'TIS THE SEASON EDITORIAL

This month, our editorial shoot takes us to The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection, a Marriott property which is a living gateway to the past, present, and the future as it embodies the early 1900's of literary and Hollywood luminaries that graced the rooms of this hotel while currently being a destination of the modern era with an open path to the iterations it will take as the years continue to evolve.

The holiday season is definitely a marathon and not a sprint as it takes place over a number of weeks spanning between the fall and the winter. We wanted to look at the many days that take place that are casual and allow us to connect to one another as we make our way closer and closer to more signature events! We spend a lot of time with friends, family, significant others, co-workers and more. Our shoot took place at the Tallulah Bankhead suite at this iconic hotel that is in the heart of it all. We wanted to find out more about the history of this hotel, why it's an important part of NYC history, what guests can expect whether they're staying for business, a staycation, or a vacation and more. We took some time to catch up with The Algonquin Hotel's General Manager Willis Loughhead to find out more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: It was such a pleasure to shoot at the Algonquin Hotel and being there, we learned a lot more about the property and its history. When did the Algonquin first open and can you take us back and through the storied history of this hotel as it's over 100 years old!

WILLIS LOUGHHEAD: The land for the Algonquin Hotel was purchased in 1901 for $180,000. In just under a year, at a cost of $500,000, the Algonquin Hotel was built and opened on November 22, 1902. Named for a New England Native American tribe, the hotel welcomed its first guests - a room with a bath set a traveler back $2 per night.

From the day it opened into the current time, the Algonquin has maintained close ties to the arts community with early residents who included the great star John Barrymore, Drew Barrymore’s grandfather, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks. Writers, Playwrights, humorists and critics, as well as editors of both fact and fiction, converged on the Algonquin in the decade between 1919 and 1929, founding the legendary Round Table. My Fair Lady was written in suite 908. William Faulkner wrote his Nobel Prize speech in a room. The Algonquin has been both primary residence and preferred NYC hotel for incredible talent like Maya Angelou, Norman Mailer, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, Steve Martin, and Lou Reed, to name a few. Films with a Round Table history include Citizen Kane, Giant, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Sound of Music, and many more.

I continue to host close friends in the arts community such as legendary musicians like Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth, James Ijames, who celebrated his Tony nomination for his play Fat Ham under our roof, and both Colson Whitehead and Richard Hell, New York City legends who read in the Oak Room.

AM: We had the pleasure of shooting at the Tallulah Bankhead Suite (loved the phones which were such a great touch and the blue shade of the paint was so calming) and we know that there have been other suites that are named after notable people, can you tell us about them and why there is such a connection with these individuals?

WL: All 24 of our suites are named after our residents like Dorothy Parker 1106, Herbert Ross 610 and John Barrymore 209.

AM: Who have been some notable people that stayed here and can you tell us more about the connection between the hotel and literary figures? Tell us about the Algonquin Cat! We didn't see Hamlet, but we know that he is just as much a key figure as others who have stayed there.

WL: Hamlet is featured in a children’s book, The Algonquin Cat, illustrated by Hillary Knight who also illustrated the Eloise series set in another famous NYC hotel where I served as Executive Chef for a number of years before moving into Hotel Management.

AM: Tell us about The Blue Bar and The Lobby Lounge. Is there a signature drink that we should know about?

WL: The most famous cocktail is none too cleverly named, The Algonquin; a mix of woodsy rye whiskey, pineapple, bianco vermouth and some say a touch of Peychaud bitters like a Sazerac. We also currently feature a Hamlet cocktail with Rocky’s Brooklyn Botanical, Galliano L’Autentico and Whispering Angel Rosé. Our cocktail lists change frequently and right now I am working on some Holiday treats with Hot Cocoa and Mezcal.

AM: For those looking to grab a bite at the hotel, what can you tell us about The Round Table?

WL: The Blue Bar Restaurant & Lounge is a 3 meal restaurant built around the legendary Blue Bar which opened in 1902 with the hotel. At night we feature cocktail cuisine with classic New York City inspiration from the Oysters Rockefeller to a deli-style Reuben, and we do a brisk, healthy lunch with servers who I would put up against the best of the cities’ baristas. You should see the foam they get for a cappuccino even out of the almond milk that I prefer!

AM: For those that are looking to create an event whether it's a launch, sales meeting, etc - what can you tell us about event spaces that you have available?

WL: We host wonderful and intimate occasions in our small private library featuring Round Table first editions, signed collectibles, vintage 1950’s and 1960’s Playboy magazines and recent releases and memoirs like Thurston Moore’s Sonic Life which just came out. In the early 90's, I worked for Arnold Schwarzenegger as a wood burning oven chef at his restaurant Schatzi on Main in Venice California, so sitting amongst the Pulitzer Prize winners is a copy of Arnold’s latest, Be Useful. We also use the Library a great deal for Broadway stars to dress and have makeup done before premieres and on opening nights.

We also have the famous Oak Room, a wood paneled vintage street front room that can seat 110, for formal dinners next to Hirschfeld’s original artwork that adorns the walls.

AM: At the conclusion of our shoot, we actually took in some live music, which was a great way to decompress, what events do you typically have that guests or those grabbing a drink can enjoy?

WL: We have a culture and history of live music at the Algonquin. It was a personal goal of mine to breathe life into that tradition that started with Ella Fitzgerald and so many others like Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Harry Connick, and Oscar Peterson. On Tuesday nights, we feature classic cabaret music with the inimitable KT Sullivan, and on Thursdays, we have live piano and vocals with Rocco DellaNeve who is a legend in the making. You should hear his version of Enter Sandman by Metallica and he also does a killer New York State of Mind. Guest stars always drop by.

October and December are my charity months to raise money for Breast Cancer and Toys for Tots, so our programming expands greatly with Broadway’s biggest talent coming in to belt numbers and dance. Keep your eyes and ears open in December when we have 10 nights of incredible holiday entertainment including one “Santa Baby” drag show that will raise this 120 year old roof.

AM: Tell us about the kinds of rooms that are available and also provide additional details about the suite we were in, The Tallulah Bankhead Suite?

WL: Our suites and king rooms book first. We are a boutique sized hotel with 181 total rooms. None of our rooms are exactly the same and some rooms have a haunted history that has been verified by both official ghost hunters as well as nightly guests. Was it Robert Benchley who moved your towels around or turned on the lamps in your suite living room? Did Dorothy Parker open the shades that you closed before turning in? Perhaps.

In 1959, the filmmaker Preston Sturges passed away in a suite and Montgomery Clift was a frequent visitor. Perhaps.

AM: For a truly decadent stay for our readers is there anything that you can suggest that can be enjoyed at the hotel? I know at one time, you had a $10,000 Martini that had diamonds in it!

WL: We have two packages to note:

• A Dine with a Broadway Star package, where pre-theater you are able to dine at the Infamous Round Table with one of the stars of the show that you are seeing that evening.

• Hex and the City package for 2024 with our Resident Wellness Witch, CardsyB who will help you stay magical by reading your tarot cards and your energy so that you can straighten up and fly right in 2024. All guests will receive a reading, CardsyB’s memoir, a Stay Magical AF candle and a Bad@ss B*tches Tarot Deck.

AM: For those that are enjoying a staycation at the hotel during the holiday season, what are activities that you suggest that are in the neighborhood that they should take out?

WL: All the B’s: Bryant Park, Broadway and Books at the NYPL.

AM: For those who have never been to NYC and are here for vacation during the holidays, what would you suggest that they should do?

WL: Get inspired, keep a notebook, write your story. The good ol’ days are now and keep your mind wide open. New York is an awesome place to be surprised. Rockefeller Center has grown immensely and Central Park is just a shopping walk away up 5th avenue.

AM: For those that have corporate functions that are being held at the hotel, do you have any ideas of what they can enjoy?

WL: I partner with BroadwayPlus.com. One of my close friends - ask for Corey - is the guru of the VIP corporate experience with them. They book custom concerts, VIP tickets, arrange backstage meet and greets, and generally unlock all of the perks normally reserved for the highest tier of celebrity guest and bring it to the corporate accounts. We also encourage a Bowery Boys Walking Tour or one of the many sightseeing tours via boat around Manhattan that my team can arrange.

AM: For those that have corporate functions that are being held at the hotel, do you have any ideas of what they can enjoy?

WL: I partner with BroadwayPlus.com. One of my close friends - ask for Corey - is the guru of the VIP corporate experience with them. They book custom concerts, VIP tickets, arrange backstage meet and greets, and generally unlock all of the perks normally reserved for the highest tier of celebrity guest and bring it to the corporate accounts. We also encourage a Bowery Boys Walking Tour or one of the many sightseeing tours via boat around Manhattan that my team can arrange.

AM: The holiday season is a major time of year, are there events that the hotel will offer that we should know about and can share with our readers? Thinking ahead to Valentine's Day, is there anything that we should know?

WL: Book your 2 night Date Night Package now where you get a $150 credit in the Blue Bar, a bespoke scented candle, a chocolate rose and a guaranteed table in the restaurant.

If your pet is your date, perhaps our Fuwwy Fwiends Package, going live in December, with a:

• Waived pet fee

• Polaroid with Hamlet, you and your pet

• Vintage bronze “A” Algonquin pet tag

• Trip for your pet to the Algonquin Pawwty Chest, a treasure chest of toys and treats from our local pet shops

• Use of our cat or dog beds so that you and your date can sleep in peace

IG @algonquinnyc

It was such a pleasure to bring our editorial to life at the Algonquin that's filled with history, NY glamour, and a vibe of creativity that's all its own. This shoot included our focus on bringing 5 looks that lets us look at fall and winter holidays here in NY that you can enjoy on your next stay at the Algonquin as well as in the neighborhood.

TIS THE SEASON | CREDITS

LOUNGE LOOK PG 97 - 101 | Anna Zaia - PONO Colette Matte Earring | VIRGIN, SAINTS & ANGELS Saint Deco Cross Medallion + Delfina 6mm Crystal Jet Beaded Necklace | MAISON MIRU Floating Sphere Stacking Ring Trio - Gold | MAISON DE PAPILLON Jesse Silk Charmeuse Boyfriend Shirt Longtail | BCBG Ruched Velour Legging | Benjamin Simic - BEN SHERMAN Signature House Taped Track Pant |

FITNESS LOOK PG 88 - 95 | Anna Zaia - PONO Silvia H20 Earring Honey | AMELIA ROSE JEWELRY Fluorite Heishi Necklace Latte | ETTIKA Your Essential Flex Snake Chain 18k Gold Plated Bangle Set | MAISON DE PAPILLON Vail Cacoon Sweater | ABERCROMBIE + FITCH YPB Sculpt Squareneck Slim Tank + YPB MotionTEK High Rise Lined Workout Short | Benjamin Simic - ADIDAS RPT-02 SOL | MAISON MIRU Bubble Bracelet 7" | GREATNESS WINS Performance Training Tank | ATHLEISUREVERSE Bomber Jacket | ABERCROMBIE + FITCH Gym to Grocery Jogger |

WFH LOUNGE III PG 102 - 105 | Anna Zaia - VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Edie Crystal Post Earrings | PONO Sea Chain Necklace Latte | ATHLEISUREVERSE Cropped Fleece Hoodie + Jogger Set | SAVE THE DUCK Iria Long Hooded Puffer Vest | Benjamin Simic - | BEN SHERMAN Signature Zip-Through Track Jacket |

OUT + ABOUT LOOK IV PG 80 - 86 | Anna Zaia - DEEPA GURNANI FW23 Crab Earrings | DEEPA BY DEEPA GURNANI FW23 Loretta Necklace | ETTIKA Abstract Flex 18K Gold Plated Cuff | CARRERA 318/S | AUTUMN CASHMERE Sweater Dress | AEROSOLES Loafer | Benjamin Simic - MARC JACOBS Shield Sunglasses | BEN SHERMAN Lennon "Imagine" Mod Knit Stripe Polo | AUTUMN CASHMERE Cardigan | MAVI Jake | ADIDAS Samba |

(NYE/NIGHT OUT) LOOK V PG 106 - 112 | Anna Zaia - LELE SADOUGHI Crystal Pave Drop Earrings | DEEPA GURNANI Helga Clutch | VIRGIN, SAINTS & ANGELS Virgin Cameo Crystal Mesh Choker, Virgin Cameo Large Figaro Necklace 18 + Virgin Cameo Statement Clip Earrings | BCBG Oly Tiered Ruffle Evening Gown | NEVER FULLY DRESSED Black and Cream Coatigan | Benjamin Simic - UNTUCKIT Wool Rawlins Sport Coat + Wrinkle-Free Las Cases Shirt | MAVI Jake |

‘TIS THE SEASON | TEAM CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Farkas | FASHION STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUA Toni/Ann/Felicia Graham Beauty | NEW YORK MODEL MANAGEMENT Anna Zaia + Benjamin Simic |

IG @athleisuremag

@pvfarkas

@shes.kimmie

@toni__ann

@feliciagrahambeautyteam

@newyorkmodels

@_anna_zaia_

@lilboochie

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

For this shoot, Paul shot with a Sony Aplha A7R V, Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Prime G, Sony FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM1, Sony FE 50 mm F2.8 Macro Prime, Sony FE 90 mm F2.8 Macro G OSS Telephoto Macro Prime G, and Sony FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II. In addition, he used SIRUI Dragon Series Bendable RGB Panel Lights set of 2 of B25R*2 Kit + DJ280.

ATHLEISURE MAG SUMMIT EXCLUSIVE

We had a number of brands that were included in this shoot or supported this shoot and they wanted to make sure that you were able to enjoy purchasing your must-haves with a discount!

PONO

Receive 20% off your order with code ATHMAG95 for a 20% discount off PONO orders through 12/31/23.

SIRUI

Receive 5% off your order with code ATHLEISURE (Valid for all products, with a minimum purchase amount of $50; no expiration date).

VIRGINS, SAINTS, ANGELS

Receive 30% off (1x use per customer) your order with code ATHLEISURE30. There is no expiration date. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.

Read the NOV ISSUE #96 of Athleisure Mag and see ‘TIS THE SEASON Editorial in mag.

LADDER HYDRATION

We are excited to hear about Ladder's new science-based Ladder Hydration - a performance sports drink that replenishes electrolytes lost in sweat.

From Ladder, the sports nutrition company founded by LeBron James and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ladder Hydration is designed for all athletes from every sport to achieve peak performance during and after physical activity. It was created to provide a caffeine-free energy boost for the toughest workouts, help overcome fatigue and cramping, and assist the body in absorbing more nutrients so athletes can always finish strong. From pre-workout, to everyday greens and post recovery proteins, Ladder Hydration will now support athletes during and after any workout.

We caught up with Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan, Ladder’s Nutrition and Science advisor and Director of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Applied Physiology Laboratory, to learn more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Hello Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan, we’re excited to hear about Ladder’s new product - Ladder Hydration. Tell us about it?

DR. ABBIE SMITH-RYAN: Ladder Hydration is a uniquely evidence-based formulated, easily portable, effective solution to help with rehydration and performance.

AM: What is your background and what are some of your roles with Ladder as Nutrition and Science advisor.

DR. ASR: I am an Associate Professor and Director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina where I develop and evaluate research related to nutrition and health. As a Nutrition and Science advisor to Ladder, I work with the team to help bring in science to product formulation, innovation, and education about how/when/why to use specific products.

AM: What is Ladder’s Refuel Ratio, how does that work?

DR. ASR: The ‘Refuel Ratio’ is a scientifically backed combination of electrolytes to maximize fluid replenishment to reduce the chance of muscle cramping, enhance performance, and amplify recovery. This relies on a unique ratio of Sodium:Potassium – this is essential for fluid replacement and minimizing muscle cramps; Calcium:Magnesium—this is essential for optimizing muscle contraction and recovery; and Potassium:Calcium – this supports an environment to reduce muscle cramps and optimal muscle performance.

AM: How does this lead to offering such a complete hydration product for the market?

DR. ASR: The other key component of Ladder Hydration is the addition of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are essential for performance and hydration—which are often overlooked in many products on the market. Carbohydrates—specifically sugar, such as dextrose during and after exercise, are key for increasing exercise performance and for rehydration—Interesting, carbohydrate ingestion during and after exercise have also been shown to bolster immunity. Ladder Hydration is also available in portable packets which can help facilitate hydration in a variety of difficult scenarios. Altogether, Ladder Hydration is one of few products on the market that includes all of the electrolytes and carbohydrates, in the ideal ratio, that are needed to maximize rehydration and performance.

AM: How does Ladder Hydration compare among the many product choices available today?

DR. ASR: As you will notice- many hydration products either are missing carbohydrate or lack enough electrolytes. Specifically, they are made/marketed to be consumed at any point throughout the day. To be effective, a hydration product should be higher in sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium than our typically daily beverages. They should also taste saltier and sweeter – to help replenish micronutrients following exercise and increase the desire to drink.

AM: What are some key ingredients and what’s notably missing?

DR. ASR: One key ingredient, beyond what is mentioned above- Ladder Hydration also includes Vitamin D. The majority of individuals are deficient in Vitamin D—which has also been linked to optimal muscle contraction, performance, and immune function – the addition of Vitamin D here can further support optimal health and performance.

AM: When are good times to use this – is this great for pre-workout, recovery and/or everyday health?

DR. ASR: This product is optimal for post-exercise—after sweating. It is uniquely formulated to help replenish electrolytes and enhance recovery. Additionally, if someone is exercising for a long period of time with sweating- Ladder Hydration would be recommended during exercise.

PHOTOS COURTESY | Ladder

IG @LadderSport

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Ladder Hydration in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | RITUALS > RESOLUTIONS

When you're focused on working out, it's important to optimize your hard work with your method of choice, recovery and proper nutrition. Ladders is a sports nutrition brand that offers premium supplements that is co-founded by LeBron James and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Ladder's Chief Nutrition Officer, Adam Bornstein tells us about Ladder and their new challenge Rituals>Resolutions.

ATHLEISURE MAG: LeBron James, his trainer Mike Mancias and Arnold Schwarzenegger coming together to create Ladder is a powerful combination. What led you to Ladder?

ADAM BORNSTEIN: Ladder was one of those opportunities you get where you have no idea what it will become but it's worth all of the time and effort. I was a part of Ladder long before it was ever a brand and growing business. Years ago, after LeBron's cramping game - and Mike’s quest to find better supplements - I was contacted by Arnold Schwarzenegger to help formulate the initial Ladder products that were designed for LeBron. I’d known Arnold for years, and he had seen my approach to nutrition, which is one backed by quality, safety, and results. So, when the opportunity came to formulate something for LeBron, it was one of those projects that are incredibly exciting. When someone puts faith in you to create a supplement that will be used by one of the greatest athletes ever, you not only have to rise to the occasion, but you need to go above and beyond and make what you create so much better than anyone’s expectations. That was the original mission and continues to be what drives me every day at Ladder.

AM: Tell us Ladder’s leading shakes and products? What’s the science behind it?

AB: One of the best aspects of Ladder is we only create products that we know work. So, every single ingredient and every amount needs to be backed up by numerous studies (on people, not animals), to say with confidence that it delivers results for the people that use the products. That means we don't have many products because only a few ingredients are undeniably effective. We have 2 protein powders (whey and plant), a Superfood Greens, and our Pre-workout (energy) product.

With the protein, we tried to examine what makes protein effective, which is the amino acids. In order to unlock all of the benefits of protein - everything from muscle gain and fat loss, to even qualities like better hair, skin, and nails - you need a complete protein that is high in essential amino acids and BCAAs. Many proteins might look good on a label with how much protein it has, but it's using a low-grade protein that won’t deliver all of those benefits.

For our Pre-Workout, we were very interested in a position paper by the International Olympic Committee that examined the most powerful performance supplements. Three ingredients stood out: caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine. So, we built a product around that core and then added elements to help improve focus and ensure that the caffeine would cause a crash or jitters.

And our Superfood Greens focuses more on the essential nutrients in your body - things like magnesium or Vitamin D - that are very hard to get in your diet.

AM: The Rituals>Resolutions Campaign sounds exciting and productive! What does it emphasize and focus on?

AB: The Rituals>Resolutions campaign is designed to solve the age-old question of why it’s so hard for people to stick to their resolutions and see success. It's not that a resolution is a bad intention, but - by design - it’s set up to fail. Goals without systems can’t succeed. And the best way to build a system is to have a habit. And the best way to create habits that stick is to create a ritual that makes it easier for you to repeatedly do behaviors that will lead to desired outcomes.

Instead of having people do the same thing over and over again, we wanted to celebrate the rituals that create habits. Our goal at Ladder is to help anyone level up and better their best, and this is an important component of sharing how so many successful people are able to experience success at the highest level.

AM: Tell us about the featured Challenge led by master trainer Mike Mancias.

AB: We’re lucky at Ladder to have access to some of the best fitness pros in the world. And for the challenge, Mike Mancias worked with Alex Toussaint - a senior instructor at Peloton - to design a challenge that will improve all aspects of fitness. Together, Mike and Alex designed a workout that is a combination of strength and cardiovascular conditioning, requires minimal equipment, and is flexible so that anyone can fit the plan into their busy schedule. We know that after January, people start falling off with their goals. We wanted to make sure that we provided a challenging workout to keep people on track and offer the support of Mike and Alex to keep people motivated, working hard, and seeing results.

AM: What’s the hashtag to get involved, support and follow along?

AB: The Ladder Challenge really is for everyone. A big part of what Ladder does is it brings people together and builds a community so that people are not alone in their pursuit of living healthier and being more active. And the best part is it is driven by one of the best trainers in the world – who has worked with two of the most successful athletes in history – who are sharing insights and access to a wealth of information with anyone that wants it. Everyone can join the Ladder Challenge and engage with others taking the challenge socially using #LadderChallenge.

@LadderSport

Read the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | Rituals > Resolutions in mag.