie Koch. “Jenna will be building relationships well before we open, introducing our new center to the city and world.”

Much like Chrisphonte, the PAC will match the energy in versatility and will create and present performance in many forms. It will be a sanctuary for dance, music, and chamber opera.

Chrisphonte was born in Haiti and got her education in New York City’s public schools. Her impressive background is multifaceted. It begins with her B.A. and J.D from the University at Buffalo, and branches into her experience as director of community engagement at the Dramatists Guild of America. She also served as the Assistant District Manager at Manhattan Community Board 4 and worked at the Consulate General of Canada in New York City. She now resides in Douglaston, Queens.

 

Jenna Chrisphonte Joins The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center
Jenna Chrisphonte Director of Civic Alliances

 

“It is an honor to join the PAC, said Jenna Chrisphonte. “Helping New York foster new relationships and opportunities to come together in peace and art is a privilege that I am excited to share with everyone.”

For additional information, visit theperelman.org.

For more from Downtown on happenings about town, click here.

Categories
Entertainment Featured Music NYC

Downtown Q&A: Seth Kessel

Seth Kessel by Shervin Lainez

Seth Kessel

Meet Seth Kessel, the rising rockabilly artist we’ve been craving since the dawn of icons like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison. Kessel marries a modern sound with this nostalgia for yesteryear. Having been a band member, producer, and studio engineer, he is a true musical veteran, and now he’s started his own band. Kessel just dropped his latest album, “Ride on Through”. Leading up to his record release with Gotham Easy at Berlin on July 17th, we had a chat with him about his career, inspiration, and everything in between.

Join Seth Kessel and Gotham Easy on July 17th at 9 pm at Berlin on 25 Avenue A, NYC 10009.

Downtown: Who/What are some of your major musical influences?
Seth Kessel: Some of my influences include Chuck Berry, The Misfits, Johnny Cash, and Tom Petty. I’m also really attracted to artists from various genres that have a “rawness” to them.

DT: This isn’t your first rodeo with music. You’ve been in the industry for a while, as a band member, a producer, and a studio engineer. What made you move toward being a solo artist?
SK: It wasn’t really a conscious decision, I’ve always written songs, and starting my band was just something I sort of gravitated towards that felt right.

DT: Through listening to your music, it is clear that there is this sense of nostalgia for classic, rockabilly style music. What made you want to put more of this vibe back out into the world?
SK: I’ve been heavily influenced by a lot of the original purveyors of rock and roll and it filtered through these songs. With that being said, these songs have one foot in the present time lyrically and emotionally.

DT: What sets your album, “Ride on Through” apart from other work that you’ve done before?
SK: “Ride on Through” is the most legitimate record I’ve made so far in my career. I’m a control freak and had never felt comfortable giving so much freedom to someone else working on my songs. My producer Steve LaRosa, made this record cohesive.

DT: We love that you’re a Brooklyn native. Has your birthplace saved as a vessel of inspiration for you?
SK: I believe everyone’s hometown influences them whether they realize it or not. Being in Brooklyn, I was able to have the freedom to attend Punk shows and be exposed to many environments that most people who don’t grow up in New York aren’t.

DT: What do you love most about NYC? Where is your favorite spot to perform?
SK: What I love most about NYC is the people. You never know who you’re gonna meet and NYC has all walks of life here. My favorite spot to perform would be Skinny Dennis in Williamsburg.

DT: If you could travel back in time, and perform with an idol of yours, who would it be?
SK: Bad Brains. I think they’re the greatest band of all time.

Join Kessel and Gotham Easy on July 17th at 9 pm at Berlin on 25 Avenue A, NYC 10009.

Can’t make it? Listen to “Ride on Through” here.

For more Downtown Q&A, click here.