New York City - Past Is Present
10-15-2019
NYC is city of layers. If one wants to understand the rhythms and movements of this great metropolis, then you have to peel back those layers and see what you find underneath. NYC as an incubator of the future is like that top layer. It’s what you see when you first look at it. However, when you begin to peel, you realize that NYC is built on the foundation of its past. It is that past that offers some of the most interesting perspectives.
NYC has had many distinct periods but few have been more influential than that of the 20s/30s. Known by several names i.e. Roaring 20’s, the Jazz Age and others, and popularized by novels such as the Great Gatsby, this is a NYC with unbridled energy and ambition. Culture as represented by music, fashion, art, architecture and societal norms were in a state of explosive experimentation. This era’s willingness to push boundaries and blaze new territories is largely responsible for the NYC we see all around us today.
From the art deco spires of the Chrysler Building to the grand courts of Rockefeller Center the “old” NYC is alive and vibrant. As much as we are compelled to look forward to the future, sometimes inspiration and innovation can be found in our past.
The modernity of NYC is ever present, but below are some landmarks that allow you to literally take a step back in time and enjoy the NYC of this earlier era. This is not a homage to what came before nor is it a trend seeking to incorporate bits and pieces of the past. All
of these haunts are direct links to this golden time in NYC’s rich history. Take a moment from your rushed schedule and dive into the past, you might come away with much needed creative rejuvenation.
Back Room - This Lower East Side lounge bar doesn’t mimic the look and feel of historic speakeasies, it is an actual speakeasy. It is a must if you are looking for an authentic Prohibition era experience. Original art deco style decorated with red velvet sofas, wallpaper, chandeliers and a fireplace. Drinks are served in tea cups and paper bags just as they did during Prohibition when the fear of a raid from overzealous police was a constant threat. If you are brave enough, and lucky enough you can try to find the hidden VIP room behind a bookcase.
The Campbell Apartment - Nestled inside Grand Central Station, the Campbell Apartment was originally the office of 1920’s railroad tycoon John W. Campbell. With the help of an Italian architect he transformed it in an opulent venue to host parties and concerts. A mixture of complementary styles such as Renaissance, Medieval and Art Deco, the space is unique among its period contemporaries. A huge baronial stone fireplace, a custom-made Persian rug, mahogany furniture pieces, ceiling beams and stained glass windows, make this one of the best treasures of the time.
New York Vintage - This high-end vintage boutique in the heart of Chelsea is more than a lesson in fashion history. Many designer pieces are dated back to 1850. It is known for both dressing celebrities for red carpets and as a go-to resource for costume designers to find unique ensembles. Its selection from the Art Deco era is unparalleled and have been featured in countless Hollywood productions that cover this era.
Swing Subway Cars - For the past few years The New York City Transit Museum has been home to the Swing Subway Cars party. Original vintage subway cars are put back into service and available for the public to ride. To complete the swing mood, riders and enthusiasts of the era are invited to dress up in the style of the period and party to jazz and swing music. The vintage subway cars become the perfect time machine to transport you back to those swingin’ days.
Written by Veronica Baesso-McKenzie
PH Annalisa Mazzoli