2 posts tagged Neil Blumenthal

With the opening of the IWC Flagship Boutique in New York City last month, we at IWC wanted to be a part of the city: to learn about the community, its neighborhoods, and inhabitants. To get the insider’s view, we partnered with local Globetrotters: IWC men, who seek out the world’s most unique experiences and attractions. Before the boutique (our largest worldwide) even opened, we asked these Globetrotters about their favorite parts of the city, where they liked to go, and where they found inspiration.

The exterior of the NYC Flagship boutique

Their responses definitely provided a journey through the city, now housed proudly on iwc.com in a dedicated page called MY NEW YORK. Evan Orensten of Cool Hunting suggested we try burgers at Shake Shack.  We looked at the handmade razors at Min Apothecary after Hodinkee’s Ben Clymer recommendation. And we checked out some new specs with Warby Parker founder Neil Blumenthal. But one thing we know is that the IWC man never rests, and so that was only the beginning.

NYC Globetrotters Josh Spear, Evan Orensten, Neil Blumenthal

On June 13 our NYC Globetrotters and honored guests converged on the Madison Avenue boutique for an evening of conversation, story swapping, and more. Displayed in the store’s second floor was a visual tribute to the great boxer Muhammad Ali. Photos taken by his friend (and personal photographer) Howard Bingham were on display for the Globetrotters and guests to see. They showed an intimate portrait of a true sporting legend.

<!—[if !supportEmptyParas]—>Kevin Ryan (Gilt Groupe CEO) and Ben Clymer of Hodinkee, at the event

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IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Miramar Timepieces on display in the NYC Flagship

Just as Muhammad Ali’s passion was boxing, and Howard Bingham’s was photography, we enjoy learning about the passions of IWC customers and fans around the world, and about how they feel about the Big Apple. As Surface Magazine Editor-In-Chief (and NYC Globetrotter) Dan Rubinstein put it: “People move here (New York City) from all over the country—and the world—to follow their dreams. It sounds cliché, I know, but it’s really true.”

NYC Globetrotter Dan Rubinstein at the Globetrotter Event

We can’t wait to hear more from our men about town (and the world), as we take the IWC Globetrotter series to new IWC cities to come.

The blaring of horns. Walks through Central Park. Catching a Broadway show. This is some of what comes to mind when one thinks of New York City. A place of motion, energy, and opportunity.

The bustle of 5th Avenue

As IWC excitingly opens its first Flagship Boutique in Manhattan, we wanted to find out what was new and exciting in the city, and what better way to do that then ask New Yorkers themselves.

The new IWC flagship boutique in NYC

So we tapped a few key influencers in the city, to have them tell us what they love about where they live, what their favorite ‘secret’ escapes are, and what makes NYC come alive for them.

Before sharing a few of those videos and what our influencers had to say, I wanted to share what makes NYC special for me. You see, I share IWC news with you each week but am also a New Yorker (which makes me even more excited about the new IWC location!). Here are three things that are “My New York”:

1. Members Dining Room at the Met: It’s so great to eat an amazing meal inside such a venerable institution, and overlook Central Park. After the meal, you stroll through the empty museum on the way out. It feels like it’s all yours & is definitely a special experience.

2. Bar Centrale: Tucked away in the middle of the theatre district, this is a secret oasis frequented by the cast & crew, critics, and major fans of Broadway shows. Go here for a perfectly made Manhattan and hear the chatter about recent show openings.

3. The ability to be anyone you want to be in NYC: if you can imagine it, you can achieve it. You never know who you’ll meet or be introduced to.

Now, for a sample of what other citizens of the island had to say, check out these videos from Neil Blumenthal, Jeff Staple, and Josh Spear. Hopefully their point of view will inspire you to visit NYC, and of course to see the brand new IWC boutique while you’re here!

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Neil Blumenthal: co-founder at Warby Parker

Jeff Staple: designer, creative agency, and retailer

Josh Spear: writer, editor, brand strategist, and more!

Stay tuned for more influencer videos and a lot of great news on the opening of the latest IWC flagship store.