There’s nothing like a week in New York City to reset my creative energy. The city is electric, layered with history, style, and some of the best inspiration if you know where to look—specifically up. Every time I’m in town, I remind myself to lift my gaze past the street-level chaos and take in the architecture. Some of my favorite details are hidden in the tops of buildings—ornate carvings, Art Deco embellishments, and intricate ironwork that feel like little secrets left behind by another era. There’s something about that mix of history and modernity that always sparks new ideas. There is NO place like the city.
Of course, no NYC trip is complete without a stop at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. These are more than just stores to me—they’re institutions of style. At Bergdorf’s, I discovered a new niche fragrance that I’m completely obsessed with: Blanche Bête by Liquides Imaginaires. It’s the kind of scent you can’t quite place but can’t forget—creamy, musky, a little hypnotic. Bergdorf’s fragrance section is a treasure trove of niche luxury perfumes that feel like wearable works of art.
For dinner, and I must admit, the highlight of my trip, dinner at Rao’s, which is hands down my favorite restaurant in the world. If you know, you know—this East Harlem institution is almost impossible to get into, but it’s worth the effort. When I lived full time in New York I looked forward monthly to this, since moving to Miami, I miss it oh so much. My go-to order? Linguine with clams. Simple, perfect, and exactly the kind of meal that reminds me why classic dishes are timeless.
The weather gave me the perfect excuse to pull out one of my favorite pieces: a patent leather rain jacket from AllSaints. Chic, functional, and just the right amount of edge. I also whipped out my massive sky-high Saint Laurent platform boots that give me an extra 4 inches (which is very welcome on my end). And of course, being back in my all-black NYC uniform felt like slipping into my natural habitat. After months of Miami’s bright, airy aesthetic, there’s something grounding about returning to sharp tailoring, leather, and the effortless cool that comes with head-to-toe noir.
One of my favorite parts of this trip? Walking through the Upper East Side and Central Park. There’s nothing like strolling through those quiet, tree-lined streets—townhouses with perfectly manicured façades, wrought iron gates, the occasional glimpse into a warm-lit brownstone. It’s the kind of beauty that feels effortless, but you know every detail was considered. That’s exactly how I approach design, and this trip gave me a fresh dose of inspiration for a few new Dara Kaye jewelry pieces coming soon.
Until next time, New York. See you shortly, of course.
xDara
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