ELLE / Fashion guru Michael Kors's favorite hidden gems in New York!

Text/ KORA HSIEH photo/ GETTY IMAGES, DR., YU CHUNG CHAO

It’s hard not to love Michael Kors—because of his flawlessly optimistic outlook, his directness, and his warmth.

On the eve of New York Fashion Week, I unexpectedly got hold of a confidential list filled with restaurants and attractions in New York—all handpicked favorites of designer Michael Kors. This piqued my curiosity. I’ve interviewed Mr. Kors several times, and whether in writing or in person, he always patiently answered even the most detailed questions with incredible sincerity. But I had never truly understood the city loved by this New Yorker. This list was like a treasure map, guiding me through clues to piece together Michael Kors's true tastes. Let me borrow a line from Detective Conan: there's only one truth.

Spot 1. Legendary Bar—Bemelmans Bar

Given the bar’s mystique and legendary status, it was the perfect first stop on my quest to discover Mr. Kors’s favorite haunts. Tucked away inside the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the bar features classic Art Deco architecture. Since the 1930s, it has been a gathering place for high society—exclusive and hard to access. It’s so discreet that you have to walk through other bars in the hotel lobby just to get there. The other entrance, a narrow glass door, is adorned with photos of Jacqueline and Kennedy, subtly hinting at its prestige. The space is small, everything feels old-fashioned, with dim yellow lighting, faded walls, and an old carpet. There’s live piano music, and the bartenders are seasoned—but the walls are covered in fairy-tale-style doodles.

For high-society types, does such a refined drinking spot seem a bit too childlike? Turns out, Bemelmans Bar is named after illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. When the bar opened in 1947, the hotel made a deal with him: he would paint his most famous works, including scenes of Madeline and Central Park’s forest animals, on the walls and lamps—for free—in exchange for living in the hotel with his family for a year and a half.

As we sipped the bartender’s recommended Manhattan cocktail, listening to the stories of the bar accompanied by piano music, and admiring the seasonal paintings on the walls, I wasn’t surprised Mr. Kors liked this place. Coming from an upper-class family, he grew up immersed in his mother’s refined taste and elegance, and has close ties with celebrities from all walks of life. Most importantly, Mr. Kors still retains a childlike wonder, which fits the vibe of this bar perfectly. But the staff revealed that Mr. Kors rarely orders drinks—I think what he loves is the stories behind this place.

Bemelmans Bar
35 E. 76th St.

Spot 2. Hidden Gem Restaurant—I Sodi

The “Sodi” in the restaurant’s name is the surname of the owner. Rita Sodi, who doubles as the owner and head chef, showed up for our interview makeup-free and exuded the aura of a strong, capable woman. She said that before opening the restaurant, she had worked in New York for a while and missed the family meals her mother used to cook every Sunday. So, this restaurant serves dishes reminiscent of those family gatherings.

Located in New York’s West Village, the space is tiny. That day, she prepared Mr. Kors’s favorite pasta and appetizers for us. They looked quite ordinary, like home-cooked food, but the flavors were truly astonishing. I couldn’t stop wondering how the pasta, which contained neither meat nor vegetables, could have such layered flavors using just cheese. I think what Mr. Kors, who has tasted all kinds of delicacies, loves is this simplicity.

Rita shared one secret with me: although there are many olive oils in New York, she only uses the one she brings from her hometown in Tuscany—the flavor is completely different. She also mentioned that Mr. Kors doesn’t drink much. On that note, Mr. Kors himself gave me an answer: “Haha, because I always have to go to work early the next day.”

I Sodi Hidden Gem Restaurant
105 Christopher St.
www.isodinyc.com

Mr. Kors’s Inner Thoughts

This is the closest restaurant to my home. The owner, Rita, is amazing. I spent a long time in Italy and love Italian food. Truly great Italian cuisine comes down to using quality ingredients and simple cooking methods—just like when a designer gets a beautiful piece of fabric, they don’t overdesign and ruin the fabric’s natural beauty. That’s the genius of Italians—they know how to cook ingredients well. Many celebrities love this restaurant, but it’s very discreet, with no signboard, so people often walk right past without realizing it’s there. It’s like some of those hidden restaurants in Tokyo.

Spot 3. The High Line—New York’s Elevated Garden

Finding a moment of respite in fast-paced New York isn’t too difficult. Aside from Central Park, the hottest spot is the elevated High Line. This former elevated railway, which once connected to northern Manhattan, ran from 14th to 34th streets. It was abandoned in the 1980s and transformed into a park in 2009. It sits above the gallery district, overlooks the Hudson River, and passes through the historic Chelsea Meatpacking District—but nowadays, it’s virtually an arts hub, with fashion brands, studios, prop shops, and galleries all clustered here.

The High Line is like a walking path. After the railway was abandoned, wild plants began to grow here naturally, and various art installations pop up from time to time. It’s right next to the Hudson River, and there’s even an open-air stage where you can watch the flow of traffic from above—a refreshing experience you won’t get on the city’s busy streets. Locals often see Mr. Kors taking walks here. Frankly, I’d love to catch a glimpse of that too.

A friend in New York told me that in the past, wealthy New Yorkers didn’t take the subway but built private underground railways, which is why there are so many abandoned train tunnels. Now, the NYC government plans to convert some of these into the Low Line—an underground public space.

Mr. Kors’s Inner Thoughts

What I love about New York is how diverse it is—you see people of all ages, genders, and nationalities dressed in different styles. In any public space in the Big Apple, you can feel its unique vibe. At the High Line, you see lots of people, and you can explore New York from different perspectives. I often take walks here in the morning. Compared to the hustle of the noon hours, I prefer strolling in the morning, then stopping by a café for breakfast. In big cities, people rarely look up while walking, but on the High Line, you’re almost forced to glance upward and see the city from new angles.

Spot 4. Wyeth’s Antique Furniture Treasure Trove

From the outside, Wyeth looks like a cold gray building—but furniture enthusiasts will absolutely lose their minds here. The space resembles a giant warehouse, stacked floor to ceiling with furniture, decor, and lighting, often piled up in layers. Among the treasures are familiar vintage classics, all sourced from around the world. Walking around here feels like a thrilling treasure hunt. Staff at Wyeth say Mr. Kors visits often and has bought plenty of antique furniture. Though Wyeth also offers custom furniture, Mr. Kors told me he’s never tried that service—he only buys their antique pieces because they’re already perfect. I can imagine how much Mr. Kors must cherish these pieces with such soul.

Wyeth’s Antique Furniture Treasure Trove
wyethome.com
315 Spring St.

Mr. Kors’s Inner Thoughts

I love the vintage furniture here. This place has been around for over a hundred years. The beautiful Scandinavian designs and those classic 1970s white styles are just captivating. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth a visit just to look.

Spot 5. Peter Luger—Century-Old Steakhouse

This is a steakhouse with over a century of history. When it comes to eating steak in America, anyone will tell you this is the top destination. We arrived before the restaurant opened. Even though it was before business hours, a line had already formed outside the old wooden door—people waiting anxiously not to miss their reservation time. Even those without reservations hoped for a lucky spot. Through the window, I could feel the envious, almost jealous stares directed our way.

That’s no exaggeration. The restaurant manager showed me their annual reservation book—it was packed. The earliest available dinner slot is at least six months out. Inside, the ambiance is bright yet filled with old-world charm. The chefs, waitstaff, and even many regular customers are all quite seasoned. Like most upscale New York restaurants, you can have a drink at the bar while waiting. We were led to a window seat, where a mountain of sea salt bread awaited us. When the massive T-bone steak arrived sizzling, my heart raced. The tender texture and explosive juiciness in every bite, followed by thick slices of bacon served on the side, had me thinking: “Meat as a side dish? This meal is downright decadent.” But by then, we had surrendered to the calorie demon. Of course, we added cheese and ice cream afterward, and the waiter brought over a small pot of rich, thick chocolate sauce. This, I realized, is the old-school New York experience Mr. Kors loves—comfortable, raw, and unpretentious.

Peter Luger Century-Old Steakhouse
178 Broadway, Brooklyn
peterluger.com

Mr. Kors’ Inner Thoughts

Peter Luger serves the best steak in all of New York. They don’t accept credit cards, and most of the time the servers won’t even bother giving you a menu—but you don’t really need one. Basically, they only serve steak and lamb chops, with few other options, but the steaks here are truly beyond words. There’s also the shrimp martini and creamed spinach, both of which I absolutely love. When I was little, Williamsburg was a pretty dangerous neighborhood, but now, after being cleaned up, it’s full of shops and nothing like it used to be. I enjoy browsing antique stores in Williamsburg and on Fifth Avenue—these shops have a modern vibe. Then, head to Peter Luger for a meal to soak in some old-school charm. In Williamsburg, you can experience two very different atmospheres in one go. Remember, don’t wait for a menu—keep it simple.

Spot 6. Broadway

Broadway is a famous district in New York, but actually visiting it was more exciting than I had expected. There are quite a few dance schools around here, and this time, Mr. Kors specially picked a Tony Award-winning show for us: Cabaret. To be honest, I wasn’t familiar with it—I just knew it had been pretty popular in recent years. Previously, the Transformers actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested right after watching this play. Unlike long-running classics like Cats or Chicago, which are staged in big theaters and never close, Cabaret is performed in a small theater called Studio 54, nestled in an alley. It seats about a hundred people, and before entering, you walk through a classical corridor with crystal chandeliers. Before long, the place was completely sold out, and the waiters—bare-chested—moved between the seats serving drinks, all to match the bar-scene vibe of the show.

Cabaret tells the story of a 1930s German cabaret during the rise of the Nazis, focusing on the emotional struggle of an American writer and a German cabaret girl. The show starts off lively, and that’s one of the perks of a small theater—it allows for interaction between the performers and the audience. I was completely immersed in the singing, dancing, and the emotional ups and downs. But it wasn’t until I stepped out of the theater and was startled by the life-sized cast cutouts that I understood why Mr. Kors chose this particular show. Beyond the captivating story, the cast features a rare, limited-time combination: Alan Cumming as the male lead and Michelle Williams as the female lead. More recently, the role of the female lead has been taken over by Emma Stone. And this Studio 54 isn’t just a theater built in 1927—it was also the most famous disco of the 1970s, the very same Studio 54 where Andy Warhol, Woody Allen, and Bianca Jagger (who even rode a horse inside) partied all night long. Visiting such a historic hub of trends made me, someone who never experienced the 1970s, feel genuinely moved.

Broadway
254 West 54th Street

Spot 7. Mr. Kors’ Mysterious Office

Exploring Mr. Kors across Upper Manhattan, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan was a fun adventure. At every stop, I felt I was getting to know a bit more about his inner world. Unfortunately, aside from the day of the fashion show, I didn’t run into him at any location—understandable, given how packed a designer’s schedule is during Fashion Week. But this also gave me the chance to visit the Michael Kors office building and step into his office for a face-to-face encounter.

This building shares some keywords with the places Mr. Kors loves: old, classic, and full of charm. After the fashion show, we got up close with the latest collection here, examining the materials, cuts, and craftsmanship, thinking about which pieces might set trends next season. I fondly recalled what he said during an extremely private preview session before the show: “Everyone who knows me knows how optimistic I am. Thinking about spring and summer makes me feel like it’s a season of rebirth, especially in this crazy world with Ebola and ISIS. Fashion can bring optimism to people.”

Of course, Mr. Kors’ office is very private. Before the interview, the staff and I had to pass through several rooms, winding through a long, narrow corridor, even getting lost a few times, before finally reaching his office. It’s bright and spacious, adorned with some artwork. After days of interviews, Mr. Kors remained warm and welcoming, sharing even more of his love for the city with ELLE.

Mr. Kors’ Mysterious Office
11 W 42nd St.
www.michaelkors.com

More of Mr. Kors’ Inner Thoughts

ELLE: How did you feel after the fashion show?

Kors: I’m really happy everyone loved the show. It’s like having a baby—you’re just so glad the baby is born healthy and happy.

I believe every woman has a romantic side, but life isn’t romantic every day. So this time, I chose the most optimistic moment of the last century—the 1950s, seen as a rebirth era after World War II. It was a time when feminism was on the rise, and people became more optimistic. In this fast-paced, busy urban life, women pair exaggeratedly flared skirts with men’s shirts, or semi-sheer skirts with men’s outerwear—just like the women of the 1950s, who remained beautiful even while sweating through their work.

A Little Spot to Explore – Rao’s

A Southern Italian restaurant in Harlem, open since 1896, has won over the taste buds of stars like Tom Cruise and Madonna. Famous for being hard to book and its Italian meatballs, but what’s really unique is that it’s closed every weekend. But I imagine booking a table isn’t too hard for someone like Mr. Kors, who’s a celebrity.

Rao's
455 E 114TH St.

A Little Spot to Explore – Sant Ambroeus
A chain of dessert shops, originally opened in the Upper East Side. Most famous for its chocolate dome cake, fruit tarts, and specialty ice cream. The atmosphere is very warm.

Sant Ambroeus
1000 Madison Avenue

A Little Spot to Explore – MoMA
An abbreviation for Museum of Modern Art, it’s a very important contemporary art museum in New York. Since its completion in 1939, it has been the starting point of New York’s modern art movement. What’s special is that it’s not just about art—MoMA also houses many master-designed pieces and has been a major driving force behind the industrial design boom of recent decades.

MoMa
11 West 53 St.


*This article is reported by ELLE Taiwan. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.*

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