Where to Eat During New York Fashion Week

Models themselves may not be intrinsically associated with eating (although there is Karlie Kloss & Chrissy Teigen), but food and fashion have become increasingly intertwined.  Just think of restaurants nowadays, with their painstakingly designed interiors and Instagram-baiting dishes — they’re less about appealing to down and dirty diners, than asserting themselves as places to see and be seen.  And that serves them especially well during New York Fashion Week (held from September 8th-15th this year), when the world’s most glamorous denizens descend, and seem in constant search of pre and post show soirees.  So if you’re looking to rub elbows with the fashion elite, we have a feeling you’ll find them at the following, impossibly chic spots.

La Sirena: Lord knows, there’s enough square footage in Batali and Bastianich’s new, Meatpacking District hotspot to quarter the entire industry.  So it only stands to reason that La Sirena is serving as a VIP aperitivo bar and lounge for the entirety of Fashion Week; offering complimentary wine and cocktails, plus passed bites, like Sweet Corn Arancini and Tomato Caprese Skewers from 3-5pm, to all assembled presenters, attendees and fans.
88 9th Ave., (212) 977-6096

The Polo Bar: Being that it’s owned by none other than Ralph Lauren (servers wear custom flannel trousers, leather wingtips and silk ties), Polo Bar became an instant gathering hub for fashion folk and New York glitterati when it opened last year.  And the menu is a perfect extension of Lauren’s timelessly elegant brand; featuring Crudite, Shrimp Cocktail, Caviar-topped Fingerlings, Chicken Paillard with heirloom tomatoes and Prime Filet Mignon.
1 E 55th St., (212) 207-8562

Miss Lily’s: Anna Wintour may have a bone to pick with Miss Lily’s (she resented the rowdy Jamaican joint opening right next to her West Village apartment), but that’s done nothing to deter its appeal to industry folk — you’ll find models, designers and editors reliably packing the place not just during Fashion Week, but throughout the entire year; chowing down on Jerk Chicken, Ackee Hummus and Escovitch Fish (or pretending to, at least).
132 W Houston St., (646) 588-5375

By CHLOE: This super photographable, 100% plant-based vegan eatery in the West Village is known to attract VIP’s like Anna Kendrick, Miley Cyrus, Sarah Silverman and model/actress Ashley Benson.  And you too can channel your inner celeb with dishes that sound decadent, but pose no threat to your hard-won figure; think tempeh-lentil-chia-walnut Burgers with beet ketchup, Quinoa Tacos made with spicy seitan, agave-lime vinaigrette and sweet corn, and Pesto Meatballs topped with cashew mozzarella and almond parmesan.
185 Bleecker St., (917) 743-5907

ACME: Ever since it transformed from a new Nordic spot under Mads Refslund, to a French/Italian bistro helmed by Brian Loiacono (try the scallop and cockle Spaghetti Arrabbiata and the Clams Casino with bone marrow), this NoHo stunner has become a veritable gallery of beautiful folk; outshone only by the collection of Chuck Close, Robert Longo, Jean-Kallina, and Julian Schnabel artwork on the walls.
9 Great Jones St., (212) 203-2121

Turnstyle NYC: Is your pup your favorite accessory? Swing by Columbus Circle’s subterranean food court and retail mecca, Turnstyle, on Tuesday, in order to scope out the runway show (and after party!) at furry couture shop, Dog & Co — then grab a bite at good-for-you boites like Blossom du Jour, Pressed Juicery and Ellary’s Greens.
1000 S 8th Ave, (646) 768-9224