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New York: Through a Fashion Eye
An illustrated guide to the fashionista's New York – from one of the world's most sought-after fashion illustrators
Let one of the world's most successful fashion illustrators guide you through one of the world's greatest fashion cities. From Chanel to Dior, Bloomingdales to Bergdorf Goodman, Megan Hess has drawn for some of the most prestigious fashion brands around and experienced the incredible style the city of New York has to offer. In her latest book, Megan Hess takes you on an adventure, showing you the best places for a fashionista to eat, sleep, and play – all illustrated in her inimitable, elegant style. Featuring fashionthemed restaurants, hotels, and sites to visit, as well as Megan's favorite places to shop, this is a must-have insider's guide to New York for any fashion lover.
Let one of the world's most successful fashion illustrators guide you through one of the world's greatest fashion cities. From Chanel to Dior, Bloomingdales to Bergdorf Goodman, Megan Hess has drawn for some of the most prestigious fashion brands around and experienced the incredible style the city of New York has to offer. In her latest book, Megan Hess takes you on an adventure, showing you the best places for a fashionista to eat, sleep, and play – all illustrated in her inimitable, elegant style. Featuring fashionthemed restaurants, hotels, and sites to visit, as well as Megan's favorite places to shop, this is a must-have insider's guide to New York for any fashion lover.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2016
18 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
About the author
Megan Hess
123 books242 followersMegan Hess was destined to draw.
An initial career in graphic design evolved into art direction for some of the world’s leading design agencies. In 2008 Hess illustrated the New York Times number one selling book Sex And The City - written by Candace Bushnell. She has since illustrated portraits for Vanity Fair and Time, created iconic accessories for Henri Bendel and illustrated the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
Hess’s signature style can also be found on her bespoke range of silk scarves, cushions and Limited Edition prints sold around the globe.
She has written and illustrated 3 best selling books: Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel.
Her renowned clients include: Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Fendi, Ladurée, Givenchy, Wedgwood, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michelle Obama, Cartier, Laduree, Montblanc, Balenciaga, Guerlain, Paspaley, Tag Heuer, and Disney.
An initial career in graphic design evolved into art direction for some of the world’s leading design agencies. In 2008 Hess illustrated the New York Times number one selling book Sex And The City - written by Candace Bushnell. She has since illustrated portraits for Vanity Fair and Time, created iconic accessories for Henri Bendel and illustrated the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
Hess’s signature style can also be found on her bespoke range of silk scarves, cushions and Limited Edition prints sold around the globe.
She has written and illustrated 3 best selling books: Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel.
Her renowned clients include: Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Fendi, Ladurée, Givenchy, Wedgwood, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michelle Obama, Cartier, Laduree, Montblanc, Balenciaga, Guerlain, Paspaley, Tag Heuer, and Disney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 4, 2018
Genau das Richtige für New York Liebhaber! Ein tolles Coffee Table Book, was alle renommierten Designer, Hotels und ein paar Lokale und Sightseeing Spots vereint! Zu allem gibt es einen kleinen Infotext, der auch mal überraschet. Oder wusstet Ihr dass Vera Wang früher Eiskunstläuferin war.
Natürlich kein Reiseführer, sondern ein Buch zum Schmökern und vor allem Bewundern der fabelhaften Zeichnungen der Autorin!
Natürlich kein Reiseführer, sondern ein Buch zum Schmökern und vor allem Bewundern der fabelhaften Zeichnungen der Autorin!
August 17, 2020
This was cool. Part graphic novel part travel guide and for someone who loves New York from a distance it was like looking at lots of shiny diamonds! I will 100% use it for guidance when I eventually get my chance to pound those sidewalks. 4*s
January 20, 2018
This was such a beautiful book! The quality and the illustrations were amazing. Even though there was only a small paragraph every two pages I really enjoyed it!
February 2, 2018
Ik heb dit boek in het Nederlands, alleen zo moe en druk dat ik geen zin had om hem toe te voegen. :P Tja, dit was een erg mooi geillustreerd boek met allerlei verschillende dingen die New York New York maakt, zoals museums, restaurants, winkels. Met mooie beschrijvingen over elke plek. Maar ja, wel jammer dat dit boek dus niet voor de gewone mens is. Sorry, ik heb echt nooit genoeg geld om iets uit een van de winkels te kopen, en ik gok dat die mooie restaurantjes ook niet goedkoop eten hebben, en de hotels? Mijn hemel.
Dus ja, mooi boek, maar alleen bedoeld voor de mensen die ietsje teveel geld in hun leven hebben en dat graag willen uitgeven. Of voor mensen die graag dromen over een mooie dingen.
Dus ja, mooi boek, maar alleen bedoeld voor de mensen die ietsje teveel geld in hun leven hebben en dat graag willen uitgeven. Of voor mensen die graag dromen over een mooie dingen.
June 14, 2024
Does what it says on the tin.
October 11, 2024
Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Manolo Blahnik, Diane van Furstenburg — the epitome of New York high fashion + gorgeous illustrations
December 13, 2024
Zoals altijd prachtige illustraties, en ik wil nu heel graag terug naar NYC 😍. Wel zijn haar verhalende boeken leuker om te lezen.
February 10, 2018
Beautiful drawings even if the same drawing of man appears on a lot of pages. I liked the idea of guide with the most fashionable places in New York. I will take it with me when visit NY. I didn't like the fact that the author repeats the same words very often: in my french versin it wil be branché or griffe.
July 30, 2017
Not my cup of tea. Good illustrations but the content was not interesting for me, even did not help for planning my visit. It is probably directed towards fashion week audience. Even though I like fashion that felt like this is a stretch.
March 20, 2020
This book was wonderful! As a person who truly loves fashion, this book was perfect! Sadly, I live in New York so I cannot use this as a tourist guide but this does have AMAZING places to visit. The illustrations were beautiful! Highly recommend!
July 22, 2018
Beautiful illustrations!
December 16, 2017
Wegen der vielen, vielen ansprechenden Zeichnungen aus dem Buch, welche ich auf anderen Blogs sah, war ich neugierig auf den illustrativen Lifestyle-Guide von New York City. Der New York. Fashion- und Lifestyle-Guide von der berühmten Grafikerin und Illustratorin Megan Hess hat in diesem Jahr bereits einige Liebhaberinnen der US-amerikanischen Metropole; viel mehr der Modewelt New Yorks und auch Fans von Hess´ Zeichnungen begeistert.
Das Buch ist relativ schwer und hat dicke, glatte Seiten. Die Illustration auf dem Cover finde ich sehr gelungen, die Ornamente hingegen finde ich eher unschön. New York als Stadt finde ich durchaus interessant, auch wenn mich ein Besuch nicht zu sehr reizt, da es mir einfach viel zu groß wäre. Eine Stadt voller Häuserschluchten ist grundsätzlich nicht meins, dennoch übt New York natürlich eine Faszination aus. Ich selbst bin keine Modeliebhaberin, auch wenn ich wie viele Frauen sehr gerne neue Kleidung habe. Spannend finde ich diesen New-York-Führer dennoch. Vor allem wegen der wunderschönen Illustrationen, für die Megan Hess bekannt ist.
Megan Hess beginnt mit einer Einleitung. In dieser schildert sie, weshalb New York sie so verzaubert und wie sie immer wieder neue Plätze für sich entdeckt. Des Weiteren präsentiert sie ihre Lieblingsstücke für eine Reise in die US-Metropole an der Ostküste. Darunter, wie nicht anders zu erwarten war, nur Luxusmarken wie Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Louis Vuitton oder Lady Dior.
Folgend wird es spannender, denn Hess nennt persönlich favorisierte und bekannte New Yorker Schauplätze und Ausstellungen, wie das Guggenheim Museum, den Central Park, die New York Library, das Museum Of Modern Art oder auch die Standorte ihrer bevorzugten Modelabels wie Vera Wang, Bloomingdales oder Jimmy Choo. Jede der Seiten wird mit einer hübschen Illustration unterlegt, was für mich an diesem Buch auch das Beste ist.
Hess hat das Zeichnen zu ihrer Berufung gemacht. So arbeitete sie für diverse Designagenturen auf der ganzen Welt. Sie illustrierte viele Porträts u.a. für die Time oder Vanity Fair. Weltweit werden ihre Illustrationen in limitierter Auflage angeboten. Sie arbeitete u.a. für Chanel, Cartier Paris, Tiffany und Co., Prada, und Vogue. Auf ihrer Website könnt ihr mehr über die Zeichnungen und die Person selbst erfahren.
Am Ende kann ich sagen, dass ich von den Zeichnungen weiterhin sehr fasziniert bin und sie unglaublich gerne ansehe. Allein deshalb mag ich das Buch. Für mich als Reiseliebhaberin sind Städte-Guides zudem immer interessant. Ein großer Kritikpunkt ist, dass die genannten Modeketten und Hotels mein Budget weit übertreffen. Des Weiteren lege ich überhaupt keinen Wert auf großen Luxus wie teure Klamotten und Schmuck oder auch 5-Sterne-Hotels & Restaurants. Natürlich war mir aber vorher klar, dass Megan Hess, als Modeliebhaberin und Illustratorin für weltbekannte Luxuslabels natürlich genau diese in ihrem Buch berücksichtigt.
Das Buch ist relativ schwer und hat dicke, glatte Seiten. Die Illustration auf dem Cover finde ich sehr gelungen, die Ornamente hingegen finde ich eher unschön. New York als Stadt finde ich durchaus interessant, auch wenn mich ein Besuch nicht zu sehr reizt, da es mir einfach viel zu groß wäre. Eine Stadt voller Häuserschluchten ist grundsätzlich nicht meins, dennoch übt New York natürlich eine Faszination aus. Ich selbst bin keine Modeliebhaberin, auch wenn ich wie viele Frauen sehr gerne neue Kleidung habe. Spannend finde ich diesen New-York-Führer dennoch. Vor allem wegen der wunderschönen Illustrationen, für die Megan Hess bekannt ist.
Megan Hess beginnt mit einer Einleitung. In dieser schildert sie, weshalb New York sie so verzaubert und wie sie immer wieder neue Plätze für sich entdeckt. Des Weiteren präsentiert sie ihre Lieblingsstücke für eine Reise in die US-Metropole an der Ostküste. Darunter, wie nicht anders zu erwarten war, nur Luxusmarken wie Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Louis Vuitton oder Lady Dior.
Folgend wird es spannender, denn Hess nennt persönlich favorisierte und bekannte New Yorker Schauplätze und Ausstellungen, wie das Guggenheim Museum, den Central Park, die New York Library, das Museum Of Modern Art oder auch die Standorte ihrer bevorzugten Modelabels wie Vera Wang, Bloomingdales oder Jimmy Choo. Jede der Seiten wird mit einer hübschen Illustration unterlegt, was für mich an diesem Buch auch das Beste ist.
Hess hat das Zeichnen zu ihrer Berufung gemacht. So arbeitete sie für diverse Designagenturen auf der ganzen Welt. Sie illustrierte viele Porträts u.a. für die Time oder Vanity Fair. Weltweit werden ihre Illustrationen in limitierter Auflage angeboten. Sie arbeitete u.a. für Chanel, Cartier Paris, Tiffany und Co., Prada, und Vogue. Auf ihrer Website könnt ihr mehr über die Zeichnungen und die Person selbst erfahren.
Am Ende kann ich sagen, dass ich von den Zeichnungen weiterhin sehr fasziniert bin und sie unglaublich gerne ansehe. Allein deshalb mag ich das Buch. Für mich als Reiseliebhaberin sind Städte-Guides zudem immer interessant. Ein großer Kritikpunkt ist, dass die genannten Modeketten und Hotels mein Budget weit übertreffen. Des Weiteren lege ich überhaupt keinen Wert auf großen Luxus wie teure Klamotten und Schmuck oder auch 5-Sterne-Hotels & Restaurants. Natürlich war mir aber vorher klar, dass Megan Hess, als Modeliebhaberin und Illustratorin für weltbekannte Luxuslabels natürlich genau diese in ihrem Buch berücksichtigt.
December 16, 2023
Discovered this book from Nicole M Caruso's blog: https://nicolemcaruso.com/worthy-of-w....
Unfortunately, I had super high expectations based on the last Caruso recommended book that I read. And, I was a bit disappointed with this book. However, without those expectations, I probably would have liked this book more. It is a decent book. Clean for a fashion book; just not christian at all (which was my disappointment).
Short skirts/dresses depicted along with longer ones. African-Americans pointedly mixed into illustrations. Secular values underneath writing. Definitely some usable stuff in terms of fashion ideas (half the dresses were maxis/modest!), but also no inherent value given to modesty/morality.
Interesting enough to look at, but not worth buying or taking up space in my personal library. I would borrow this again from the library before a trip to NYC. In the book, she details her favorite spots to shop (ie designer stores), sleep (fashionable hotels) and eat (trendy cafes & restaurants). She did a good job at explaining things to the reader and I felt like I got an understanding of a fashion insider's experience of NYC. This would be a great book for a budding fashionista visiting/moving to NYC.
Reading this book made me want to mark NY Fashion Week on my calendar and follow fashion more closely.
This took over an hour to read over the course of a few different days. Each page has a new location and illustration, so it is best enjoyed in parts with pauses.
I picked up several more of her books from the library after reading this one and was GREATLY disappointed with them (even more than this one). Her books on designers normalize/glamorize their disordered lives and show striking ignorance of religious values (ie depicting catholic nuns wearing rosaries around their necks as fashion accessories). I also got one of her children's books, but returned it because I was creeped out by her use of religious sacramentals as fashion accessories. This author is probably best used for her location books ONLY. She has the aura of being family friendly, but is actually very secular underneath, which is probably what creeped me out so much.
Unfortunately, I had super high expectations based on the last Caruso recommended book that I read. And, I was a bit disappointed with this book. However, without those expectations, I probably would have liked this book more. It is a decent book. Clean for a fashion book; just not christian at all (which was my disappointment).
Short skirts/dresses depicted along with longer ones. African-Americans pointedly mixed into illustrations. Secular values underneath writing. Definitely some usable stuff in terms of fashion ideas (half the dresses were maxis/modest!), but also no inherent value given to modesty/morality.
Interesting enough to look at, but not worth buying or taking up space in my personal library. I would borrow this again from the library before a trip to NYC. In the book, she details her favorite spots to shop (ie designer stores), sleep (fashionable hotels) and eat (trendy cafes & restaurants). She did a good job at explaining things to the reader and I felt like I got an understanding of a fashion insider's experience of NYC. This would be a great book for a budding fashionista visiting/moving to NYC.
Reading this book made me want to mark NY Fashion Week on my calendar and follow fashion more closely.
This took over an hour to read over the course of a few different days. Each page has a new location and illustration, so it is best enjoyed in parts with pauses.
I picked up several more of her books from the library after reading this one and was GREATLY disappointed with them (even more than this one). Her books on designers normalize/glamorize their disordered lives and show striking ignorance of religious values (ie depicting catholic nuns wearing rosaries around their necks as fashion accessories). I also got one of her children's books, but returned it because I was creeped out by her use of religious sacramentals as fashion accessories. This author is probably best used for her location books ONLY. She has the aura of being family friendly, but is actually very secular underneath, which is probably what creeped me out so much.
January 23, 2026
This book is less guidebook and more aspirational lifestyle vision board where everyone owns Dior and casually pops into Bergdorf like it’s Target. And honestly? I respect that.
Megan Hess does what Megan Hess does best: delivers gorgeous, elegant illustrations of New York that make you feel underdressed, under-caffeinated, and wildly underfunded. From Chanel to Dior, Bloomingdale’s to Bergdorf Goodman, this book glides through NYC as seen through the eyes of someone who definitely knows where the best tables are—and probably has a standing reservation.
The vibes? Immaculate.
The fashion? Untouchable.
The realism? Let’s call it optimistic.
This isn’t the book you read to figure out subway routes or where to get a $2 slice at 2 a.m. This is the book you flip through while sipping something overpriced, dreaming about a life where your biggest problem is choosing between a fashion-themed hotel or a fashion-themed restaurant. It’s a love letter to stylish NYC, not sweaty, practical NYC—and I’m totally fine with that.
A stunning coffee table book, a fashion lover’s fantasy, and the perfect reminder that New York will always be cooler than me—and that’s okay.
Megan Hess does what Megan Hess does best: delivers gorgeous, elegant illustrations of New York that make you feel underdressed, under-caffeinated, and wildly underfunded. From Chanel to Dior, Bloomingdale’s to Bergdorf Goodman, this book glides through NYC as seen through the eyes of someone who definitely knows where the best tables are—and probably has a standing reservation.
The vibes? Immaculate.
The fashion? Untouchable.
The realism? Let’s call it optimistic.
This isn’t the book you read to figure out subway routes or where to get a $2 slice at 2 a.m. This is the book you flip through while sipping something overpriced, dreaming about a life where your biggest problem is choosing between a fashion-themed hotel or a fashion-themed restaurant. It’s a love letter to stylish NYC, not sweaty, practical NYC—and I’m totally fine with that.
A stunning coffee table book, a fashion lover’s fantasy, and the perfect reminder that New York will always be cooler than me—and that’s okay.
May 29, 2023
The ultimate guide to New York, this is most definitely NOT. You’d need Lonely Planet or DK Eyewitness for that. It is also NOT a history of the fashion industry in New York, but then it doesn’t claim to be. It is however, a prettily-illustrated portrait of certain parts of the city, from a very particular point of view i.e. Hess’ experience in the fashion industry, and the things/places she loves in the city. So exactly what it says on the cover. Frankly the illustrations are why I bought it, as it’s the kind of book I just love flipping through for a spot of daydreaming aka armchair travel….
December 19, 2019
This year I took a fashion illustration class and despite having very limited creative skills really loved it! Megan Hess was the topic of conversation for a few weeks so I bought these books to view her work. I really loved this book. It is a detour from my normal reads but visually it is stunning and really evokes New York. As I was reading I was thinking “I really need to go back to New York!”
May 10, 2022
Since Hess has worked with a myriad of luxury designers, I had assumed the book would be a little more in depth than it was. Anything in the book you could find from a quick Wikipedia scan of New York, and despite her background there was no insight into the history behind the NY fashion scene. This is more of a nicely illustrated travel brochure of New York than anything else.
Also like 10 pages in she advocated for wearing Chanel flats which removes any of her credibility imo
Also like 10 pages in she advocated for wearing Chanel flats which removes any of her credibility imo
August 18, 2024
This is an interesting concept for a travel book based on New York. Instead of being an all inclusive look of the city - it features beautiful illustrations of New York and key locations the author loved.
The only thing I would say, is that alot of the descriptions included tips from the illustrator, but I don't really care for her opinion (not sure why I should care).
Overall, a cute book and I did add a few places to my New York bucket list.
The only thing I would say, is that alot of the descriptions included tips from the illustrator, but I don't really care for her opinion (not sure why I should care).
Overall, a cute book and I did add a few places to my New York bucket list.
June 28, 2021
I love Megan Hess !!!! If you love fashion then check out this book.
In the book she tells you about some of her favourite places to go to in New York, ie, boutiques and cafes
The book is full of beautiful illustrations done by Megan Hess herself.
This cover is so pretty it would make a good coffee table book too.
Megan Hess has quite a few books out all equally stunning
In the book she tells you about some of her favourite places to go to in New York, ie, boutiques and cafes
The book is full of beautiful illustrations done by Megan Hess herself.
This cover is so pretty it would make a good coffee table book too.
Megan Hess has quite a few books out all equally stunning
December 30, 2021
A wonderful illustrated book about NYC. Hess's illustrations are unique and distinguishable, and bring key parts of NYC to life. While the information included is short and not necessarily unique, it is the beauty of this book that stands out.
May 31, 2022
Esta es una excelente guía de viajes si vas a Nueva York con un cheque en blanco, ya que la mayoría de las tiendas, hoteles y restaurantes son de lujo; con sus recomendaciones siempre orientadas a la moda o su historia, y con gran ilustraciones que lo hacen un libro muy bonito de ver.
June 25, 2024
I loved this book! More of a travel book than a fashion book, but truly a travel / visit book curated for those who love fashion. If you are a fan of Megan Hess books / illustrations, this is a great one.
September 7, 2024
A nice guide through New York’s places to be. It was fun to flick through the book while expanding my knowledge on the happening places in the this iconic city. Plus the illustrations are distinctive and fab. Will definitely look into the other books in the series.
August 18, 2018
an Upper Class Lifestyle-Guide
October 2, 2018
Such Gorgeous Illustrations!
November 2, 2018
Such a charming book. I’ve loved Megan Hess from
Finding her on Instagram. She captivates New York perfectly.
Finding her on Instagram. She captivates New York perfectly.
February 17, 2019
Absolutely adorable. Beautiful illustrations, as expected. More like a fancy artistic travel guide of places to see, shop, and eat in New York. Beautifully presented.
June 2, 2019
2.5☆
I liked Paris way more.
I liked Paris way more.
May 7, 2020
Absolutely loved all the drawings
May 16, 2020
A fun quick read centered around fashion during the 2010s before the retail landscape started to turn on its head. Some icons still stand while others, like Bendel’s, make my fashionista heart ache.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews