Following an unseasonably warm few weeks, winter has finally arrived. While we may not be too happy at all about the frigid weather, we spoke with Mackage co-founders/co-creative directors—Elisa Dahan and Eran Elfassy— who shared tips for keeping warm this season.
HL: What are three suggestions to keep NYC chill at bay?
Dahan and Elfassy: Invest in a warm coat that you can wear from day to night. Get a hot toddy at Soho House. Go to Aire Ancient Baths in Tribeca.
HL: How do you create some of the warmest and stylish coats on the market?
Elfassy: We source only the finest wool, leather, and down for our outerwear. Consumers are loyal to the brand because we produce flattering styles that are modern, edgy, and most importantly versatile. Our outerwear has the technical properties of a ski jacket, but looks and feels like outerwear for the city life.
HL: What is your favorite restaurant and why?
Dahan: The Clocktower at the EDITION Hotel is currently a favorite. It’s an eclectic spot with photographs covering the walls and lime green chairs.
HL: What do you love about New York? About New Yorkers?
Elfassy: We love New York’s energy. There’s inspiration everywhere, from people walking down the street to the various art galleries and museums. New Yorkers are very determined to succeed and it’s stimulating.
HL: What is your favorite place to have hot chocolate?
Dahan: We love going to The City Bakery. They serve it with gigantic, homemade marshmallows which make it a sweet treat.
HL: What is your go-to winter fashion look?
Dahan: I normally wear one of our double-face wool coats over our leather pant and heels. This season, I’m living in my Mai wrap coat.
Elfassy: Montreal winters are brutal, so I wear my black Edward down parka on most occasions. When I’m going to the gym or running a quick errand, I lean towards lightweight options such as the Ozzy down jacket.
HL: What’s more important a hat or gloves to keep warm?
Dahan: Definitely a hat. You can put your hands in your pockets to keep warm. In our puffer jackets, we line the pockets with polar fleece thinsulate.
HL: Talk a little about your approach to designing coats?
Elfassy: Every piece is special to us. We spend a lot of time perfecting each piece and do several rounds of testing to make sure it withstands Montreal’s cold winters.
HL: What’s next for the brand?
Elfassy: Besides continuing to perfect our offerings, we are looking to open more retail locations in 2016.
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