Hitting the haute post-show enclaves of fashion’s cognoscenti

Every great runway show must come to a close. But where one glitzy fête ends, somewhere in the city, another inevitably begins. In fact, as any industry event-goer in the know would insist, it’s precisely after the last bulbs pop that the real festivities commence. And revel they do—consistently occupying the newest, hottest, most exclusive and avant-garde nightlife hotspots at any given moment. It’s to be expected, really, though. How could high fashion’s arbiters of taste be any less scrupulous in their critique of each trendy spotlit lounge/bar/restaurant du jour than they are of the latest couture? Design criterion like silhouettes, colors, contrast and aesthetic movements are just as liberally applied to high décor and architecture and just as essential to creating the sumptuously luxurious Bacchanalian experience that diva fashionistas and the couture glitterati demand.

CAVALLI CLUB
Dubai

Slated for unveiling sometime this year, the second, infinitely more luxe Cavalli Club in Dubai will be iconic designer Roberto Cavalli’s largest and most spectacular undertaking to date. Not to be upstaged by Karl Lagerfeld’s architectural design plans for the lavish city, the Cavalli Club promises to become the most glam, decadent fashion-meets-music mecca the world has ever seen, decked with black quartz floors, walls dripping Swarovski crystals, suspended atolls of gold-tainted glass and fur, encased couture jewelry and Cavalli-clad female ushers. “A red carpet is an absolute must,” says Cavalli. “The idea is to let others into my world.” — Felicia McCrossin

THE EMPIRE HOTEL
New York City

After an extensive renovation of this landmark Upper West Side building, The Empire Hotel takes fashionable lounging to the next level. Cozy rooms are designed with a mod-chic edge using a palette of ochre and chocolate accented with splashes of tiger and zebra. With its location ideally situated next to Central Park and Lincoln Center, along with all of the amenities within the hotel, you may never want to leave. A rarity in Manhattan, the 13th floor pooldeck, featuring a splash pool and private cabanas, offers stunning 180-degree views of the city and Central Park, while the trendy Empire rooftop bar and lounge offers a 360 vista view of Manhattan, where you feel on top of the world. The retractable glass roof allows guests to lounge on the banquettes, rain or shine, 365 days of the year. —Hillary Latos
44 W 63rd St

CADIER BAR AT GRAND HOTEL
Stockholm

Much as I adore Stockholm, I find little inspiration in all that blonde, pragmatic Scandinavian furniture. Stockholm’s most glamorous hotel The Grand offers the only truly sophisto cocktailing experience. Recently stylishly made over (along with most of the hotel), its chic Cadier Bar retains a distinct air of civilized decadence. The décor is plush and elegant, while the views out over the harbour and the Royal Palace will invoke your unending awe. Order up some French champagne and Iranian caviar to show what a citizen of the world you are. The people-watching is equal to the scenery, as everyone from Vanessa Hudgens to Daniel Craig has been spotted here of late. Good for several quantums of solace… at least. —Ken Scrudato