The Fashion Spot: Is there an area or particular buildings that are home to a high density of established fashion industry professionals?
Tierney Model: Wherever there is a fabulous apartment, there is likely to be an equally fabulous and fashionable person or people living there. So, to answer the question, I would say that fashion industry professionals live all over NYC, from Tribeca to the Upper East Side, Harlem, Financial District, you name it, they’re there.
tFS: Have you noticed that up and coming designers tend to live in a particular area?
TM: Not necessarily, up and coming designers tend to live in areas that may be close to where they work, or where they get their materials, or inspiration. Also, if they haven’t “made it” yet, they likely live in an apartment that financially makes sense.
tFS: Would you mind sharing your thoughts on a few notable designer home items?
TM: Sure! (see below)
tFS: What key things should one consider when moving to NYC and looking for their first apartment?
TM: It is important for clients to make a mental checklist of what is important to them. Do you need to be near transportation? Close to where you work? Do you have pets that may need to be near a park? Decide what is important to you and go for it. If you’re still dreaming about an apartment the day after you see it, I’d say, take it!
tFS: What do you think is an area that is often overlooked by people new to NYC?
TM: Well, I’m not certain there is just one area, but I have to say that I do think Harlem is quite fabulous and sometimes overlooked. The townhouses there are old school New York and so elegant, not to mention the influx of new restaurants, and jazz bars.
tFS: As a native New Yorker, do you have any suggestions for places to shop, go out, dine, or hang out for those looking to break into the fashion industry?
TM: Well, I would say hang out on “Fashion Avenue,” of course, or perhaps better known as 7th Avenue. Many designers have their studios in the 20’s-40’s on 7th Avenue. This is truly the heart and soul of fashion. For someone looking to break out into the industry, I’d say visit FIT and Parsons, they always have great exhibits available and you never know who you could meet. As far as shopping, check out vintage stores in Chelsea, and the Hells Kitchen flea market. There are no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area, but I think the Ace Hotel is a good spot to check out.
tFS: What are important things to keep in mind when staging a home that you want to rent or sell?
TM: Pay attention to the small things, remove clutter, wash windows, tidy up the closets, and keep colors neutral, if possible. People like a clean space, fresh flowers, and please, please make sure to throw out dead plants or dried flowers… I don’t care how sentimental they are. We want to see live things only!
tFS: Where do you shop for your home furnishings?
TM: All over, you name it, I’ve been. I love flea markets, Dixie Highway in Florida, home stores in Connecticut, West Elm, antique stores on Charles Street in Boston…and the list goes on.
Real estate interview
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Jason Wu
Jason Wu/Canvas Throw Pillows, $140– $160
These throw pillows can spice up any sofa! The lace is beautiful quality and can really transform the entire room with their elegance.
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Jason Wu
Jason Wu/Canvas Tufted Ottoman, $1,950
This ottoman is timeless; it's basic that can add sophistication to an apartment. The price may be intimidating, but even custom making a piece like this would likely cost more…
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Vera Wang
Simply Vera Vera Wang Azure Duvet Cover Set, $209.99-$230.99
Ok, not a fan of this, the colors strike me as muted and not exciting. When I show apartments, it is always refreshing to see a pop of color, and this just doesn’t speak to me..
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Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren Bentham Plaid Decanter, $495
Ralph can do no wrong in my eyes. I always love seeing a home that has been completely or partially furnished in Ralph Lauren. I can see this decanter on Don Draper’s desk, therefore I’d love to have it on mine.
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Ralph Lauren
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Ombre King Comforter, $320
It strikes me as very 80s, but someone creative could possibly make this look cool. I tend to be slightly more boring when it comes to comforters, bright solid colors are as wild as I get.
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Donna Karan
Donna Karan Home Casual Luxe Dinnerware, $14-80
Very zen and perfect to use when staging a home. These could blend in perfectly with any dinner table setting and are very reasonably priced.
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Donna Karan
Donna Karan Lenox Mini Salt & Pepper Cellar, Set of 2, $100
So fabulous! I would love to have these on my table, this is also a wonderful gift for a housewarming party.
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Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg Dinnerware, $20-200
Wild and fun! DVF dinnerware is a great way to introduce color to a table.
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Kate Spade
Kate Spade Owl Vase, $60
Not so much… I love owls but not in this form.
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Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein Marsh Rug, $699-4,699
Very funky, I like the look of these rugs, texture is important to have in a home, and this is a great way to add it.
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Hermes
Hermes Cheval d’Orient, $330-5,300
Hermes also always delivers the finest quality, but make sure you don’t chip any plates, because it will not be fun to replace. This can make any dinner table look beyond fabulous.
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Hermes
Hermes Pippa Armchair, $11,600
Extremely decadent, I could see this in the corner of any room, in any home. However, I think I’d rather have a Kelly.
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Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen Skull Tapestry Cushion, $675
I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of skulls, this is so much fun. McQueen is just, sigh, the best.
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Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta Furniture, price upon request
When you are buying Bottega, you know what you’re getting quality. If you can spend the money, this furniture will likely last a lifetime in your home. That is, assuming your pets are well trained.
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Missoni
Missoni Home Torta Candle, $520
I’m not crazy about these colors, but the design is quite unique. Points for effort, Missoni.
