Behind the Design: New York City Toile

Behind the Design: New York City Toile

Creative Living

by Elizabeth Kurzweg

When we designed our New York City toile, we took every opportunity to ensure each detail reflected the essence of this inimitable city. We dove deep to discover the icons and landmarks that make it meaningful to the 8 million residents that call the city home and the 60 million visitors it welcomes each year. My favorite part of the city that never sleeps? The city feels like a never-ending treasure hunt of art and food and design, waiting to be discovered with each visit.

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

The Statue of Liberty is a massive neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift of friendship to the United States from the people of France, designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and was later designated as a national monument in 1924. 

TAXI

Taxis are an iconic part of New York City's culture and transportation system, known for their distinctive yellow color and medallion system. They provide a convenient way for both residents and tourists to navigate the city's bustling streets.

CITY SKYLINE

The city’s skyline includes countless iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Chrysler Building, and Flatiron Building. These buildings, among many others, contribute to the unique and dynamic skyline that defines New York City.

FASHION GIRL

Fashion holds a significant place in New York City's identity and culture, making it one of the fashion capitals of the world. Fashion isn’t just about clothing; it's a vibrant expression of culture, creativity, and identity that resonates throughout the entire city.

THE GUGGENHEIM

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, often referred to as The Guggenheim, is an art museum on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is renowned for its unique, spiraling structure, which contrasts sharply with the traditional museum layout. The museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, housing a significant collection that includes works by artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock. 

ICONS OF NEW YORK

Bagels and coffee are iconic symbols of the city's culinary culture, reflecting its rich immigrant history and fast-paced lifestyle. This beloved pairing serves as a convenient breakfast staple for busy New Yorkers.

CENTRAL PARK

Central Park serves as a green oasis amid the urban landscape of Manhattan. It features meadows, woodlands, lakes, walking paths, and even the Central Park Zoo. It’s a beloved spot for both locals and visitors to unwind and relax.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

Colloquially referred to as the Met, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is the largest art museum in America, and the fourth-largest museum in the world. It was founded in 1870 and houses an extensive collection of art spanning over 5,000 years of history.

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY TYRANNOSAURUS REX

The Tyrannosaurus rex at the American Museum of Natural History is one of the most famous dinosaur skeletons in the world. Housed in the museum's Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, this impressive exhibit features a nearly complete T. rex skeleton, showcasing the dinosaur's massive size and powerful structure.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the largest and most important public library systems in the United States. Established in 1895, it serves millions of visitors each year from its main branch and numerous neighborhood branches across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

SUBWAY STATION

New York City’s subway system connects all five boroughs with over 840 miles of track. It serves as a vibrant cultural hub, reflecting the city's diversity and creativity through its passengers and the artwork displayed in many stations. It’s not just a means of transportation, but a vital part of the city's identity and daily life.