“Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future. This is known as Fashion Week…” – Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

September Fashion Weeks are the most prestigious events in the fashion industry. A culturally significant moment in the design world, the shows offer a first-time look at the collections that will set the tone for fashion trends for the upcoming season worldwide. Beyond the runway, the cities hosting Fashion Weeks come alive, buzzing with numerous activities, elaborate after-parties, pop-up shops, and a favorite hobby for many: celebrity sightings. 

With countless A-list actors, models, and musicians descending upon each host city, we’ve compiled a list of the very best locales to check out throughout fashion month – for your best chance of spotting a celeb. 

New York

American Bar | West Village

West Village hotspot, American Bar, brings timeless Continental cuisine to a room with the sensibility, design, and community of an old-world European club, featuring a brass-rail cocktail lounge, terrazzo bar, sunshine yellow dining room, and curtained-off private dining area. This buzzy spot is the perfect location to “see and be seen” this New York Fashion Week, as the restaurant pulls inspiration from private members’ clubs like Mark’s and Harry’s Bar in London and Stateside institutions including Chasen’s, Mortimer’s, and Swifty’s. The result is a restaurant that exudes clubbiness without exclusivity and pays homage to Americana without rigidity. Menu highlights include iconic salads, fresh seafood, and classic cocktails.  

The Noortwyck | West Village

Nestled in the heart of West Village, The Noortwyck exudes a chic, intimate charm, offering a timeless, New American menu that celebrates seasonal dishes, an extensive wine selection and specialty cocktails. Founded by executive chef Andy Quinn and wine director Cedric Nicaise, The Noortwyck embraces the ethos of sourcing from nearby New York purveyors and crafts everything in-house, from house-made pasta and breads to dry aged meats. The wine list caters to diverse tastes, running the full gamut in styles – from earthy and funky to clean and fruity. Garnering acclaim from critics and locals alike, including a two star rating from The New York Times, The Noortwyck is “the middle ground between grandeur and informality,” and during NYFW, you might even catch a glimpse of a discerning celeb.

Le Jardinier | Midtown East

Le Jardinier by The Bastion Collection is a One-Michelin-Starred restaurant that evokes a modern greenhouse in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The menu – overseen by culinary director chef Alain Verzeroli, executive chef Andrew Ayala and executive pastry chef Salvatore Martone – utilizes the highest quality seasonal ingredients, fitting seamlessly into the sleek, light-filled interiors designed by award-winning architect Joseph Dirand. The restaurant’s refined-yet-approachable cuisine, atmosphere, and service create a holistic hospitality experience for guests looking for an exquisite post-show dining experience. 

London

NoMad London | Covent Garden

NoMad London is the elegant hotel located inside the historic, Grade II-listed building famously known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station. Currently ranking at No.46 in the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, the ingredient-led culinary program includes NoMad Restaurant & Atrium Bar, the multi-award-winning Mexican inspired Side Hustle, and The Library. With the main hub of Fashion Week activity held just 10-minutes walk away on the Strand, NoMad London offers the perfect central location when visiting for Fashion Week and is a natural favorite for A-list celebrities all year round.

Sofitel London St James | West End

Just steps away from Buckingham Palace, Sofitel St James is a sophisticated luxury hotel reimagined by renowned designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The stunning interior reflects the historic charm of its Grade II listed building while incorporating contemporary comforts. The meticulously designed rooms draw inspiration from the regal splendor of St James’s Park, with bespoke artwork by celebrated local artists adorning the rooms and public spaces. Wild Honey St James, the Michelin-starred restaurant, serves a harmonious fusion of French and British cuisine, while the intimate St James Bar provides a curated selection of cocktails in a cozy atmosphere. An elegant blend of British refinement and French chic, Sofitel St. James is poised to attract the most sought-after individuals this Fashion Week.

Tayēr + Elementary | East End

From the industry-famous Monica Berg and Alex Kratena comes a bar of two halves that has topped the world’s best lists year on year. Elementary is a casual, light, easy-going space with floor-to-ceiling windows, serving cocktails on tap, beer, wine, bottomless coffee and delicious snacks. Behind the concrete partition is Tayēr, a darker, moodier, more serious space dominated by a large central square bar, churning out produce-driven cocktails made from a combination of modern techniques and old-fashioned practices. With the two dichotomies, Tayēr + Elementary draws a wide range of celebrities as a must-go cocktail bar to visit while they’re in town.

Milan

Camparino in Galleria | Milan

Camparino in Galleria is the birthplace of the aperitivo, Milano-style, and the proud home of Campari. This legendary establishment, overlooking Piazza Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, masterfully blends the rich history of the past with the vibrant energy of the present. Since its inception in 1915 by Davide Campari – son of Campari founder Gaspare Campari – Camparino has remained an integral part of Milanese cocktail culture for over a century, with Tommaso Cecca, head of mixology currently leading the team. With the elegant, ornate bar serving as the home of the famous Milanese Aperitivo, Camparino promises to draw a fashion-forward clientele every year.

Armani Hotel | Milan

From the iconic Italian fashion house is the Armani Hotel: an everlasting gathering spot for the fashion elite. Located in the city center, within the couture district, the 5-star luxury hotel exudes sophistication and glamor, embodying Giorgio Armani’s design and lifestyle philosophy. Award-winning dining, luxurious leisure, spa facilities and signature Armani hospitality combine to create the ultimate in celebrity-approved experiences.

La Specialità | Milan

As Vogue fashion director Julia Hobbs stated, “you can’t go to Milan without dining at La Specialità”. Since 1977, La Specialità has served a wide selection of Italian classics and their reinterpretations, always respecting the legacy of each dish and procuring the highest quality ingredients. The premise of the restaurant and its history makes it a tourist destination in its own right – as a Milan mainstay with a rich culture and excellent food, it’s highly likely you will come across a celebrity or three while dining there during your visit for Fashion Week. 

Paris

Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s Paris | Eighth Arrondissement

Hotel Fouquet’s Paris is from the last luxury hotel group in Paris to belong to a French family. Located right on the Champs Élysées – with iconic views of the Arc de Triomphe – the hotel’s historic French family ties, regal design, and glamorous location attracts both locals and visitors alike as they congregate in the fashion capital of the world for the week-long shows. The property is home to two restaurants and three bars, which throughout history, have become iconic destinations within Paris; they include the original Brasserie Fouquet’s, Le Joy Restaurant & Bar, Le Marta Bar and L’Escadrille. 

L’Avenue Restaurant | Eighth Arrondissement

L’Avenue is a traditional French brasserie that embodies the essence of Parisian elegance and chic. Nestled on the corner of Avenue Montaigne, this hotspot attracts a glamorous crowd, including celebrities, fashion icons, and discerning locals. Whether you’re visiting during Fashion Week or another time of the year, L’Avenue is the go-to destination for those seeking a taste of Parisian high society. With its impeccable service, world-class menu, and the chance to dine alongside A-list celebrities, L’Avenue offers an essential experience for anyone wanting to embrace the true essence of Paris.

Bar Hemingway | First ​​Arrondissement

Lovingly named after Ernest Hemingway as it was his go-to locale while residing in Paris, this intimate bar is steeped in history, telling the story of the adventurous writer through its unchanged decor, handwritten letters, and rose-garnished cocktails. With just 25 seats, Bar Hemingway is a charming locale, brimming with authenticity and a scent of romance. As Hemingway’s favorite haunt, this iconic spot continues to draw artists, writers, designers, and creatives who come to immerse themselves in its timeless atmosphere – a failsafe go-to for seasoned celebs.