Travelers: Nicole Federico in TriBeCa and Downtown, NYC
We sat down with Nicole Federico, the woman behind Virgin Suncare to talk about New York. A nomad at heart, Nicole calls her city “the center of inspiration for all that she does”. Read below to discover her secret spots in Tribeca and Downtown New York City.
“I’d like to think of myself as an ever-evolving multi-hyphenate. Born and raised in New York, my personal journey led me to a career in social impact, having raised millions of dollars for an array of organizations - most recently to help ensure children in Harlem and the South Bronx have access to an excellent education. I believe strongly we all can do our part to help make a difference in this world. As of late, my creative side has been a driving force of where I spend a lot of my time, building a health-forward luxury skincare company, drawing inspiration from my Italian and Mediterranean roots, and grounded in my personal experience with health struggles from open-heart surgery to autoimmune disease. As a student of art, both photography and painting have been outlets of self-exploration and self-expression in my life. I love immersing myself in new places and learning from new cultures. Having lived in seven neighborhoods during my adult years in New York, and traveled to more than 40+ countries around the world, I am a nomad at heart - finding a sense of home wherever I go.”
Shop Baciato dal Sole
How would you define the neighborhood’s style?
Sophisticated yet edgy.
How is NYC inspiration for you as a creative?
New York is a kaleidoscope of culture and human story. The people of this city, with a myriad of backgrounds, struggles, desires, and perspectives, drives me and pushes me to see the world through their eyes. That continued evolving perspective informs my creativity and is the center of inspiration for all that I do.
Best hotel in the neighborhood?
Without a doubt The Greenwich Hotel - effortlessly chic and quintessential downtown New York. I love the warm earth tones and fireplaces throughout, and the hidden courtyard is a dream. Their spa, complete with a full 250-year-old farmhouse structure imported from Japan, has some of the most unique and luxurious treatments steeped in ancient tradition. It is an absolute must for an indulgent self-care experience.
Best street for just about everything?
West Broadway. Beginning in Tribeca and sprawling through Soho, West Broadway has main thoroughfare appeal with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and art galleries while still retaining the character and charm of a small side street.
Where to shop for unique fashion or interior design?
A little out of the way from TriBeCa, but certainly worth the 10 minute cab ride, is ABC Carpet and Home. It is a mecca of interior design with five floors thoughtfully curated with the most unique and artistic home accessories, furniture, textiles and rugs. You could spend a whole day here... I often do!
What about vintage? Where are the hidden spots to shop?
Resurrection Vintage in NoLita is a must for something special and timeless. Their collection of vintage pieces from iconic fashion houses is mind-blowing - it’s like walking through a museum. It is certainly a splurge of a store but definitely worth it.
Where’s brunch?
On the east side of SoHo is Cafe Gitane - a chic little Parisian bistro with a flair for baguettes and avocado toast. I also love Buvette. Tucked away in West Village, their menu is a decadent as it is memorable, with hand-whipped crème fraîche, hand-squeezed juice, and gruyère everything.
Your all-time favorite restaurant for lunch?
When the season allows, I love Grand Banks - a sailboat converted into a restaurant with a beautiful deck that offers some of the best oysters in New York. You could laze away the afternoon here.
And for coffee?
In the winter, Kaffe 1668 is my favorite. The vaulted ceilings and warm ambiance are perfect to up cozy with a latte and people's watch. When the weather is warm I head to Laughing Man, a small bright little outpost by Duane street park with plentiful outdoor seating to enjoy a morning coffee among locals.
Best spot for an intimate dinner date?
An unmarked little metal door with amber light pouring from a small window takes you to Smith and Mills, a converted Carriage House from the 1920s. It’s small yet alluringly sexy with a limited menu, creative cocktails, and bold wine. It’s my favorite for an intimate yet playful dinner date. And if the night is still young (or not so much so) I head over to D’Jango at the Roxy Hotel - an underground Jazz club with an electric atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
Where would we find you on a day off?
Popping in and out of galleries and boutiques, wandering with my camera, or at the Jones Street Spa for a little self-care treat. If I have more than a day, my husband and I like to drive out of the city up to the country or east to the beach. I find I often need to connect back to nature, clear my mind and reset.
On Sundays, locals will probably be:
Strolling along Hudson River Park or meandering the small side streets of SoHo.
