London based fashion designer Suwha, as sold on www.the-stylestore.com, shares with us her fleeting trip to New York

SUNDAY
NYC – here we come!   I am spending most of this week in NYC.   I am here for an event that we have put together for industry folks – a Tea Party/Trunk Show - at Ace Hotel in Manhattan on Tuesday.  I also am looking to find inspiration in this great city for our next collection.  

I grew up in Manhattan so landing at JFK and driving into the City always brings on a case of  nostalgia and excitement.   
                   

MONDAY
Today I met up with my friend Rebecca (who has an amazing blog called www.urbansherp.com – THE styleguide to everything eco – she shows you how you can be green while being super chic) and trolled the trim shops in the garment district.  We spent hours pouring over fastenings – I imagine there are only a few of us out there in the universe who can spend hours debating the pros and cons of clasps and closures and actually enjoy it.   
 

In the afternoon we went to check out Ace Hotel  where we are holding the Tea Party and Trunk Show.  I had only seen the space through pictures, so was very excited to find it lived up to its hype.  Very cool interior – vintage-y furniture with lots of character in grand open spaces.  Unpretentious with friendly staff – in NYC, imagine that!
                        

TUESDAY
The Big Day of Tea Party/Trunk Show! Here are some pictures of us setting up in our loft at Ace Hotel.  Our press/sales team from Press Office did a tremendous job putting on the event.  We had a packed house – many top editors/buyers/bloggers/stylists/friends came and had a cup of tea while pursuing our ss10 “bon voyage!” collection.        

Cathy – our press/sales agent extraordinaire – and I loving the crazy wall hanging in our loft…English hunting scene plus homage to Native American man – it couldn’t have been more perfect!
 
After the event – celebrating with friends at Klee Brasserie (European-American with Austrian “twist” – friend Matt’s find) with steins of Oktoberfest beer.
 


WEDNESDAY
Two great things in NYC – the convenience of yellow cabs and pizza.  My daughter Lucy, my dad and I zipped around town and stopped for a pepperoni slice.
 


THURSDAY
After spending much of the day back in the garment district sourcing new materials, I stopped at this cute little chocolate store (Jacques Torres) on the Upper West Side near the apartment where we are staying. With a cup of possibly the world’s best hot chocolate, I put some new ideas and inspirations I had about the new collection on paper.
 

FRIDAY
It is raining and COLD cold cold today.  Headed to the warmth of the new MOMA for inspiration, and also indulged in some trinket shopping at the MOMA store - best place in New York to pick up gifts to take back to London.