What to do
While promoting her star-making film Crazy Rich Asians, Gemma Chan was widely praised for championing Asian designers at the many stops along her tour. When she returned to the city for New York Fashion Week, her show of support propelled herself — and CRA co-star Awkwafina — to front row seats at Nepalese-American designer Prabal Gurung’s spring 2019 show.
Get your fix of Gurung’s vibrant designs by visiting his newly opened flagship store on 367 Bleecker Street (prabalgurung.com) before taking a stroll along the nearby High Line, the elevated public park that is one of Chan’s favourite spots on the West Side (thehighline.org).
Where to stay
Chan first stayed at the Gramercy Park Hotel during a trip to the Big Apple in 2015, following in the footsteps of Hollywood royalty (Humphrey Bogart), political royalty (John F Kennedy) and rock royalty (the Rolling Stones) (gramercyparkhotel.com).
The aesthetic of the hotel, the result of a creative collaboration between boutique hotelier Ian Schrager and artist Julian Schnabel, is opulent and sensual, providing a lavish hideout for its residents. Guests are also granted access to the only private park in Manhattan, after which the hotel and neighbourhood are named; Chan calls it “a real oasis in the city”.
Where to eat and drink
New York’s skyline is best enjoyed from above, with Chan savouring her snacks and sundowners at rooftop bar Gallow Green, atop the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea. The garden is currently under renovation but you can still enjoy the space while eating at the Illusionist’s Table, a fine dining experience hosted by illusionist Scott Silven, or taking in an award-winning interactive theatre production of Macbeth called Sleep No More (mckittrickhotel.com).
