Category Archive for Art + Design
New York City’s Most Instagrammable Places! One World Observatory, SuperReal immersive art, Yotel NYC robot hotel.
The Pet Shop Boys knew what they were talking about when they sang: “New York City boy… You’ll never have a bored day!”
I’ve spent so much time in NYC over the years (including living there for a few) that going back feels like a homecoming. There are always innovative new exhibitions, and landmarks I never got around to checking out.
Read on for my 2021 guide to New York’s art and travel attractions, including the most Instagrammable spots in the city. Such as One World Observatory (I’ll never grow bored of this view from the deck)…
… and the trippy SuperReal immersive projections at Cipriani 25 Broadway. (I flew to NYC in late July to report on culture in the city. As you can see, I kept as safe as possible, staying away from crowds and masking indoors.)
And leave it to me to find Mr. Roboto. Read on for a peek inside my stay at Yotel New York, a sci-fi space hotel with a luggage “Yobot” robot!
Let’s take it from the top: I went to the southern end of Manhattan to ascend One World Trade Center. Also known as the Freedom Tower, the skyscraper soars up from the former site of the World Trade Towers, and stands next to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
One WTC was designed by architect David Childs, and completed in 2013. It is currently the tallest building in the United States and the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth tallest in the world.
Photographer Joey Wong and I were keen to take in the sky-high views from One World Observatory, located on the top levels of the skyscraper.
(It was bright up there, so I wore these exact Roberto Cavalli snake sunglasses. They’re the RC 1047 Chianciano oversize frames, with gold serpents on the sides!)
Travel these days requires a fair amount of planning, as many attractions require advance bookings and have limited time slots. Tickets to One WTC Observatory are available online, with various options including skip-the-line VIP passes.
Address and directions: While the building address is 285 Fulton Street, note that the doors to the Observatory are on West Street between Fulton and Vesey Streets. Once inside, go down the escalator to find the entrance.
From the enormous windows of One World Observatory, New York City looks miniscule. I was reminded of the Jigsaw disco song “Sky High” — as they sang, “We could have touched the sky.”
The tower has a three-story observation deck, located on floors 100–102.
Visitors ride the SkyPod elevators, which climb up 102 stories in only 47 seconds, reaching top speeds of 36.5 km per hour! (And there was no ear-popping or discomfort.) During the swift ride, we saw video footage of the transformation of New York City from unsettled land to a metropolis of skyscrapers.
When you step out of the elevator, you’re greeted by a visual show that ends with a rising curtain, revealing the magnificent views from One WTC.
Then, you’re free to wander around the circular observatory, and take in views from several floors. Here’s one of my favorite perspectives: you can see Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and 8 Spruce Street (the rectangular tower in the center). Formely known as the Beekman Tower, this iconic 76-story skyscraper was designed by architect Frank Gehry.
And can you recognize the tiny figure, outside these picture windows? That’s the Statue of Liberty, raising her green torch over Liberty Island.
Architecture buffs like myself will enjoy peering out the glass, and spotting famous NYC buildings. In the center, you might recognize the 1913 Woolworth Building, which towers 60 stories above downtown Manhattan. It was financed by millionaire Frank Woolworth, and designed by Cass Gilbert.
New York City has other observation points and decks, including the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and The Edge at Hudson Yards. One World has by far the highest viewpoint, providing plenty of opportunities for Instagram-friendly photos like this.
Every ticket option to One World gives you access to these stunning 360° views. However, the VIP pass has benefits including access to the priority lane for security, elevator, and exit. You’ll also get a Flexible Arrival time, so there’s no stress about making a specific timeslot.
One World’s observation deck is indoors, which was a relief on a hot summer’s day.
One of NYC’s most bizarre buildings is the “Jenga tower” on the far left. (The apartment high-rise is actually called 56 Leonard Street in Tribeca.)
Visit One World Observatory for these bird’s-eye views over the Big Apple. More info and tickets on their website.
You can also find One WTC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (And don’t miss out on the nearby September 11 museum and memorial pools, as well as the subway station designed by Santiago Calatrava.)
Now, for something new in New York. I dove into a dream world of moving projections at The SuperReal Experience, a 45-minute experience that pays tribute to the city.
These immersive digital shows are an exciting new way to experience art (I’ve seen a few worldwide, including Teamlabs Tokyo and Imagine Van Gogh Vancouver). The lighting and visual effects are constantly changing, creating new moods for photography.
SuperReal is located at Cipriani 25 Broadway, inside the former Cunard Building. The event space has decadent Italian neo-renaissance domes and arches, which provide a framework for the projection mapping.
Look up, and all around you — including the floor. SuperReal uses every inch as a canvas for digital effects.
One corner of SuperReal has a bar. Lie down on one of the beanbag chairs, and sip on a drink. If you’re feeling playful, you can bounce the white balloons around the venue.
Music and sound effects accompany the visuals. The vibe constantly changes with each “dream,” from psychedelic 90s to dark thunder and lightning.
I wore “A Tim Burton Film” dress from Forest Ink — appropriate, for this fantastical atmosphere!
The projection mapping encompasses the entire 12,000 square foot grand hall of Cipriani 25 Broadway.
I loved how SuperReal highlighted the building’s majestic architecture, creating virtual realms that blur the lines between reality and illusion.
The original art is accompanied by 360 degrees surround sound. My favorite part: when they blasted Sylvester’s disco hit, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).”
Amazing how the high-tech moving visuals exactly match the interior details.
From Art Deco to decadent flowers, the mood keeps on shifting.
Head to the historic 25 Broadway in NY’s Financial District, to see these superb visuals in motion. You can book a time-slot ticket to The SuperReal Experience here.
Finally, a “Yo” to the aliens… I had a blast staying at Yotel New York, a hotel inspired by outerspace! (I hope there’s a press trip to space in my future.)
Yotel NY has a convenient mid-town Manhattan location (not far from 42nd Street Port Authority), and the spaceship design is prime for photo-taking.
Yotel has a sleek modern design, and the rooms are affordable. The NY hotel has 713 “cabins,” and the hallways made me feel like I was a passenger on a rocket to Mars. (Wearing Sleevey Wonders under sleeves as a top.)
I didn’t run into any aliens at Yotel — unless you count the two grinning, horned “deer” statues in the lobby!
Everything at Yotel has a high-tech design. Guests check themselves in at the computer kiosks; it’s a simple process that only takes two minutes, and includes creating your own room key.
Instead of a “lobby boy,” Yotel has a giant white robot to carry and store your luggage! The Yobot’s arm can handle 500 pounds, and maneuver hundreds of suitcases a day.
Using the touch screen computer, you can have the Yobot store your bags in an assigned locker. All you need is the receipt with a bar code to get them back.
Even the vending machines have a futuristic edge. This Vengo dispenser is the size of a picture frame, yet contains items like toiletries and headphones. You can purchase them from the touch-screen with cashless payment.
Yotel NYC’s rooms are ingeniously designed like space-cabins to save space. The shelving is built-in, and the flat bed retracts into a sofa with the push of a button!
The Yotel room pods are designed for maximum compactness, yet you have everything you need for an enjoyable stay — including views of Midtown from the window.
There’s even a neon lighting option, to get you in the mood for an intergalactic disco party! Such a fun stay, at Yotel NYC.
I leave you with some NYC subway outfit photos. Wearing a vintage Japanese kimono jacket / coverup from Burcu’s Angels Vancouver.
Tim Burton dress from Forest Ink. Anastasia liquid lipstick has been my go-to, as the lip stain stays on when you’re wearing a mask.
Do you have any favorite Instagrammable spots in New York City? (I’ve been living in these Roberto Cavalli snake sunglasses.)
More from NYC to come, including reviews of museums and art shows. And you can enjoy my previous New York travel stories here!
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The Laylow Hotel Honolulu review: Mid-century modern Hawaii design! Kaka’ako murals, The Bishop Museum art.
If the tropical leaves and ukulele didn’t give it away… surprise, I’ve been hanging out in Honolulu, Hawaii!
After over a year at home in Canada, I jumped on the chance to be on the paradise island of Oahu.
In Part 1 of my Hawaiian diary, you’ll see how I fit right in at The Laylow, a mid-century modern design hotel by Waikiki beach.
Still dreaming of this sunset… the fashionable Laylow hotel was walking distance from poke cafes and picture-perfect beaches, like Fort DeRussy Beach (above).
Since we’re taking a look at Hawaiian contemporary design, I’ll also show you the flamboyant murals of Kakaʻako, and a street art exhibit at the Bishop Museum. (Quite a few have a Gothic and kawaii influence, which isn’t a surprise as there is a substantial Japanese population in Honolulu.)
The Laylow hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a group of unique design properties. My hotel room was made for photography, with statement wallpaper, a colorful midcentury sofa, and a ukulele to strum. (The little guitar-like musical instrument was introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese, where it took off.)
(My long bat print Goth dress is by Sourpuss Clothing.)
Each of the 251 rooms is filled with retro-tropical touches. All guests receive this Lay Low surfer rubber ducky in a gift basket, as a memento to take home. The shelves contain nostalgic books about surf culture, art, and more. (I was fascinated by the an architecture book about Vladimir Ossipoff, Hawaii’s most renowned mid-century modern architect whose buildings were inspired by his childhood in Japan.)
I loved “laying low” in my cozy and spacious room, which had a vintage Hawaii color scheme and design accents.
Snuggling up in this white robe, which every guest can find in the closet. With its round illuminated mirror, the futuristic Laylow bathroom looks like something out of 2001 A Space Odyssey.
In addition, every stylish room has a private lanai, or curved balcony.
You may recall that my own apartment decor is inspired my mid-century modernism — it’s one of my favorite design styles. The Laylow’s custom and refurbished vintage MCM furniture includes a pin-leg lounge chair and curving table reminiscent of a surfboard.
Everyone who checks in receives a generous “E Komo Mai Basket” of goodies to use and take home as souvenirs. These include Laylow branded flip flops in two sizes, water bottles, snacks, a cute rubber duck and a sanitization kit.
Be sure to take a photo with The Laylow’s signature monstera leaf wallpaper, which was inspired by vintage bark cloth patterns.
The cheerful kitsch extends to the hotel’s common areas. Behind the check-in counter, you’ll find classic hula dancer figurines swaying their hips and strumming ukuleles.
The Laylow maintains the 1950s/60s vibe with its outdoor saltwater pool framed by foliage. I’m all about the egg chairs and retro bullet planters (I have one myself).
The Laylow boutique hotel opened in 2017, so everything is brand new — while retaining the sprit of the 1960s-era hotel that it replaced.
And did I mention the location, location, location? I only had to walk for a few minutes to be at Waikiki Beach! (With all my sun protection, of course.)
After the past year and more… I couldn’t believe I was in sunny Honolulu, wading in the clear waters and saying hello to the schools of fish that darted about.
A moment of Zen, watching the waves roll over the rocks at Waikiki. (Thankfully, I managed not to drop my phone in the ocean…)
If you’re a sportier type than me, you can take part in water activities like surfboard yoga, paddle-boarding, and sailing. (These bright surfboards lined the walkway to the water.)
The Laylow is located at 2299 Kuhio Avenue, right by International Marketplace and major Waikiki shops/restaurants. Take the long escalator down to the street level, and everything is right at hand — including multiple ABC Stores, the infamous Hawaiian “conbini”!
The hotel also has a stylish dining space: Hideout at The Laylow. The restaurant that serves modern Hawaiian cuisine with ingredients from the ocean and local farms.
With outdoor seating and a sandy floor area, Hideout felt like beachside dining. Come for happy hour to try the signature mai tai made with local rum, pineapple, and lilikoi (a fruit similar to the passionfruit).
The Hideout menu includes poke bowls (I chose ahi tuna, and it came with kimchi and an egg on top). Fresh fish is always a good idea when you’re in Hawaii, and the kampachi ceviche with calamansi hit the spot.
The seared ahi tuna sandwich has a Japanese touch. It’s coated with bubu arare, tiny glutinous rice pops originating from Kyoto.
Later, you can grab a bottled cocktail from the ABC Store, and sit on your Laylow private balcony to take in the sunset.
I was inspired to see more of Hawaii’s art — past and present — at the Bishop Museum. Founded 1889, the Bishop is the state’s largest museum and has the world’s largest collection dedicated to the history, culture, and environment of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
The Castle Memorial Building held a special art show: “POW! WOW! The First Decade: From Hawaiʻi to the World.” The vibrant exhibition showcases some of the most notable local and international street artists, whose works include a big-eyed inflatable bunny.
This exhibit was curated by Jasper Wong, the founder of POW! WOW! (a nonprofit that brings contemporary artists together to enrich neighborhoods with art). The Bishop featured over 160 artists, with 30 creating new murals and installations.
I walked into what looked like an urban street corner, covered in decals and graffiti tags.
The creative works included a modified old-school Mortal Kombat arcade game. I spotted a Stop Asian Hate Crimes poster by Lauren YS.
The devil is always lurking about, wherever I go…
The Bishop’s gallery space included over 120 new 2’x2’ paintings. In the foreground, Winnie is squatting and straining, and living up to his “pooh” name…
The kinetic artwork drew my attention. The “”good” and “bad” ideas sway left and right into the empty heads.
The show brought together contemporary creative expression with traditional and indigenous perspectives.
Leave it to me to find some cute pastel monsters. Designer and illustrator Kevin Lyons is known for these funky characters.
The Bishop has many other exhibits, as well as a museum of science and nature. Be sure to wander in the impressive Hawaiian Hall, guarded by a 55 foot long sperm whale. It houses thousands of fascinating artifacts about the royal family and Polynesian cultures.
On the first floor, I learned about ancient Hawaiian gods and legends, which are expressed through haunting stone carvings. (They reminded me of my time on Easter Island.)
A few of the many fascinating totems by Pacific Island tribes. Thank you to The Bishop Museum for letting me discover Hawai‘i’s history and living culture.
Even for a sun-phobic Goth, spending outdoors is a must in Hawaii. At Diamond Head beach park, you can walk up to a lookout point for this view, or hike up to the summit of the volcanic crater.
You’ll come across hens and roosters roaming about the park. The birds first arrived on the island through Polynesian voyagers in 300 AD, and have stuck around.
There are endless spots on Oahu to see the waves – this is Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. I would have driven to the North Shore and Japanese temples, had there not been a rental car shortage…. (Something to be aware of when you plan your trip.)
Honolulu’s Kakaʻako district has been revitalized with urban street art. I encourage you to come here to see the impressive large-scale works, such as “Aloha Monsters” by Kevin Lyons.
Most of these were part of POW! WOW!, the festival that brings local and global artists to the neighborhood to paint public murals.
Kakaʻako isn’t too far from Waikiki, so you can Uber or Lyft here easily. Set your location to the “Fisher Hawaii” office supply store, and you’ll find tons of murals in the surrounding streets.
Quite a few had Japanese manga aesthetics. Here’s a gundam robot fist and hopping bunnies.
I dug this eccentric take on tiki statues.
Spend some time walking around Kakaako, then end up at the hip Salt retail center for an iced tea.
Tokidoki is easy to recognize. Note how the palm trees look like skulls and animals, and a dinosaur is chomping on one!
Quite a few murals had a Goth or spooky theme, such as this skeleton diver.
And the devil is always near.
Not surprising to see cuteness like this in Hawaii, as it has one of the world’s largest Japanese communities.
Waikiki has plenty of great Japanese food options as well as poke, the native Hawaiian dish of diced raw fish. I had this generous selection of spicy salmon and marinated tuna at The Poke Bar, near my hotel. (And I stumbled upon Satan on my walk there.)
Hawaiians also invented spam musubi, or fried canned ham placed on a rice ball and secured with a strip of nori seaweed. (I’m not a fan, but I loved the wide selection of bento boxes and onigiri.)
Stop by Mitsuwa Marketplace to pick up snacks, or to-go dishes like a salmon roe chirashi. And PSA: Honolulu has Coco Ichiban, my favorite Japanese curry chain… Of course, I went out of my way to get my Coco Ichi fix!
After the year and plus we’ve had, it was a dream come true to be in Honolulu. I’ll miss meandering from my hotel to Fort DeRussy Beach, which has this view of Diamond Head volcano.
Come back to the beach at nightfall, and walk up the jetty pier to see the sunset over the ocean waves.
I have more to share with you from the Aloha State — stay tuned for part two of my dispatches. Thank you to The Laylow for the happy memories here.
I leave you with a view from the wing — I’ve missed this! Please stay safe this summer.
Will you be flying somewhere soon, or do you have any road trips or local getaways planned?
LA CARMINA
