My NY: Karen Walker's Fave FW Spots

Designer Karen Walker is certainly not a native New Yorker, and we're grateful for that! Based in New Zealand, Walker's far-flung home adds whimsical inspirations to the runway that some disenchanted local designers may lack. Nevertheless, considering the amount of adoration she receives in the City for her sweet, sixties-styled designs, she's definitely no stranger to NYC's hidden treasures. On the morning of her NYFW show, we think it's more than appropriate to get the low-down on Walker's top-spots for some Fashion Week respites. From Austrian art to artichokes, you'll definitely want to check these places out, even if you aren't showing a collection—just remember to rock your Karen Walker sunnies!



Here's 5 places the designer goes to to escape Fashion Week madness:


1. Neue Gallery: "A tiny gallery in a stunning townhouse. The collection is of the early 20th century German and Austrian art and obj´ts d'art with the main salon being home to Klimt's Adele Bloch-Bauer. But, the gallery's smaller treasures are also thrilling."


1048 Fifth Avenue (at East 86th Street); 212-628-6200





2. Raoul's: 'I like trying the newest spots in town, but Raoul's is one of those timeless restaurants in New York that I never tire of. I love Raoul's for its bulging-at-the-seams bar, its intimate booths, and its unforgettable artichoke vinaigrette.'

180 Prince Street(between Sullivan and Thompson streets); 212-966.3518




3. Steven Alan Annex: 'For the well-dressed two-and-a-half-year-old they make kidswear that's effortlessly cool and totally devoid of pink rabbits and blue trains.'

103 Franklin Street (near Church Street); 212-343-0692







4. Soho Grand Hotel: 'We hold our post fashion show drinks there every season. It's a classic.'


310 West Broadway (near Grand Street); 212-965-3000




5. The Andy Warhol Exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum: 'It's a must while I'm in the City for Fashion Week. They are showing a film that Andy did with Diana Vreeland that I need to see.'

200 Eastern Parkway (at Washington Avenue); Brooklyn; 718-638-5000