Summer in NYC 

Jennifer Alfano

Writer & Jewellery designer 

Photography by
Emma Silke

Rika Studios wardrobe

Jewellery by Jennifer Alfano 

IG: jenniferalfano / theflairindex

What is Summer like in NYC? 

The pace really slows down in NYC during the summer, which is a nice change, especially in August. You can actually get a last-minute reservation at some of your favourite restaurants, so I like to take advantage of that. Plus, I actually enjoy the tourists; I am a proud New Yorker and it’s fun to see other people enjoying the energy and vitality NYC offers which is unlike anywhere else in the world.


Where is home for you? 

I live with my husband 15 miles outside the city in a small suburb. I like to be outside and run in the morning and go on long walks with my rescue dog, Enzo. I need to be in nature, it is integral to my well-being and always inspiring!

How to keep cool in the city this summer?

Lots of museum stops! MoMA, the Whitney, the MET, the Noguchi Museum. And ice cream from Morgenstern's....whatever is seasonal. 


Your favourite design from your Jewellery collection and why?

My favourite piece is the bullseye pendant with a grey pearl, which I actually designed when I first launched a jewellery line in 2013 (shuttered in 2016 and relaunched in 2022). I wear it on a long chain with a Tahitian pearl pendant. I also recently launched what I call my “summer set”, a Knife Edge Bangle which is weighty and solid, along with matching hoops (that are the opposite and lightweight) and stacking rings, they are my travel companions.


What are you reading? 

I am a bit all over the place this summer, currently it is Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina (encouraged by my older daughter who has been on a Russian-classics kick), Another Country by James Baldwin and the latest Amor Towles, Table for Two.


What are your plans this summer? 

A few short trips, to Maine and to visit friends in Nashville. Maybe a trip late August, however, my younger daughter is in graduate school in Australia and we are planning a big trip there this fall so that takes precedent.


Favourite summer cocktail? 

A Negroni Bianco which I first had at my favourite cocktail spot in the West Village, Bar Pisellino. Mix equal parts gin, dry white vermouth and Luxardo Bitters Bianco (hard to find, but makes the drink). Shake over ice. Serve with ice or straight up with a lemon twist.