Navigating between New York City and Los Angeles is something I excel at.
When I was a 23-year-old fresh grad from the University of Pennsylvania — working as a financial analyst on Wall Street while harboring aspirations to be an author — I received the fortunate chance to write a first-person article for the Sunday edition.
New York Post
.
Afterward, I took an action often advised against for those starting out as writers: I left my regular employment. I relocated back in with my parents in Brooklyn and penned a novel based on that particular column.
How the Upper Crust Lives in the Hamptons
,
The publication by Hachette Book Group that came out in 2008.
The book—written when I was 25 using my parents’ dining room table—somehow ended up with some Hollywood producers. They invited me to Los Angeles for a visit over the summer of 2008, which completely transformed the trajectory of my life.
I had prepared for just one evening—a sole appointment—but the producers extended my stay to two weeks. During this time, I resided at the Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills (which has since become part of Sixty Hotels). Our days were filled with visits to various talent agencies for meetings; we enjoyed meals at Barneys (unfortunately now closed) and Neiman Marcus, as well as dinners at Mr. Chow and Mastro’s Steakhouse. By the conclusion of these two weeks, not only did they bundle my book alongside renowned authors and creators (marking the beginning of numerous television deals), an unexpected turn of events took place.
A young woman who had always identified as a true-blue New Yorker, and hardly knew how to drive, unexpectedly found herself falling for Los Angeles. It has been 15 years since then, and I have resided here off and on, splitting my time between both coasts, ever since.
This month, our featured celebrities are
Wayman + Micah
are heading to my hometown for the Met Gala — where they’re dressing their celebrity clients for fashion’s most significant event of the year.
After teaming up in 2013, Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald have crafted eye-catching outfits for high-profile individuals such as Colman Domingo, Regina King, Jodie Turner-Smith, Danielle Deadwyler, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
In our May issue focused on travel, they share insights from attending the Met Gala, discuss the importance of this year’s theme (“Superfine: Refining Black Fashion”), and offer tips for traveling with flair.
Conveniently, semi-private jet company
Aero
is introducing a new service to New York City, departing from its exclusive terminal in Van Nuys, where this cover was filmed.
Aero has emerged as a top choice for frequent flyers because of its trips to sought-after locations such as Las Vegas, Napa Valley, Coachella, and Sundance. The airline also offers special shared flights—significantly cheaper than booking an entire private jet yet featuring high-end touches, including gourmet provisions from Erewhon.
However, regardless of whether you seek adventures at home or abroad, the
Los Angeles
The magazine’s team has you covered for an uplifting warm-weather getaway, offering exclusive insights into locations ranging from New Orleans to Las Vegas, as well as Hawaii, Mexico, Capri, Paris, and London.
I’ll also show you around The Mark—a hotel situated near the Metropolitan Museum of Art—which plays host to both the glamorous Met Gala attendees and their vibrant after-party. For me, everything ties back to New York City.
Savor this edition, and have joyful journeys!
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