Discover New York with Designer Bonnie Young

Published

3 November, 2025

Edited

8 September, 2026

Discover New York City through the eyes of designer Bonnie Young.

Founder of her eponymous fashion label, Young has crafted a studio, SoHo home and lifestyle that reflects the city’s beguiling style. Now, she reveals her insider’s guide to New York City and the benefits of opening up your home while travelling.

You’ve lived and worked in Soho for 20 years. What first attracted you to this corner of Manhattan and what keeps you here?

It was the stillness that first drew us to our building - tucked between Soho, Tribeca, and the West Village, yet claimed by none (half of our space sits in one zip code, the other half in another!). Although the neighborhood now has everything, our loft remains a peaceful retreat.

How does the city influence your creativity and approach to designing BY.Bonnie Young?

BY.Bonnie Young was born in my New York City loft - a space that became both a studio and sanctuary. The brand reflects the city’s duality: raw energy and timeless sophistication. We produce most of the collections locally, which allows us to create bespoke pieces quickly and sustainably.

Can you tell us some more about BY.Bonnie Young, what are you working on at the moment?

I’m constantly developing new designs for BY and expanding my collection. Outside of my work, I have two adult children, aged 20 and 24, who are building their own careers - so I’m doing my best to give them my attention, too.

“There’s space to breathe, gather and feel part of a neighbourhood. ”

What do you think guests discover about New York City by living, rather than visiting, here?

Staying here lets you experience New York City like a local. You can host friends, keep family together and slip into the city’s rhythm - the morning light, café walks, picking up flowers. Even briefly, the city will feel like it’s yours.

For someone spending a month in the city, what’s the ritual they should adopt to feel like a true local?

Start the day with a matcha from Matchaful on Prince Street, grab a croissant from Dominique Ansel Bakery and then take a quiet walk along the river before the city fully wakes up. On your way home maybe some flowers from Casa Floreale by Sofia Bianchessi to bring a little beauty home.

Outside of home, where do you go when you need to experience a little stillness?

Sui Yoga across the street has a stunning studio and they even have a full spa, so if I have time I’ll stay for a sauna, cold plunge or massage - it’s a full body-reset without ever having to leave the neighbourhood.

If you had to name one restaurant that captures the city’s spirit right now, which would it be?

It’s impossible to name just one because the city holds so much variety. However, we always return to Blue Ribbon for consistently good and unfussy sushi. The Waverly Inn captures timeless, old New York City. You can’t miss Altro Paradiso, which is next to our home - their grilled branzino and fennel salad is unmatched.

“That’s the spirit of New York City to me: high and low, timeless and casual, all within a few blocks of each other. ”

For those lucky enough to spend time here, what’s your one “secret” to living well in New York City?

The real secret to living well in New York City is finding your rhythm within the chaos. Let yourself experience the city fully. Walk everywhere, feel its energy, take in the madness - but also know when to step back into pockets of peace.

For those who love to travel as much as you, what would you say to them about opening up their home while they’re away?

Opening up your home while you’re away is a smart, efficient way to make the most of it. Instead of sitting empty, the space gets to be experienced and enjoyed by someone looking to vacation the way that you live.