Tome’s New York City Must-dos
“Everything is real in New York City; nothing is fake. New Yorkers would not be having it!” says Ryan Lobo (above, right), one half of fashion label Tome. The former Sydneysider has been based in the metropolis since 2011, when he and design partner Ramon Martin launched their chic womenswear label. Working in NYC proved astute – they were finalists in the 2013 Council of Fashion Designers of America awards and count Amal Clooney and Sarah Jessica Parker as fans. These are Lobo’s NYC must-dos...
Best for fashion
“It’s where you can buy Tome! But it’s also a quintessential New York experience – it’s across the road from Rockefeller Center. Such a moment when you walk through those doors! Another store has opened in Brookfield Place, which is exciting.”
611 Fifth Avenue, New York
Best outlet shopping
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
“Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is an hour’s drive out of the city and is set up like a giant outdoor mall with [dedicated] shops for each designer. You’ll find Gap Factory, Burberry and everyone in between.”
498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley
Best for coffee
“We tried a lot of bad coffee before someone led us here – and it just happens to be around the corner from where we’re based. We move within a small radius; I come here every day.”
275 Seventh Avenue, Chelsea
SEE ALSO: First-timer's Guide to NYC
Best market
“The market sells everything from local honey and cheese to flowers and seafood. It’s open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. There’s a real cross-section of New Yorkers – all walks of life.”
Corner East 17th Street and Union Square West, Union Square
Best for vintage buys
“You need a few hours here. I’ve bought vintage tops, dresses and skirts from Japanese brands like Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto, as well as Jean Paul Gaultier from the ‘80s. [People in fashion, media and entertainment] can make an appointment to look through the archives.”
45 Great Jones Street, NoHo
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Best for cocktails
“Wise Men is our favourite hole in the wall. Uptown, having a drink on The Met’s rooftop, overlooking Central Park, on a summer evening is seriously magical.”
355 Bowery, NoHo
Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
Best restaurant
“Raoul’s is French-inspired and bistro-style, with a menu ranging from steak frites to seafood dishes. It’s always heaving with people and attracts a good-looking clientele. While you’re waiting for your meal, you can have your tarot cards read.”
180 Prince Street, SoHo
Best spa
“A tranquil oasis in the city where you can have a soak for two hours. There’s a thermal bath, a cold plunge pool, an open-plan glass sauna and massage treatments.”
88 Franklin Street, TriBeCa
Best for celebrity spotting
“The subway! I once saw Julianne Moore on a train. People were just letting her do her thing, like they do on the New York Subway.” 
SEE ALSO: Samantha Wills' New York Tips
