It’s the shiniest Instagram attraction in Manhattan. Since opening in March, shoppers, diners and gawkers have streamed to Hudson Yards, the borough’s “biggest, newest, slickest gated community,” as Michael Kimmelman, the architecture critic of The New York Times put it.
On a recent Friday afternoon, we stopped by its five-story retail center, stuffed with luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants, to chat with visitors and see what they were wearing.
CreditNathan Bajar for The New York Times
Laura J. de la Torre
Age: 70
Occupation: retired massage therapist
Tell me about those baubles around your neck.
I’m a little clairvoyant, and I knew this was going to happen today. This is most elegant thing. My former client Andrea bestowed me with an amber necklace. And nobody knows what the blue and yellow one is. Maybe a nut. Cartier couldn’t figure it out.
You glasses remind me of Iris Apfel’s.
People say, “Iris Apfel.” They should say, “Laura de la Torre.”
Despite spring, you’re still in a winter coat.
This is mink-lined and etched, from Matthew Kirshner furs — unfortunately he’s passed away. And then the carapace, which is the outside, is a raincoat. Because of the bits of mink on the outside on the neck, you don’t need a scarf.
More jewelry on your hands.
This bracelet is vintage Bakelite. And the ring is vintage “junk-e-lite,” but it looks great.
Thomas Keller
Age: 63
Occupation: chef, restaurateur
You don’t look ready to cook.
I’ll be ready in a little while.
Where’s your suit from?
And what’s this little red detail on your lapel?
It represents the Légion d’honneur, the medal I received from President Sarkozy of France. It’s the highest award given to foreigners. I’m the first male American chef to receive it.
Wow. Chef José Andrés can keep his Nobel Prize nomination. What’s your watch?
It’s Patek Philippe, a special anniversary edition of the Aquanaut.
Can you wear it when you cook?
Yes. You see, the band is rubber.
Paulina Virgen
Age: 34
Occupation: fabric manager for Coach
You’re doing a spring look. Tell me about the sweater.
It’s actually from H&M.
How do you work in fabric sourcing and then buy fast fashion?
I think there has to be a balance between the fast fashion and the higher luxury brands. For example, my dress is Alexander Wang and my boots are Coach. There’s a blend.
The hem of the dress is interesting.
It’s actually a T-back dress. It’s an acetate blend, raw cut at the edge. And it’s machine washable.
I noticed that women are showing their socks outside of their boots.
Socks are very in right now. These are from Uniqlo, and they’re actually my husband’s.
Does he mind that you take his socks?
Of course he minds. But I wash them.
Bryant Guzman
Age: 23
Occupation: student and theater usher
When and why did you decide to color your hair?
Last month. It’s burgundy. It used to be half black and half blond. Then blond. Then pink. Then purple. Then green, blue.
Tell be about this big beige coat.
I’m not sure if it belonged to my mom or my uncle, but I found it and took it. It’s well kept.
What’s on your feet?
The Nike Air Force, Supreme collab. White, black, simple.
Are your sweatpants for style or comfort or both?
Comfort and style. These are Nike tech fleece: They’re comfy but also say that you’re not too lazy.
Your look is far from lazy.
Thank you.
Alice Kim
Age: 38
Occupation: merchandiser
Are you wearing fur?
I am. This is Diane von Furstenberg. It’s old. It’s my staple.
Your necklace says your name, “Alice.”
I’m obsessed with my name. I have many things with my name: earrings, rings, necklace, everything.
Is that a spring skirt or dress?
Skirt. It’s Zara. I mix and match high and low.
What about your bag?
It’s Khirma Eliazov.
You’re showing a little leg.
Well, it’s in the 50s.
And you’re showing a little sock above your boots.
I think socks are cool. They’re comfortable. And they’re rainbow so they’re pretty, too.
Anya Fernald
Age: 44
Occupation: co-founder of Belcampo Meat Co.
I’m into your blouse. A little tie-dye.
This is Raquel Allegra, an L.A. designer. I’ve got to bring some California. Her stuff is very feminine.
Is it good for work?
It’s very light. As a woman in an executive role, you want to feel like you’re not showing too much skin.
And your pants?
These are Alexander Wang. I like high-waisted pants.
High-waisted pants are really back in.
It’s such a relief for people with more classic body shapes.
Matt Jung
Age: 37
Occupation: investor in consumer companies
Do you invest in fashion brands?
Yes. This sweater is Naadam. The founders went to the Mongolian desert and began sourcing cashmere directly from the nomadic tribes of goat herders and created a brand around it. That allows them to sell this cashmere sweater for $75.
Your suit fits you beautifully.
My mother-in-law made it for me for my wedding. She comes from a family of tailors: Fioravanti. They had a shop in Midtown.
Did she make the pocket square too?
It was a gift, also from her. From Charvet.
What specifics did you give her in making your suit?
I like it to fit kind of trim. And then we picked out the fabric together.
And your watch?
Another wedding gift. It’s IWC Schaffhausen.
Jeff Blau
Age: 50
Occupation: chief executive of Related Companies
It’s a very nice mall.
We don’t call it a mall. It’s a vertical urban retail center. Big difference.
You’re wearing a very classic suit. Big shoulders.
I have a shopper that I work with, who I’ve gone to for years — he reps Zegna. Hermès tie.
Would you call that a power tie?
I wouldn’t call it that. I like the colors. My daughter picked this one out this morning.
Has your look changed since you started in the business?
Not really. As a company, we’ve stayed pretty conservative. We’re one of the few still wearing ties.
What is Goldman Sachs thinking?
I was surprised to see that. We do slightly casual on Fridays in the summer, that means no tie.