Read the FEB ISSUE #98 of Athleisure Mag and see ROCK THIS WHEN WEEKEND BRUNCHING WITH FRIENDS in mag.
ROCK THIS WHEN HEADING OUT TO A LOUNGE ON NYE
Read the DEC ISSUE #96 of Athleisure Mag and see ROCK THIS WHEN HEADING OUT TO A LOUNGE ON NYE in mag.
HOW TO DRESS | FOR FALL RETREAT ZEN SESSIONS
Read the OCT ISSUE #94 of Athleisure Mag and see HOW TO DRESS | For Fall Retreat Zen Sessions in mag.
THE 9LIST
Read the MAY ISSUE #89 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
WEEKEND MUSE
We're officially in Spring and while the weather settles itself over the next few weekends, we're dreaming about all the activities and looks that we'll wear to enjoy it! Our Spring 2023 Weekend Style Editorial featuring models from STATE Management, wore looks that we'd wear for a lowkey weekend that allows us to take some time for ourselves, workout, enjoy our favorite sport, have a date night in and to WFH or to lounge enjoying our favorite shows! This shoot took place at The Muse New York Hotel which is in Times Square.
SPRING WEEKEND STYLE CREDITS
CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Farkas @pvfarkas | STYLIST Kimmie Smith @shes.kimmie | MUA Hannah Lauren @hannahlaurenmua | HAIR STYLIST Brooke Bogle @brooke_bogle | MODELS via STATE Management @statemgmt - Tora Rozario @torarozario + Christopher Aldea @christopherjaldea | LOCATION The Muse New York Hotel @musehotelnyc |
FITNESS LOOK PG 68 + 70 | Tora - MPG SPORT Tangent Strappy Medium Support 3D Geo Sports Bra + High Waisted 26" Side Pocket 3D Geo Legging, LAGOS Ceramic Diamond Circle Bracelet + Citrine Caviar Bracelet | Christopher - FABLETICS Fundamental Shorts II + ATHLETIC PROPULSION LABS TechLoom Chelsea |
ATHLETIC LOOK PG 73 - 77 | Tora - TRACKSMITH Run Cannonball Run Bra, Run Cannonball Run Shorts, Fells Shorts Tights + Inverno Arm Warmers, ATHLETIC PROPULSION LABS TechLoom Bliss + LAGOS Silver Station Statement Ceramic Caviar Bracelet | Christopher - TRACKSMITH Van Cortland Singlet, ATHLEISUREVERSE Jogger + Bomber |
WFH LOOK PG 78- 82 | Tora - ATHLEISUREVERSE Tie Dye Hoodie Set + DAGNE DOVER Jemi Cargo Tote | Christopher - ATHLEISUREVERSE Sweat Pant + LAGOS Compass Pendant Necklace |
DATE NIGHT IN LOOK PG 85 - 87 | Tora - COLMAR Lightweight Jacket, ATHLEISUREVERSE Rolled Tee, MAVI JEANS Paloma Wide Leg Jeans, LAGOS Turquoise Necklace, + Medium Caviar Ball Hoop Earrings, SEQUIN JEWELRY Cleopatra Evil Eye Necklace | Christopher - PSYCHO BUNNY Polo |
We enjoyed our set for the day which allows us to be in one of the hotels suite's that had a large balcony. We wanted to know more about this property which is in the heart of it all. Whether you're staying here for a vacation, traveling for work or are enjoying a staycation, we wanted to find out more about the history of this property which goes back to 1912 and how the hotel supports the community. Nicole Hendrix, the General Manager of The Muse New York gives us the inside scoop on this property as well as the portfilio that it has joined.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did The Muse New York Hotel launch?
NICOLE HENDRIX: The history of The Muse New York Hotel dates to 1912 when the Leavitt Building was constructed by Nast & Springsteen as a home for jewelry manufacturing and warehousing.
For almost a century, the building served its original purpose until 2000 when it was transformed into The Muse Hotel, an independent hotel that offered luxurious accommodations and exceptional service to its guests.
In 2006, The Muse Hotel joined the Kimpton family of hotels and continued to provide its guests with an unforgettable experience. The hotel's unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities made it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
In 2022, the Muse New York returned to its independent roots, continuing to provide its guests with the same level of luxury and personalized service that has made it a beloved fixture in the New York City hospitality scene for over two decades. Despite the changes over the years, The Muse New York remains a symbol of timeless elegance and sophistication, honoring its past while continuing to look towards the future.
AM: The Muse New York is located in Times Square. What can you tell us about the property in general?
NH: The Muse New York is a boutique hotel that prides itself on offering its guests authentic and personalized service in a chic and timeless setting. Located in the heart of Midtown and Times Square, the hotel is ideally situated for travelers looking to immerse themselves in all that New York City has to offer. Guests of the hotel can easily access world-famous shopping, iconic landmarks, museums, theaters, and vibrant nightlife.
The guest rooms and suites at The Muse New York are designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including some with balconies, that offer stunning views of the city. The hotel also features several amenities to ensure a memorable stay, including a fitness center and business lounge. Whether you
are in town for business or leisure, The Muse New York offers the perfect blend of convenience and luxury. With its prime location, personalized service, and elegant design, the hotel is sure to exceed your expectations and make your stay in New York City unforgettable.
AM: Working out is always key whether we’re traveling for fun, business or a staycation – tell us about your fitness center.
NH: The fitness center at our hotel is a haven for fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike. Boasting state-of-the-art equipment and a modern layout, it provides the perfect space to elevate your fitness routine. Our facility features a variety of cutting-edge equipment, including Peloton bikes, Life Fitness treadmills, and Precor Ellipticals, so you can tailor your workout to your preferences. You can also indulge in some stress-relieving exercises like yoga or meditation, making the fitness center the perfect place to unwind after a long day. And with 24/7 access, you can squeeze in a workout no matter how busy your schedule.
AM: For those that are traveling for business, what is available at your business center?
NH: The hotel's business lounge is the perfect place for guests to stay connected, catch up on work, or prepare for a meeting. The complimentary business lounge is conveniently located on the lower level of the hotel, providing a quiet and productive space for guests to work in comfort. The lounge is equipped with high-speed internet access and features a variety of seating options to suit your needs. Guests can use the in-house iMac to catch up on emails, create presentations, or print important documents, ensuring that they have everything they need to stay on top of their work while on the road. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the hotel's business lounge is the perfect place to stay connected and productive.
AM: Is your hotel pet friendly and do you offer amenities that are specifically for our four-legged friends?
NH: Yes, we are a pet-friendly hotel and we do not charge any fees for pets! We understand that your furry friends are part of your family, and we welcome them with open arms. We offer a range of pet-friendly rooms and a special welcome package that is designed specifically for our four-legged guests. Our Pampered Pet package includes bedding, a cat tree, water bowls, and small treats to make your pet feel comfortable and at home during their stay. We take pride in providing a comfortable and convenient experience for our guests and their pets.
AM: For those staying at the hotel, can you tell us about the amenities that guests can enjoy in their room?
NH: At The Muse New York, we delight in providing our guests with exceptional amenities to make their stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Our rooms are outfitted with high-quality amenities such as fine Frette linens, spa-inspired bath amenities from Atelier Bloem, plush bathrobes, and luxurious showers. In addition, we provide ample workspace with a desk and chair for those who need to work during their stay. We also offer a hair dryer and in-room safe for added convenience. We strive to ensure that our guests have everything they need for a comfortable and memorable stay with us.
AM: Our Weekend Muse Spring Style Editorial showcased key looks that one would wear when optimizing their weekend with all the activities that could take place. We had the pleasure of shooting this editorial in your Muse Suite with Balcony. Can you tell us about the amenities that are in this room?
NH: Certainly! The Muse Suite is one of our most luxurious accommodations, offering guests a king-size bed fitted with high-quality Italian Frette linens for a comfortable night's sleep. The suite's spa-inspired bathroom features a soaking tub, walk-in shower with luxurious amenities from Atelier Bloem, and guests can indulge in plush bathrobes during their stay. We were mindful of all the little details when designing these spaces. Making sure to provide good lighting and make-up mirrors for application. The suite also includes a spacious balcony, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine while taking in the view. And for those who need to stay connected while traveling, the suite also features ample workspace.
AM There are other suites available at The Muse New York. Can you tell us about them?
NH: In addition to the Muse Suite, The Muse New York also offers other suite options for guests. Our King Suite features one king bed with Italian Frette linens, a separate living area with a pull-out sofa bed, a walk-in shower, spa-inspired bath amenities from Atelier Bloem, plush bathrobes, ample workspace, and upscale interiors. Our King Suite with Balcony includes all the same features as the King Suite but also features a spacious balcony with outdoor seating. We also have Accessible King Suites that include one king bed with Italian Frette linens, a roll-in shower, spa-inspired bath amenities from Atelier Bloem, plush bathrobes, spacious workspace, and upscale interiors.
AM: As we’re getting closer to the Spring and Summer, what kinds of packages are offered for those that are making travel plans to come to the city?
NH: We are excited to offer a range of packages that cater to all types of travelers visiting the city in the Spring and Summer. Some of our upcoming packages include a Mother's Day offer, Broadway packages, as well as others. We are thrilled to offer a PRIDE package this coming June, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with exclusive events and experiences. Please stay tuned to our website for the latest packages and offers that we have available for our guests.
AM: For those that may be looking to book the property for sales meetings or other corporate events, what does The Muse New York offer for these guests?
NH: Great question! For those looking to book the property for sales meetings or other corporate events, The Muse New York offers a partnership with Convene, a premium business space located across the street from the hotel. This is one of the largest event venues in Midtown Manhattan and is an ideal space for a range of events, including summits, awards dinners, town halls, and galas. The partnership with Convene ensures that we can provide a range of flexible and modern event spaces, and state-of-the-art technology and amenities to ensure your event is a success.
AM: There are a number of events coming up in the city whether it’s a Broadway show, parade or even those that are seasonal from the kick off of the solstice, PRIDE and summer tourism.
Does The Muse Hotel NY do anything in tandem with those events or the city?
NH: Yes, The Muse New York is always looking to engage with the city and events that are happening in the area. We have some exciting activations planned for the summer season, including events for the solstice, PRIDE, and more. We encourage you to stay tuned by subscribing on our website or follow us on Instagram (@musehotelnyc) for the latest updates and offers. We look forward to welcoming our guests and helping you make the most of your stay during these exciting times!
AM: How does The Muse Hotel NY give back to the community whether it’s initiatives with the neighborhood or the city at large?
NH: At The Muse New York, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting local businesses. We often partner with neighborhood businesses and initiatives to promote local events and support our neighborhood. We have several sustainability initiatives in place to reduce our environmental impact and support our community's health. We are committed to making a positive impact in our community and are always looking for ways to contribute and give back.
AM: The Muse New York was formerly part of Kimpton and is now part of Crescent Hotels & Resorts'Latitude: Lifestyles by Crescent Collection. What does being part of this portfolio mean for this property?
NH: Being part of Crescent Hotels & Resorts’ Latitude: Lifestyles by Crescent Collection is a wonderful opportunity for The Muse New York. As an independent hotel, we can now focus on providing a unique guest experience that is tailored to the needs of our guests.
The Latitude: Lifestyles by Crescent Collection is known for managing a portfolio of distinctive hotels that are designed to connect with travelers who want elevated experiences. This means that we have more flexibility in offering personalized services and amenities that reflect the character of our property and the surrounding community. Additionally, Crescent Hotels & Resorts’ expertise in hotel management and operations can help us continue to improve our service standards and enhance our guests' experience.
Read the MAR ISSUE #87 of Athleisure Mag and see WEEKEND MUSE in mag,
HOW TO DRESS | FOR A PERFECT SUNSET RUN
Read the AUG ISSUE #80 of Athleisure Mag and see HOW TO DRESS | For a Perfect Sunset Run in mag.
ROCK THIS FOR YOUR NEXT POOLSIDE BRUNCH INVITE
Read the JUN ISSUE #78 of Athleisure Mag and see Rock This For Your Next Poolside Brunch Invite in mag.
ROCK THIS WHEN ENJOYING YOUR NEXT EPIC VACATION
Read the APR ISSUE #76 of Athleisure Mag and see Rock This When Enjoying Your Next Epic Vacation in mag.
ROCK THIS AFTER YOUR WORKOUT WHEN YOU'RE OUT AND ABOUT
Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see Rock This After Your Workout When You’re Out and About in mag.
#TRIBEGOALS
Read the SEP ISSUE #69 of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.
ROCK THIS WHEN YOU'RE HEADED TO A SUMMER SOIRÉE
Read the Jun Issue #66 of Athleisure Mag and see Rock This When You’re Headed to a Summer Soirée in mag.
HOW TO DRESS | TO WATCH THE SUPER BOWL
Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress | To Watch the Super Bowl in mag.
9LIST
Read the Oct Issue #58 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.
HOW TO DRESS FOR STREAMING AT HOME IN STYLE
Read the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress For Streaming at Home in Style in mag.
9LIST
Read the April Issue of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.
WINTER CHILL
With a new year ahead of us, we wanted to showcase go to looks when it comes to living our lives - a lounge look, fitness look, an on the go look as well as an evening look. These ensembles take us through a number of the activities that we do throughout the week. There's nothing better than being able to share those moments with a friend and our Wilhelmina models from this shoot, Charlie (cover, right) and Alyne (cover, left) show us how to get out of the doldrums of what can be monotonous weather with hot bodies, fresh faces, fun prints and pops of color.
To create the makeup looks for the Jan 2019 cover shoot, MAKEUP ARTIST Jessica Bonilla used the following products:
CHARLIE LOUNGE STYLE + FITNESS STYLE // MAKEUP | Foundation/Concealer/Contour - Cinema Secrets 500A Series | Foundation Pallet Powder Contour - NYX Cosmetics Contour Pallet | Blush - BH Cosmetics Blush Pallet | Glow/Highlight - MAC Cosmetics Skin Mineralizing Highlight | Lips - KKW Beauty Lip Gloss in Super Nude | Mascara - Inglot | Eyeshadow - KKW Beauty Shadow Pallet in "Albanian" | Sweat - Kryolan Transparent Jelly |
CHARLIE ON THE GO STYLE // MAKEUP | Same products above | Lips - Tarte Cosmetics in "Cast" |
CHARLIE EVENING STYLE // MAKEUP | Same products above | KKW Beauty Shadow in "Loyalty"| Lips - Tarte Cosmetics in "Cast" | Lashes - Ardell in “812” |
ALYNE LOUNGE STYLE + FITNESS STYLE // MAKEUP | Foundation/Concealer/Contour/ Cinema Secrets 500B series | Contour - NYX Cosmetics | Blush - BH Cosmetics | Glow/Highlight - Dose of colors “Mirame” with the Tatcha - Dewy Mist Over Top | Eyes - KKW Beauty in "Armenian, Albanian, and Loyalty" | Liner - Inglot Gel Liner | Lashes - Ardell Faux Mink Wispies | Brows - Benefit Cosmetics Clear Brow Gel | Lips - NYX Lip Liner in “Nude Suede Shoes” with Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Over Top | Sweat - Kryolan Transparent Jelly |
ALYNE ON THE GO STYLE // MAKEUP | Same products above | Eye color was deepened with Anastasia Beverly Hills Shadow in “Violetta” |
ALYNE EVENING STYLE // MAKEUP | The look was enhanced with adding a bold lip with the MAC X Selena collab in “I Could Fall in Love” |
To create the hairstyles for the Jan 2019 cover shoot, HAIR STYLIST Lea DeLoy used the following products to achieve the looks:
Lea started each look with Kevin Murphy Anti-gravity spray. Added a light layer of spray to each layer of the hair to protect from heat, hold the curl and add style memory for long lasting waves. Went through the hair picking up random pieces and wrapped on this inside of a classic curling inch iron. Use the inside of a classic iron in the same way as a wand because it gives a better wave. This also was how the finished down do was created on Charlie in the dress.
The lived in side braid- sprayed in KM Bedroom hair for that lived in volumized sexy hair look. Secured the top half if the hair with a hair tie, but placed slightly off to the side. Pulled at it slightly to create loose feel with random pieces pulled out. Pulled the rest over to the side and braided. Pulled the braid apart for a thicker more dramatic braid.
The up styles sectioned the hair into 2 or 3 ponytails. Top/middle/bottom keeping them all close together. Slightly pulled through each pony and pulling them apart creating a messy “bun” look on each pony. Wrapped the extra hair hanging out from each pony and secured them with bobby pins to fill in the voids between the pony tails. Finished up with Kevin Murphy Flex spray for a light moveable hold.
The dramatic bubble pony looks amazing for any occasion, from working out to a dressy evening out. Started with Kevin Murphy Bedroom hair to bulk up the texture. Sectioned hair into 4 pony’s starting at the top and working down to the nape. Secured hair together with a hair tie right below each pony and pulled apart to desired “bubble” size. Simply continued this effect by adding hair ties throughout the Extra hair below the nape and pulled out each section. Finished with KM Flex spray.
FASHION CREDITS
CHARLIE - FITNESS STYLE; COVER, 24-27 + BACK COVER | WOLVEN Sport Bra | HANRO Leggings | APL Sneakers | DAGNE DOVER Backpack // ALYNE - FITNESS STYLE; COVER, PG 24 -29 | HANRO Sports Bra | WOLVEN Mandala Shorts |
CHARLIE - LOUNGE STYLE; PG 16 + 18 | MAISON DE PAPILLON Cashmere Set | HANRO Tank | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Necklace // ALYNE - LOUNGE STYLE; PG 18 -22 | THE OVID COLLECTIVE Sports Bra | AUM COUTURE Sweatpants | MAISON DE PAPILLON Cashmere Arm Warmers | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Necklace |
CHARLIE - ON THE GO STYLE; PG 30 | SATURDAY SCHOOL V-Neck | MAVI Jean | MAISON DE PAPILLON Cardigan | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Jewelry + Belt // ALYNE - ON THE GO STYLE; PG 30 + 31 | HANRO Body Suit + Pants | KUT FROM THE KLOTH Denim Jacket | LAGOS Earrings + Black Caviar Bracelet |
CHARLIE - NIGHT OUT STYLE; PG 32 | LEANNE MARSHALL Gown | QUPID Shoes // ALYNE - NIGHT OUT STYLE; PG 32 +33 | LEANNE MARSHALL Gown | LAGOS Earrings, Black Caviar + Diamonds Necklace | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Ring |
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
Select images from our January 2019 cover shoot were taken with Hasselblad X1D-50c and XCD 3.5/45mm and 3.2/90mm lenses. We find the X1D-50c to indeed be a game changer, bringing mirrorless technology to digital medium format for the first time ever. The 50MP CMOS sensor captures fine details with true natural colors for the studio and on travel. The feel is light and balanced and boasts a modern, sophisticated build per its iconic Scandinavian design heritage. We recommend it for endless opportunities for rich and dreamy professional and personal captures!
IMAGES TAKEN WITH HASSELBLAD X1D-50C | PG 21, 22, 27, 28 + 33 |
Our cover editorial was shot at 498 West End Ave on the UWS in NYC. We sat down with Louise Phillips Forbes, Licensed Assoc. Real Estate Broker, Halstead Real Estate located at 499 Park Avenue to discuss the property.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We were in this building a few years ago when we first interviewed you for Athleisure Mag. What can you tell us about the building as a whole, how you came onto this project and what your involvement is?
LOUISE PHILLIPS FORBES: I remember that interview well and it's always a pleasure to spend time in conversation with you. I'm a big fan of Athleisure! I have the privilege of being the director of sales and marketing for the development project underway at 498 West End Avenue, which is a pre-war conversion of a beautiful turn-of-the-20th century building from a rental residence to a luxury condominium by developer Samson Management. The magnificent bones of this quintessential Upper West Side landmark and its ageless edifice constructed in 1910 by
Neville & Bagge who provided the ideal envelope for CetraRuddy Architecture to thoughtfully design and reimagine it for a 21st century lifestyle. The result is sublime and we refer to it as "A story of exceptionalism."
AM: The lobby is stunning, please tell us more about this area.
LPF: The extensive renovation began outside the building with the restoration of the façade, which was re turned to its original splendor through an extensive cleaning and repair process. A highlight is the elegant and fully-restored ornamental metal marquee with glass canopy. It's a beautiful entrance to the building with period wrought iron doors that open onto a newly re-designed lobby. Complete with a 24-hour doorman, the lobby features decorative bronze wall panels in a geometric pattern, and walls and flooring in a composition of Vanillis Pearl polished and honed marble and St. Laurent honed marble. It's very inviting, and although more contemporary than how it was, it pays homage to the original pre-war splendor.
AM: This duplex penthouse for our January cover shoot has amazing views, multiple terraces, sun-drenched rooms throughout, and abundant bedrooms, what can you tell us about this property?
LPF: It's a spectacular, one-of-a-kind residence that possesses a grandeur, both in scale and workmanship, boasting spectacular finishes and impressive room scale. This newly-constructed, expansive, full-floor duplex penthouse is an addition to the building's architectural heritage, with 3,646 interior square feet containing grandly proportioned rooms, and 3,002 exterior square feet made up of five terraces, two of which are off of the master suite, with amazing views in all four directions. There are five large bedrooms, four full bathrooms, one powder room, and a huge eat-in kitchen with truly high-end appliances and finishes - custom chocolate-stained cerused oak cabinetry with light bronze accent trim and pulls, Calacatta marble slab countertops and backsplash, and appliances from Miele, Gaggenau, and Bertazzoni. The premium grade designer details that grace the interiors impart a pervasive sense of quality, and the curated design ushers in a new vernacular - a rare combination of prewar craft and contemporary artistry, perfect for entertaining as well as restorative time at home. This penthouse residence is a standout amongst its competitors, elevating it to a timeless sophistication satisfying the needs of the most discerning buyer.
AM: The interior design for this unit is gorgeous! Tell us about the interior designer and what was the inspiration behind the aesthetic.
LPF: As we do for most of our projects with this developer, we contracted with Robin Mayer of Robin Mayer Designs. Together with her team and my director of PR and marketing, Richard Johnson, they brought the space to life and created a home that everyone can see themselves living in. It's both inspirational and aspirational, with furnishings and accessories that while lavish and sophisticated, are also warm, comfortable, and inviting. Capitalizing on the abundance of natural light, breathtaking views, and voluminous rooms, they incorporated many notable brands. Highlights include: outdoor furniture and several indoor pieces from Restoration Hardware, rugs from ABC Carpet & Home, furnishings and accessories from Ralph Lauren Home, Keno Brothers Furniture Collection, Homenature, and vintage mid-century pieces from Italian designer Marco Zanuso. I'm so pleased and proud of the results.
AM: Tell us about the artwork that is in this unit and is there anything about the artist that you can share?
LPF: We have many stunning pieces of artwork showcased in the staging of this home, but I'm thrilled to feature two exceptional works by artist Aubrey Mayer - (1) Christopher Wool Contact Sheet v.3, 2016, ink jet on canvas 72"x59", hanging in the foyer, and (2) Laura Owens, Nate Lowman, Mark Grotjahn Contact Sheet, 2017, framed dye sublimation on aluminum 70"x50", hanging in the dining room. We are so fortunate to have his art on display in this home and everyone who's been here has fallen in love with these two pieces. They are simply stunning! Aubrey Mayer is a self-taught photographer and painter, and he has works included in the permanent collections of the Whitney Museum and the Columbia University Art Museum. I would like to see the two works we have in the penthouse become permanent additions here (wink, wink). They are so perfect for the space. Fingers crossed the future buyer agrees.
AM: What amenities are offered in the building?
LPF: The renovation of this pre-war gem includes the addition of a fully-equipped fitness center and children's playroom, along with the conveniences of secured storage units and bicycle storage, both of which are things New Yorkers appreciate in a city where space is limited.
AM: What neighborhood is this building located in and what can you tell us about the area?
LPF: This building is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at the corner of 84th Street and West End Avenue. It's an ideal area of the city because it's convenient to so many things. Riverside Park is just one block away with a wide variety of outdoor activities - bike and jogging paths, skateboarding, dog runs, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, and much more. You have easy access to the West Side Highway, plus Equinox and SoulCycle are close by, as are boutique shops and retail stores, charming cafes and fine dining restaurants, grocery stores, and parking garages, in addition to the crosstown bus and subway. It's also the area of the city where I call home and reared my two sons, so I might be a little biased.
AM: For people interested in purchasing this apartment, how can they find out more information?
LPF: Showings of the home are by appointment only and interested parties are welcome to contact me directly on my cell at 917-846-8640 or via email at lphillips@halstead.com. They can also check out the online listing to view beautiful photographs and a floor plan here.
AM: Where can readers see other properties that you represent?
LPF: It's easy, simply visit my website at LouisePhillipsForbes.com and click on the tab for "My Listings." I represent a wide variety of homes and we have some very special active listings at the moment so I encourage people to check them out. They can also find out more about me and my team. I have negotiated deals all over NYC and even some in the surrounding suburban areas. I'm networked with the best brokers domestically and globally so I would welcome the opportunity to chat with folks and find out how I can best be of service. I consider myself more of an educator than a salesperson, and it's a privilege to be a part of the buying and selling process for people. After all, your home is the foundation upon which the rest of your life is built.
Read more from the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Winter Chill in mag.
HOW TO DRESS | FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY
Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress for the Fourth of July in mag.
NUDE'S INCLUSION
A few decades ago, when people talked about getting basic undergarments, you knew that you had to have black, white and nude. But the concept of as a number of people with brown skin tones were unable to find a color that matched. Just like beauty brands have begun to conquer what nude means across the color spectrum, this same movement has taken place in footwear as well as lingerie.
nude was relative
We remember a few years ago when we first heard about Nubian Skin - a line that began as lingerie that included shades that matched brown skin tones and was represented by models that also reflect the consumer who buys the line.
After fangirling from afar, we caught up with Nubian Skin's founder, Ade Hassan about the process behind launching this line, how she grew the assortment, being honored by His Royal Highness Prince William with the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and how she takes time for herself while growing her business.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to creating Nubian Skin, can you tell us about your background?
ADE HASSAN: My background isn’t actually in fashion at all. I was working in finance, which had been my career and when I had taken a break from finance, I did consulting for a year. However, while I was consulting in 2011, I had the idea for Nubian Skin and that was the first spark. I didn’t actively start working on the company until May 2013. When I came up with the idea I knew I needed to change jobs and save money, so I went back into finance and it was in the midst of this, that I actively registered the company and really started on getting it from an idea to an actual business.
AM: What led you to create Nubian Skin?
AH: I came up with the idea in 2011, and I had told a friend about the idea. Later that year, she sent me a birthday card that said, 'it's time to start living the life you've always imagined,’ I immediately registered the business.
AM: What were the initial items in Nubian Skin, how has that changed to the current assortment, and what are new items that you can share with us that will be available this spring?
AH:
We started out with our hosiery, essential and lace collections, and we have since added more sizes, a curve hosiery collection, our Africa-inspired collection, Moroccan Nights, a collection of nude shoes including heels and flats, we also did a collaboration with another designer, d.bleu.dazzled, and more recently, we launched our Naked Collection, a new range of intimates in nude tones! We have some exciting things in the pipeline, soon we will be launching our fuller-bust bras, and after that, we have a few exciting ideas up our sleeves, so watch this space!AM: In addition to having an online presence, what boutiques is the brand available in?
AH: Our products are available at a range of boutiques, including Nubian Hueman in DC, BraTenders in Manhattan, Suzette Hosiery in Yonkers and Busted Bra Shop in Detroit. We also
have stockists in the UK, Nigeria, Portugal and the French Caribbean. Check out the stockists page on our website for the full list!
AM: What celebrities have worn the brand and who would you like to see wearing it?
AH: Beyoncé and her dancers wore it for the Formation Tour! We’ve also seen it on Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae and Taraji P Henson in Hidden Figures, Jourdan Dunn, Leomie Anderson & Jackie Aina to name a few. We’d absolutely love to see Rihanna in Nubian Skin!
AM: In addition to having a necessary range of lingerie, we love the models that represent the brand as they are diverse in hues as well as body types - how important was having this representation?
AH: It was really important because I wanted women to be able to look at the campaign and see somebody who looked like them, or their mother, or sister. Representation is important, it can be a really empowering thing.
AM: You received the MBE from Prince William last year. What is this, why is it awarded, what it was like to receive it?
AH: An MBE is ‘Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’, and the list recognizes achievements and contributions of a wide range of extraordinary people across the UK. My award was for fashion, in recognition of my mission to redefine nude through Nubian Skin, and the impact it has consequently made on the industry. It was such an incredible and
humbling experience!
AM: You closed out the year being honored in LA at the Ebony Power 100 as an entrepreneur
in 2017 - who were your favorite people that you met in the room and what did this acknowledgment mean to you?
AH: By far, the highlight had to be meeting Maxine Waters…she is just an incredible person and takes no nonsense. I was really surprised to get the letter that I was to be on the list. It’s an amazing thing to be honoured, because I have so much respect for the publication and the history behind it. Being named with such an amazing group of entrepreneurs was incredibly
inspiring to me.
AM: In addition to your brand's IG page, your personal page really shares what it's like as you continue to build your company from new additions to your line, the life of an entrepreneur - acknowledgments that you have received and more. How important is it for you to share these details and mentor those digitally?
AH: Thank you! I’d never thought of it as digitally mentoring before, as I'm not that great or consistent on my personal page, but it is nice to engage with people and know that there are those who are supporting what I do and care about it. I think it is important for people to see that hard work and grit can go a long way, and though there are definite highs, there's a lot of elbow grease that goes into living your dream.
AM: You're a busy woman who is always traveling - when you're back home in London where is your favorite place to shop, where do you enjoy eating and where do you grab a cocktail? Do you have another city that you frequently visit that you enjoy shopping, eating and grabbing a drink?
AH: I love being home in my flat!! Haha, London is so diverse, I can’t really pick a favourite because there are so many amazing places to choose from, BUT I am very partial to afternoon tea. Two cities I can’t get enough of are Lagos, it’s so vibrant and a lot of fun, and Paris… Paris is always a good idea.
AM: How do you take time for yourself in the midst of your busy career?
AH: It can be difficult to find a balance, but I’m getting better at it. This year, I’m trying to focus on really enjoying all parts of the journey, so if I'm travelling for work, I'm making sure to seek out some time for myself and do something enjoyable. I was speaking to a couple of fellow entrepreneur friends the other week about how taking time for yourself takes discipline. So, I make sure I’m spending quality time with loved ones and taking care of my health by exercising.
AM: What philanthropy or charity(ies) do you support?
AH: I volunteer, and I donate on a monthly basis to my SOAS, where I did my masters, to their education fund. The UK raised tuition fees pretty dramatically several years ago, and I wanted
to do a little bit to make sure that students who couldn’t afford it will still get the opportunity to attend such a great institution.
Read more from the Jan Issue and read Nude's Inclusion in mag.