By: Gabriela Yareliz
Night fell on the Upper East Side. After a delicious raclette sandwich, we navigated the pockets of sidewalk ice and dark residential buildings.
We passed the new JP Morgan Chase building, which is stunning (like a monument to capitalism— it stands there with the biggest Christmas wreaths I have ever seen, ‘Happy New Year’ in every language on the wall and a giant American flag in the middle of the lobby. I digress.)
The Waldorf Astoria sits as a portal to old New York glamour.
The lights are bright, the carpet so lush we saw a woman break her heel on it. The plants are immaculate (and real), the velvet chairs are soft and the wooden details are all polished.
The restaurant is glitzy. The uniforms are pure glamour. It’s quiet and dim. It made me think of Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, and Cindy Adams.
Seeing so much perfection fills a person with wonder.
These orchid arrangements were stunning.
These elevators look like a retro tin.
The high ceilings are beautiful.
While we may not have the high ceilings or legendary piano— we can borrow some pointers from the stunning old NYC glamour restored.
Ways to Capture Old New York Glamour:
-Think soft and lush— blankets, robes, socks, rugs, towels, napkins.
-The toilet paper with the v fold.
-Aesop or some other lovely scented soap. Intentionality with the soaps.
-No bright overhead lights. Candles, twinkle lights, sconces.
-Wood and glass that shines. (No dust in sight).
-Frank Sinatra playlist playing.
-White florals and lush greens sprinkled throughout.
-Fashion is communication. (You can never go wrong with black). Some uniforms had sequins.
-Things are not loud or fast, but it’s quiet and slow.
-Maximalism in a minimalist way.
For more from the timeless and iconic restoration, check out the following:
Wishing you a shimmer of glamour as you start this year. ✨
GABRIELA YARELIZ 