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British Airways transports the beautiful people

9th September 2009 Print
British Airways will be bringing the beautiful people to the capital for London Fashion Week.

As official airline of the event, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, British Airways will be flying in models, designers and the fashion fraternity from around the world, for a week of star-studded glamour and latest catwalk trends.

More information can be found on the official site: londonfashionweek.co.uk/britishairways

As the most exciting and dynamic event on the global fashion calendar, Fashion Week will be visiting two of the most thriving capitals - London (September 18-23) and New York (September 10-17) this autumn.

The airline is also helping visitors navigate their way around the cities with recommendations from its website Metrotwin.com. The travel site provides expert recommendations as it twins restaurants bars, shops and neighbourhoods in each capital.

Anya Driscoll editor of Metrotwin.com said: "Whether you want to mingle with fashionistas, eat with the A-listers or just be where the beautiful people are - Metrotwin.com shows you where to go to be in vogue in London and New York for Fashion Week."

The conclusive list of places is based on Metrotwin.com recommendations from its expert users. London hotspots are twinned with their New York counterparts to help visitors find their 'home from home' when in Rome!

New York

TAO (42 E 58th St)

Jay-Z and Beyonce are regulars at this popular Asian restaurant spread over three expansive floors. Have a drink at the bar, before being led to the main dining area overlooked by a towering 16 foot Buddha. A must visit for the fashion jet set.

Roka (37 Charlotte Street)

Upstairs is modern and slick with an electric buzz, while downstairs the cocktail lounge provides a more seductive and intimate setting. Roka has adapted well to the trend of 'grazing', so it's best to order a number of dishes to share. Brad and Angelina are among its celebrity clientelle.

Christian Louboutin (965 Madison Avenue) Get your fashion week 'kicks' with a visit to Louboutin. His shoes are worn by some of the most glamorous feet in the world and recognised immediately by their sexy red lacquered soles - an essential purchase for your front row seat at the catwalk!

Manolo Blahnik (49 Old Church Street)

Manolo demands a visit to any intrepid fashionista. This is not just any store - it's Manolo's flagship store, ensuring that the stock is entirely seasonal. None of the continuous lines are in store - making this a wonderfully creative shoeshop.

Fred Flare (131 Meserole Avenue)

The latest hipster apocalypse to hit New York. All the more reason to venture forth for gold studded biker cuff and creamy pink rose rings for just a few dollars.

Beyond the Valley (2 Newbrugh Street)

Set next to London's famous Carnaby Street, Beyond the Valley offers emerging designers a platform to showcase their work and test their designs. Rummage through the goodies to find one-off pieces or have a gander at their small gallery next door.

Opening Ceremony (35 Howard Street)

A curated collection of cool. This boutique outlet focuses on one fashion nation a year, creating a fresh collection from cutting edge designers who may not have had their due in the States.

London twins:

The Laden Showroom (103 Brick Lane)

Located in the heart of Brick Lane, The Laden Showroom sells clothes from fifty five independent designers. It's the place to go to find limited edition pieces you won't see anyone else wearing that could well be the next Alexander McQueen or Galliano!

Magnolia Bakery (401 Blecker Street)

Once you're done with the boutique stores of Greenwich Village (make sure Marc Jacobs is one of them), treat yourself to a cupcake at this cute bakery, made famous by those girls in Sex and the City.

Primrose Bakery (69 Gloucester Avenue)

Layer cakes, cupcakes and boxes of freshly iced buns are to be found at this North London bakery. And with surprisingly little notice, several boxes of freshly baked loveliness can be ready for pick-up or delivered to that after-party you're throwing!

The Bryant Park Hotel (40 West 40th Street)

With many of the fashion week shows held at Bryant Park, this is your ideal spot for a midtown base. The masculine Gothic-Revival exterior of this hip hotel gives way to a striking red reception, with soothing brown and lilac contemporary bedrooms and beautiful people always. The crypt-like DJ bar below is a buzzing location for post-catwalk cocktails.

The May Fair Hotel (Stratton Street)

As the official hotel of London Fashion Week, the legendary 5* Mayfair is the place to be. Whether you're after a serious cocktail in its stunning bar, or lounging in one of its signature ten suites, you'll be sure to rub shoulders with the beautiful people.

Mercadito (179 Avenue B, Btwn 11th & 12th)

Escape to Mexico at this popular neighborhood gem. Choose from a variety of soft tacos such as achiote marinated pork, chile costeño rubbed grilled chicken, or mexican oregano marinated skirt steak. An extensive tequila menu compliments the variety of authentic food choices. Just what you need after a hard day on the catwalk!

Wahaca (66 Chandos Place)

If you're in between shows at Fashion week, and need a local but good eaterie, then Wahaca just off The Strand is for you. The menu is pick 'n' mix street-food dishes and full-plate classics like enchiladas and burritos. Go for a little bit of everything topped off with a margarita sorbet complete with cheeky tequila kick.
The Russian Tea Room (150 West 57th Street)

For some high living opulence, be sure to visit TRTR - often compared to the inside of a Faberge Egg! Since 1927 it has been a landmark, serving a variety of teas and much more. Rumour has it that Madonna worked here as a waitress back in the day.

The Caramel Room - Berkeley Hotel (Wilton Place, Knightsbridge)

Where fashion imitates art. This delightful tea room serves designer cakes. If you go this summer, you'll find Stella McCartney floral tuile with mango and elderflower cremeux and Chanel stars and stripes strawberry and vanilla pannacotta with chocolate sunglasses. Terrific and calorific!

Soho House (29-35 Ninth Ave)

Models, designers, celebrities and media types flock to Soho House. With a rooftop bar, views across the Hudson, a heated swimming pool and divine restaruant, there's no reason to leave… but if you have to it's ideally situated in the fashionable Meatpacking district.

Shoreditch House (Ebor Street)

The outpost of the notorious Soho House in London's West End. It has fast become one of London's top spots. It's pretty exclusive though and you will need to get in with one of its members to gain entry. Once in, you won't be disappointed with it's terrific bar and amazing rooftop pool. Models? Take your pick!

The Rose Bar (2 Lexington Avenue)

The Gramercy Park Hotel is one of the city's most exclusive drinking spots and sure to be packed during Fashion Week. If you're drinking here, you're someone. Or, at least you'll be surrounded by someones. They don't even have a velvet rope, just a solitary bouncer by a glass door who quietly turns most patrons away. Don't even bother if you don't have a reservation.

Mahiki (1 Dover Street)

Mahiki is where the rich and beautiful collide.

A host of tropical creations designed to tempt and delight served in an elaborate Tiki style setting. Hand-made 'Princess' chairs, colourful Hawaiian cushions and hand-carved tiki figures give the illusion of some distant port of pleasure. Exlusive, hard to get into and a regular haunt for the fabulous and minor Royals.

For further information on these places, or for other recommendations, visit metrotwin.com.