New York, I Love You

“Let’s Vogue It” –– a little phrase emphasized and lived by the eccentric, brilliant actor and drama professional, Madeleine Potter, means fully releasing yourself into the fierceness, coyness and fire of the moment. Oftentimes, when you “vogue it,” the face of an iconic supermodel instantly pops into your head; the urge to try and emulate them takes over as you step into your power. Perhaps it's the natural glam looks of Kate Moss, the allure of Naomi Campbell, or the enchanting effect of Cindy Crawford that becomes your muse. No matter which look you choose, one thing that all these iconic ladies share is that they were the “faces” of New York City in the 1990s. 

Existing as the spotlight of Planet Earth, New York City in the 1990s was the aesthetic “center of the universe.” NYC truly was, and still is, a vibe of its own, existing in the sparkling area between life and dreams. It’s like a living, breathing entity, growing with time the same as a teenager who gradually takes on adulthood with a tube of red lipstick, some liquid courage and the yearning for self-discovery. The city was going through yet another renaissance and a large bout of social unrest during the ‘90s, and it had never been as aesthetically relevant as it was under the reign of its resident icons, including personalities such as Madonna, Winona Ryder and Mariah Carey. New fashion. New trends. A whole new persona transformed the city into an almost neon illusion. 

If places were personified, NYC was the ingénue becoming the femme fatale. It was the protagonist in a rebellious coming-of-age narrative. It’s the grunge, the drama, the edgy, the experimental — the home of the glitterati. The whole era was a glorification of fame and was oh so public, and yet the true heart of the city’s elite life was shrouded in mystery. The city had an underbelly, littered with hidden gems, dives and prime retail… So, if you’re looking to find the best place to dance on elevated surfaces and live within your perfectly curated Pinterest aesthetic, look no further. Here’s how to DO New York City like it's the 1990s. It’s time to dress, serve and strut like you’re already famous. 

WHEN KATE MET JOHNNY 

Kate Moss: heroin chic, a fresh face, a creative at heart. Johnny Depp: universal, eccentric, the typical “bad boy.” This collision would be still pop culturally relevant today — a union of shared famous friends, a partnership painted with scandal, a duo of extreme intrigue. One of the most iconic celebrity couples of all time… and they met in New York. Café Tabac, the legendary spot of the influential and hub for the dealings of white-collar illicitness, was the meeting grounds for one of the most prominent couples of the decade. The restaurant served as more than just a spot to get great fries; it was a social club for the icons of New York. Boasting regulars such as Madonna herself, the cafe had the ideal balance of bar to restaurant and was perfectly private. More intimate than a club and more palatable than a dance floor, the cafe was the great success of East Village native Roy Liebenthal. An article from theface.com shared quotes from frequent attendees that described not only the atmosphere, but some of the club’s culturally historic moments, such as a quote from gossip columnist AJ Benza who said, “Everybody was there. When you ask me who was there, it’s easier to say who wasn’t.” Also documented on theface.com is an account of the first meeting of Kate Moss and Johnny Depp from journalist George Wayne: “Kate walks in with Naomi, I remember one night, and Johnny Depp was sitting at the back of the restaurant having dinner with a few friends. I just grabbed her hand and took her back there. I said,  ‘Kate, this is Johnny. Johnny, this is Kate.” While stars like Moss have flourished with time, other’s legacies — notably Depp — have become ones marred with controversy and contention. While we can appreciate this era from an aesthetic viewpoint, we acknowledge that when rose-colored glasses are removed, there are deeper issues at hand. The Edge Magazine does not condone the actions of Depp and others in any form.

The cafe did more than introduce one A-lister to another; it also was a speakeasy, supermodel clubhouse, lounge and refuge of celebrity. It was almost as if there was a gravitational pull around it, attracting the biggest names to its doors: Liza Minelli, Valentino, De Niro, Naomi Campbell and Leonardo DiCaprio, just to name a fraction. While the bar closed in the East Village in 1997, you can still visit restaurants of its nature in NYC to get that glitzy, vintage vibe. Some restaurants we recommend adding to your city itinerary include the Polo Bar, where many of the regulars of Café Tabac have been spotted, and LAVO Italian Restaurant (a favorite of Mariah Carey). Just make sure you book in advance and bring extra change — they can be a bit on the pricier side. The socialite life is one of the whispered promises in bar corners and friendly handshakes across the table, and in NYC, you too can get a glimpse of the coveted madness. 

LET’S PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999 

It was a spectacle. The party scene was a freeing invention forged and beautified from the ashes of governmental failure and neglect. It was the openness, sense of liberation and self-expression that made the club scene in New York City the revolution that it was. Everyone mingled regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality or status — it was the music that attracted them. Just like there was a mix of people, there was a mix of styles, and the clubs were a place of experimentation not only in the musical sense but also stylistically, sexually and socially.  

If it were the 1990s, according to Blind Magazine, the nightclubs you’d want to add to your list would be the Tunnel, Roxy, Palladium, Club Expo and Webster Hall; these were the places where everybody –– from Wall Street brokers to drag queens, to musicians and movie stars –– would be spotted letting loose. Let the music guide you to your destination; whether your ear is pleased by techno or hip-hop, there is somewhere perfect for you. Sadly, many of these ‘90s hotspots are now closed, so instead, we recommend checking out Elsewhere in East Williamsburg (music styles: indie-rock, underground, Latinx party) and Avant Gardener in East Williamsburg (music styles: electronic dance). 

AND I’M SITTING ON A BENCH IN CONEY ISLAND…

A vibrant, picturesque postcard to a skeleton of metal and back again, Coney Island is one of the most iconic locations south of Brooklyn. So, it’s only fitting that NYC’s biggest supermodel icons were photographed having a chill day at the globally recognized amusement park. In a famous photo, models Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz and Stephanie Seymour were all spotted having a drink together while enjoying a day out at the park. Unlike some of the other pricier options, emulating your favorite icons at Coney Island is a much more doable and affordable option to add to your schedule. Just grab your favorite sun hat and best thrifted denim and head toward the amusement park for food, rides and live music — just make sure you avoid stopping by during the off-season. 

The Stomping Grounds

To close out, we’ve compiled a short list of Manhattan neighborhoods to visit like your favorite icons once did during your vacay, or perhaps as part of a stint in the Elon in NYC program. Whether it be for a quick hot dog or an Instagram story moment, we hope you find something of note in these celebrity-frequented locations. 

The East Village: birthplace of punk, popular spot to visit elite bars, artsy. If you’re looking for a piece of history, stop by McSorley’s Old Ale House, the oldest Irish saloon in NYC, to grab an ale (light or dark) and bask in the same upbeat energy that icon John Lennon once enjoyed. 

Gramercy: formerly home to the Gramercy Park Hotel, it was one of the most frequented spots by some of the world’s biggest musicians including The Clash and Madonna, complete with great views, and home to an arthouse vibe. 

The Upper East Side: upscale, oozing with style and posh. This neighborhood is filled with prime New York spots every visitor should witness. A blend of classic brownstones and cultural institutions, this district is home to Museum Mile, a stretch of Fifth Avenue containing the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), The Guggenheim and El Museo del Barrio. Definitely make the trip to the Met in your favorite trendy slip dress like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss did at the infamous Met Galas of the ‘90s, and take blushingly chic photos in front of the Monets and Van Goghs. 

Walking the streets of New York City is like walking through a museum — every street corner has a story and every alley has more secrets than most people. Traveling to the city is like seeing snow for the first time; it's indelible and feeds one's inner romanticism. Even if you're physically far away, New York is never gone because it's more than just a place, it’s a feeling — it's a state of mind. Wherever your travels lead you… New York, New York will always be ready to greet you as an old friend because it never really left you. 

So, XOXO for now. 

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