Nightlife and the Fashionistas
Sashay your way past the velvet ropes and make the scene at these 12 fabulous nightspots.

SoHo style: Veruka reopens.

Never mind what's on the runways — the real show during Fashion Week is the party circuit. But unless you've got an invitation, no amount of cajoling (or cleavage) will get you in. Fortunately, not all velvet ropes are as tight as those at the private fêtes. Follow the stilettos to these fashionable watering holes, where you can schmooze, booze, and show off your fierce fall wardrobe.

Bungalow 8
Amy Sacco's private lounge offers its platinum-carrying clientele anything from a haircut to a helicopter ride home.
• 515 W. 27th St.

Cellar Bar
A chic, carefully produced "wine cellar" complete with a vaulted yellow brick ceiling and medieval chandeliers.
• Bryant Park Hotel, 40 W. 40th St.

The Hudson
The quintessential post-millennial hotspot, replete with Philippe Starck décor, Page Six endorsements, and assorted hangers-on milling around.
• Hudson Hotel, 356 W. 58th St.

		Power Lunch! Where you're most likely to spot Anna Wintour nibbling her bun-less burger... DB Bistro Moderne 55 W. 44th St. Michael's 24 W. 55th St. The Four Seasons 99 E. 52nd St.

Ilo
It's got Rick Laakonen's risk-taking menu and style to spare — and it's just steps away from the tents.
•Bryant Park Hotel, 40 W. 40th St.


Lotus
Loaded urban professionals and their model-like girlfriends pack this Meatpacking District lounge.
• 409 W. 14th St.

Man Ray
With celebrity owners and a club-like vibe, this flashy former firehouse is the A-list boîte du jour.
• 147 W. 15th St.

Open
Art and fashion merge at this sensually lit West Chelsea hotspot — which, surprisingly, is not a velvet-rope affair.
• 559 W. 22nd St.

The Park
If you enjoy the Odeon, you'll get into it. If not, this ain't your playground.
• 118 Tenth Ave.

Thom's
White-hot boutique hotel lounge attracting publishing girls in Jimmy Choos and DVF wrap dresses.
• 60 Thompson Hotel, 60 Thompson St.

Town
"Going to town" takes on a whole new meaning at this elegant bar in the hip Chambers Hotel.
• Chambers Hotel, 15 W. 56th St.

Veruka
With a slick new interior by Todd Oldham, SoHo's bastion of late-nineties moneyed excess re-opened just in time for Fashion Week.
• 525 Broome St.

XL
Promoter John Blair's bi-level funhouse for the buff boys of B-Bar's "Beige" party (and their Pat Field-clad gal pals).
• 357 W. 16th St.