Fashion Forward in New York City

The city that never sleeps is looking sharper than ever. Discover our favorite destinations for wardrobe rehab and where to wear your new threads.

This is the first in a series of features sponsored by Hilton Hotels & Resorts. To ignite your own memorable moments, discover top gay destinations and experience the most exciting LGBT-centric events of the season, visit GoOutHilton.com.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

New York City's Garment District has been fashion's epicenter for more than a century, at one point manufacturing 78 percent of America's clothing, according to The Municipal Art Society of New York.

For a snapshot of the neighborhood's history, turn to Michael Kaback of Mikey's NYC Tours. The free tour (by reservation only) offers an insider's glimpse into the industry, ranging from industrialization and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire to today's leading showrooms and factories.

For another free fashion perspective, head over to The Museum at FIT. "Global Fashion Capitals" (through November 21) takes a look at 21 of the world's most fashion-forward cities and the cultural and socioeconomic factors that have brought them to international prominence; "Fashion Underground" (through December 5) profiles legendary nightlife producer Susanne Bartsch; and "Denim: Fashion's Frontier" (December 1 - May 7) will feature more than 70 objects from the museum's private collection that traces the fabric's root's from California's 19th century California gold rush to today's high fashion.

3 NOT TO MISS

Project Runway's Heidi Klum says, "One day you're in, and the next you're out." We hope that New York City's mainstays continue to attract shoppers near and far (who can't resist an afternoon retail binge at Barneys?), but that doesn't mean we're not cheering for these more recent arrivals, each destination-worthy in their own way.

Michael Kors
It took more than two years for Michael Kors to open his epic, multi-floor New York outpost. Some things are worth waiting for. Here you'll find shoes, accessories, and best of all, an entire floor dedicated to menswear. "Men have never been able to walk into our store and find the product and shop the same as women shopping," said Kors in an interview with Racked earlier this year. "I've always been one of the few designers who has always had men on the runway. We've always mixed men and women into our ad campaign. It's a story I've been telling, but I've never told it at retail before." 520 Broadway, 212-336-4501

Miansai
Crosby Street has become a menswear mecca over the past several years and one shop in particular is attracting a clientele looking for industrial, forward-thinking designs that blur the gender lines in favor of a modern aesthetic. Founder and creative director Michael Saiger began Miansai with a single bracelet in 2008. The SoHo flagship store showcases his handmade designs in silver, leather, gold, and more. New designs include screw cuff bracelets, fish hook necklaces, and flat top rings. Custom pieces are also available. 33 Crosby Street, 212-858-9710

Brooklyn Spectacles
It doesn't take 20/20 vision to see that Williamsburg, Brooklyn has passed its "gentrifying" stage and is now destination for tourists and locals alike to spend their retail dollars. Brooklyn Spectacles opened a flagship retail location this summer after pounding the virtual pavement since 2012 as an online-only store. Known for its wood collection, Brooklyn Spectacle actually uses an acetate plastic surfaced with a wood-like finish for greater durability. We love the new Capsule collection in eye-popping amber along with the duotone Whythe and Roebling collections. 209 Bedford Avenue, 718-388-7088

SWEET DREAMS

A weekend shopping spree in New York City requires a good night's rest along with a well-thought location that will maximize your time.

Hilton Times Square
Soaring 44 stories above Times Square, the hotel recently underwent a $20 million transformation project, with many rooms offering panoramic views of the Hudson River or Times Square -- the perfect backdrop for your new wardrobe selfies. Steps away from Broadway and virtually every subway line to whisk you to the shopping destination of your choice, you'll also find more than a dozen gay bars within striking distance in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.

Hilton New York Fashion District
This ultra-modern hotel in the heart of the Fashion District puts you at the center of the action. Only steps away from the Fashion Institute of Technology, you'll also be near plenty of other attractions including Chelsea Market, Macy's and the Empire State Building. The hotel is also TAG-approved, a member of IGLTA (the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association), and even offers Wedding Your Way in NYC package if formalwear is on your agenda.
152 West 26th Street
212-858-5888