Experience Fashion Week: An Insider’s Guide to the Best Cocktails and Venues

Fashion Week is more than just about showcasing the latest trends on the runway; it’s an exhilarating reunion of the industry, packed with vibrant gatherings and meaningful conversations. This year’s Fashion Week perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the scene, and having the right drink in hand can elevate your experience. Enter SEVENTY ONE Gin, an extraordinary spirit that bridges the unique atmospheres of New York, London, and Paris. In celebration of this global event, SEVENTY ONE Gin presents "Gin à la Mode," an immersive experience that takes you on a stylish nocturnal tour through each fashion capital. Here’s your Insider’s Guide to navigate these trends with a cocktail in hand.

New York: Embrace the Urban Pulse

In the hustle and bustle of New York, the energy is palpable. SEVENTY ONE’s founder, Mert Alas, describes it perfectly, stating, “Fashion Week always feels like a rush of youth and diversity.” Kick off your evening at Fasano Fifth Avenue with a classic 71 Golden Martini, the epitome of understated luxury. The ambiance here is discreet yet powerful, attracting investors, tastemakers, and the elite. If you’re feeling adventurous, head downtown to The Mercer, a mythical lobby known for its buzzing atmosphere. Enjoy a drink before making your way to a late-night dinner at SubMercer, where the allure of off-schedule designers mingles with the trendsetters of the industry.

As the night progresses, duck into Midnight Blue, a haven of soft jazz and luxurious velvet seating. This spot is perfect for allowing you to recharge between shows. Don’t miss out on Printemps, a cocktail haven, or the classic charm of Jac’s in the East Village, where designers and bartenders alike share sophisticated cocktails. For those seeking a surreal experience, Undercote, buried beneath the Michelin-starred Cote, offers a dreamlike setting to soak in the magic of Fashion Week.

Dining Among the Elite

When it comes to dining, Ella Funt features a cabaret vibe that makes it a hotspot for models and editors alike. Candlelit chaos unfolds around you as you sip your favorite concoction. For something a little more high-end, Zuma delivers an exhilarating atmosphere with sushi delights, while the decadence of Vinile Italian Chophouse combines late-night music with luxurious dining options — ideal for night owls in search of indulgence.

If you’re looking for after-hours destinations, SubMercer continues to reign as a hidden gem, while Zero Bond offers a polished escape for the modern elite. For something more electrifying, Nexus is a futuristic venue that promises secrecy and high energy, whereas Sloane’s inside The Manner serves as a chic, insider bar frequented by the stylish crowd.

London: The Enigmatic Soirée

Venture across the Atlantic to London, where Mert Alas reveals that every night is an adventure. Start your evening at the Donovan Bar in Mayfair, a celebrated space replete with velvet banquettes and the perfect setting for martinis. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of renowned mixologist Salvatore Calabrese in action. Another iconic venue returning this Fashion Week is the Chiltern Firehouse, a stylish setting where editors and models congregate, reuniting in a vibrant courtyard atmosphere.

For a dash of grandeur paired with a contemporary edge, The Maine combines exquisite dining with an electric nightlife, while Mr Porter offers a steakhouse experience come alive with sophisticated service. If you’re searching for an awe-inspiring backdrop, Shanghai Me offers an upscale atmosphere ideal for networking or quiet dinners.

Keep the momentum alive by stopping by the Edition lobby, where cocktail culture unfolds in a stylish backdrop, providing a perfect setting for casual meetings. If discretion is your aim, At Sloane is a quiet salon, and Nikita offers a seductive hidden room for intimate gatherings. And don’t forget Tramp, a legendary nightclub where the celebration continues until dawn.

Paris: The Epitome of Glamour

Arriving in Paris feels like stepping into a lavish fairy tale. Mert Alas likens it to “stepping onto a beautifully frosted cake.” Start your night at Costes, known as the unofficial fashion headquarters, where the terrace sets the scene for chic mingling. No visit to Paris is complete without experiencing Lapérouse, the historic venue of scandal and celebration, now reinvigorated by the exceptional Gregory.

For a lively dining experience, check out Sugaar, notable for its curated menu and energetic atmosphere. If you’re in the mood to indulge in luxury, Prunier serves exquisite caviar on Avenue Victor Hugo, while the vibrant Fouquet’s on the Champs-Élysées shines as an ideal locale for social gatherings.

Insider favorites also include the Maison Champs-Élysées, renowned for its mirrored salons, and Bar Sotto, a cozy refuge where candlelight enhances the glamour of your cocktails. As inspired conversations unfold, the perfect venue could be the ultra-exclusive Raspoutine that echoes with decadence, leading you to the upscale enclave of Plaza Athénée for a fashionable nightcap.

The Final Toast

From New York to London to Paris, the heartbeat of Fashion Week lies far beyond the runway. It’s in the whispered conversations, the shared experiences, and the delightful cocktails that intertwine everything together. SEVENTY ONE Gin’s 71 Golden Martinis stand as a symbol of style and spirit, capturing the essence of this glamorous tapestry. As you navigate through cocktail lounges, dining spots, and late-night venues, remember that the magic happens in the spaces between shows, where creativity and camaraderie reign.

To truly embrace the spirit of Fashion Week, immerse yourself in these exquisite experiences where trend and tradition collide. Whether it’s the effortless elegance of a Golden Martini or the anticipation of a celebrated gathering, this is where fashion enthusiasts create memories that linger long after the last runway show concludes.

For more about SEVENTY ONE Gin and their contributions to the style and spirit of Fashion Week, visit SEVENTY ONE Gin. With every sip and every soirée, elevate your Fashion Week experience and ensure you make a statement that goes beyond the runway.