With a collection described by VOGUE as both minimal and romantic, it’s easy to see why Anna Sui’s resort 2025 pieces are such a hit with critics. Sui herself describes the collection as: “romanticisms, pre-Raphaelite, feminine.” It’s that duality that’s evocative of Sui as a person and designer.
Sui's ethos is thoughtful, composed, and always nodding toward the past with glimpses of the future. For her most recent collection, Sui took cues from a pre-Raphaelite exhibition she saw at the San Domenico Museo in Forlì, Italy. The designer’s next stop in Italy was Venice. She stayed in the John Ruskin room at the Gritti Palace (a Two Key property), Ruskin being the champion of the Pre-Raphaelites. “Italy is La Dolce Vita,” says Sui. “The lifestyle cannot be beaten and in addition the celebrations of the local crafts and artisans is so inspiring.” Beyond the artwork, Sui looked to architecture and design for inspiration. “Many of the paintings were displayed on gorgeous Pre-Raphaelite blue walls,” says Sui who employed the hue throughout the pieces.
Art was a key thread, with Sui reviving the Rossetti and Sleeping Beauty prints for resort. “The prints were part of a vintage collection. The Roses and vines print were evocative of the Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose series of Painting by Edward Burne-Jones.” Punctuating the looks were another retro touch with a modern twist—John Fluevog shoes which first appeared in the 1990s. “We had done these boots for my Spring 1993 collection but this season I chose denim in blue and black for the base to match the collection.”
While travel inspires Sui's collections, New York is home. Here, the fashion icon shares with The MICHELIN Guide her favorite spots in the Big Apple, including where she’s gone since the 1970s and the secret spot that made the fashion set fall in love with literature.
Explore more insights on New York from our Inspectors, chefs, and celebrities.
New York can be deeply romantic. What do you consider the best date night spot?
The Central Park Boathouse
What's your favorite family-friendly hangout?
Serendipity. I discovered it when I arrived in NYC in the 1970's. Ever since then, I've made it a tradition to bring every generation of my family.
Where's the best place to see and be seen?
The Swan Room at Nine Orchard
On the other side of the coin—where do you go to disappear?
The National Arts Club.
In a city that loves its cocktail culture, where do you go for a great beverage?
Bemelmans Bar, Carlyle Hotel.
What's your top pick for a traditional New York meal?
Bar Pitti—besides loving the food its always quite a scene with familiar faces and friends.
New York has no shortage of musuems. Which is a must-see?
Neue Galerie is really a gem. The spectacular collection of Klimt is a highlight. And they feature such interesting temporary exhibitions. My favorite was their exhibition of [Austrian designer] Dagobert Peche's world. The walls were covered in his wallpaper, and they featured his designs in clothing, jewelry, metal objects, cabinets and mirrors, plus his artwork. He was a true genius of the Wiener Werkstätte
Where’s your hidden gem in the city?
Last season we showed at The Strand Book Store on the Rare Book floor. Many people were not familiar with this department of The Strand. It’s a hidden treasure.
Address Book:
The Central Park Boathouse
East 72nd St +, Center Drive, New York, NY 10021
Serendipity 3
225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
The National Arts Club
15 Gramercy Pk S, New York, NY 10003
Bar Pitti
268 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Neue Galerie
1048 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
The Strand Book Store
828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Hero image: Huy Luong
