The New York Edition opens
Ian Schrager and Marriott International have introduced The New Edition, debuting in the world-famous, iconic Clocktower building, otherwise known as the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower.
Located in the Flatiron district, The New York Edition evokes a new age of American Glamour, an understated, timeless aesthetic that is incapable of being categorised or defined in textbook design terms.
Inspired by New York City’s turn of the 20th century private clubs, Fifth Avenue’s Gilded Age Mansions and Stanford White’s architectural masterpieces, the hotel’s interiors are infused with a modern, sophisticated design vernacular.
Inside, much of the building’s existing design was embraced, retaining and restoring the original dark wood on the walls and the floors on the second floor. But, the old was offset with the new to add a downtown New York City feel. The lobby and lobby bar’s classic Venetian plaster walls starkly contrast the custom cast concrete oversized windows that look out over Madison Square Park.
Above the lobby and the restaurant are the 273 guestrooms. Guests enter into a dark oak wood panelled foyer, much as they would if they were entering an upscale New York apartment in the 1920s. The original windows in each room perfectly frame the New York City skyline. Many of the suites have 180-degree views of Manhattan and the 1,400ft2 penthouse apartment has 360-degree vistas. Each room has a classic, extra-long and deep floating white oak desk, inspired by Jean-Michel Frank, and a bed with a dark walnut headboard and a custom-built walnut platform with bespoke walnut nightstands.
Features throughout the property include the Jean-Michel Frank-inspired coffee tables and chairs of the 1920’s, Christian Liagre-designed floor lamps, concierge desk and chair, and lounge chairs inspired by modernist Erik Koling Andersen and Alvaro Alto all with fabrics and leathers in soft tones of oatmeal, silver and white, create a light and airy feel that is both warm and inviting.
Public spaces include a restaurant, three intimate dining rooms, a parlour with a billiard table and a library serving cocktails. After dinner drinks and dessert are separate as in a private home, but come together seamlessly to form a whole.
Design features include original herringbone oak floors, original mahogany wainscoting on the walls and a restored Venetian plaster ceiling. The velvet chairs and banquettes, upholstered in rose, green and blue, are inspired by the vibrant colours of the Dutch masters, notably Vermeer. Each of the three dining areas has a large chandelier by modernist designer Eric Schmitt. They are made from three black iron arms that support a 7ft diameter ivory plaster ring.
