The Ambassador Edit: We <3 NYC!

This year the 2022 WNWN Ambassadors come from near and far—but one thing they all share in common is a love for New York City (the home of 200 Lex)!  As we gear up for September 14^th—check out some of the things our Ambassadors consider “iconic New York” that continue to inspire them. Be sure to add them to you itinerary whether you are a local or visiting!  We can’t wait to see you at WNWN!

“I have always been inspired by New Yorkers themselves. The diversity in not only cultures but their interpretations of fashion within those cultures. If you take a moment to people watch, in any area, of NYC you will see so many different styles, colors and patterns.” – Byron Risdon

“The Chrysler Building!” – Kati Curtis of Kati Curtis Design

“My favorite design inspiration that screams iconic New York is Shelia Bridges. As a Black woman dominating the interior design industry for over 30 years, Shelia’s colorful and multi-layered interiors inspired the aesthetic of R J Clifton Designs, LLC. Her rising star inspires and motivates me as a Black designer to cross barriers and support the next generation of Black designers through our timeless designs and mentorship.” – Rhonnika J Clifton of RJ Clifton Designs

“I always love Grand Central station and that amazing zodiac ceiling!” – Danielle Rollins of Danielle Rollins Interiors

“Columbia University – McKim, Mead and White architecture always inspires!” – Audrey Margarite of Audrey Margarite Interior Design

“Harlem!” – Sherrell Neal of Sherrell Design Studio

“Having being born and raised in one of the largest cities in the world, along with my Caribbean background, I’ve been inspired by the infusion of culture that NY has to offer. From the people to the iconic architecture, New York is inspiration!” – Neecy Patton of Creative Re-Design

“Iris Apfel and the street fashion you see everywhere!” – Michelle Fahmy of House of Meeshie

The Upper East Side” –  Travis London of Studio London

“It’s hard to think of the built fabric of NYC without thinking of both Wallace Harrison and Emery Roth & Sons. Both architects built an enormous amount of beautiful modernist projects in the city and most passersby (as well as architects) are unaware of their influence. These projects are a beautiful manifestation of rationality of use, material explorations, and restrained form within strict confines. It’s admirable to have such prolific influence without name recognition, in a time where it feels like we are flooded with branded design!” – Kyle May, Architect

“New York provides an endless source for design inspiration both past and present. Truly, if you make the time and effort to walk within the city, you will inevitably stumble upon a new shop, a clever restaurant design, a beautiful limestone carving on an old townhouse. I think the Polo Bar Restaurant down to the restrooms and the Ralph Lauren Mansion on Madison often spark a sense of iconic New York to me. There is a sense of imagination and wanderlust in the visuals they offer. There is something for everyone among the changing seasons. A mix of vintage and modern, it does seem to represent the different sides of NYC. Curated and tidy at moments, but ripped and ragged at others. Nothing like the juxtaposition of cashmere paired with worn denim. Truly the definition of a lifestyle brand and I am happy to immerse myself in it when I find myself nearby.” – Ariella Dunker of Ariella Dunker Interiors

“The Carlyle Hotel’s Bemelman’s Bar” – Lindsay MacRae of  Lindsay MacRae Interiors

“Drake + Anderson” – Rasheeda Gray of Gray Space Interior Design

“I never get tired of visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I’m a big fan of the Temple of Dendur!” – Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors

“The Met” – Joy Williams of Joyful Designs Studio

“The Carlyle“ – Jennifer Hunter of Jennifer Hunter Design

“Iris Apfel is iconic New York, more is more!” – Alvin Wayne of Alvin Wayne Interiors

“It’s a tie! La Grenouille and Bemelmans Bar are two of my favorite establishments in all of New York. I’d say their glamour comes from overall ambiance than any specific design elements. If I had to attribute it to one thing in particular, I’d say it’s the lighting – they get it just right.” – Tara McCauley

“It’s impossible for me to walk the residential blocks of the city and not take note either mentally or photographically of the intricate ironwork and brick patterns that influence my design work” – Lee Melahn of Shaver Melahn

“Bemelman’s at the Carlyle, The Campbell Apartment at Grand Central, The Grill Room (formerly the Four Seasons). Hmm…..these are all bars.” – Lizzie Bailey of Story Street Studio

“The Met Cloisters” – David Frazier

“I’ve always loved the Whitney since I was a kid. The hub of such interesting and boundary pushing modern art. And now its a true destination in an iconic neighborhood.” – Danielle Colding of Danielle Colding Interior Design

“I had the privilege of meeting Albert Hadley quite a few times. He has always been my iconic NY design inspiration. His designs were inspirational, incredible, and timeless. The old world in which he lived and worked brings me back to the good old days and better times. He was such a fine gentleman.” – Evelyn Benetar of New York Interior Design

“I’m loving some of the new or re-visioned hotels around Manhattan like Park Lane and The Ned NoMad where there is a multi-sensory experience with layered textures but still very understandable spaces. The depth of the design feels soulful, connecting the past to the present.” – Rachael Grochowski of RHG Architecture + Design

“David Adjaye 130 William” – Everick Brown of Everick Brown Design

“Iris Apfel” – Noz Nozawa of Noz Design

“Le Coucou – my version of an iconic NY destination. The luxurious simplicity of the interiors and spectacular food make my heart sing. I have the absolute best time, every-time I dine.” – Michael Del Piero

“My favorite Design inspiration destination in New York is NYDC, naturally. Equally awesome is the Arlo Nomad rooftop for the incredibly dense, awe-inspiring views, and The Met Museum, namely the “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” exhibit.” – Leah Alexander of Beauty is Abundant

“My favorite design inspiration started with my Mother & Grandmother growing up. Our home was always beautiful and thoughtfully designed with custom drapery and upholstery. Today my inspiration is still drawn from those memories and fashion; textures, fabrics, and pattern play.” – Kelly Collier-Clark of Plot Twist Design

“Albert Hadley‘s work still inspires!” – Rayman Boozer of Apartment 48

“The Carlyle without a doubt!” – Meg Lonergan of Meg Lonergan Interiors

“Museums, the Met, Guggenheim, and Moma are my go-to for inspiration.” – Swati Goorha of Swati Goorha Designs