On a late summer evening in TribecaA small group of guests enters the NYC flagship store and working studio of Cynthia Rowley—iconic designer, CFDA award-winner, and one of the rare American fashion figures who has remained both visible and enigmatic over the course of her career. Inside, racks of silks with colorful separates that are hand-embellished line the walls.
Rowley’s is a new intimate restaurant. Airbnb Experience—a private, highly curated event Combining photography, styling and candid conversations. The event begins casually, with chilled wine, mocktails, and plated snacks passed among a small group of guests—no more than a dozen or so. It’s possible that the relaxed atmosphere is due to the fact the space isn’t a showroom but a part-studio and part-store, where Rowley spends her days working with a close-knit group she has worked with for more than 20 years.
The event is not a launch or presentation. As a native New Yorker I was hesitant to collaborate with a fashion label because it could be a poorly-veiled attempt to sell something. You can also find out more about us.. I was delighted to find that it was an authentic, genuine experience. Rowley guided the evening with a small group of fashion-forward friends. Rowley’s opening remarks are spontaneous, generous and wry, as if she has spent years balancing spontaneity with risk-taking.
She describes, almost casually, the way the experience began: Airbnb Experience The team asked her to coordinate and she said, “Why not?” She shrugs, saying she’s used hearing questions about the shape of an sleeve, or the fabric selection, from buyers, stylists and curious visitors. She says, “I am always willing to be open about the entire process.” “If anyone wants to know, then I will tell them.”
