Inside The Standard in the East Village, Where We Hosted Our 20th Birthday
Our take
The East Village has always held a unique position in the New York City landscape – a crucible of creativity, a haven for the unconventional, and a constant source of cultural evolution. Celebrating Popsugar’s 20th birthday at The Standard East Village feels perfectly aligned with this spirit. The neighborhood's enduring appeal stems from its ability to foster a sense of vibrant energy, drawing in artists, students, and those seeking something beyond the polished veneer of more established areas. It's a place where individuality thrives, and trends are born, not simply adopted. This resonates deeply with the kind of effortless style we champion – a style that isn’t dictated by fleeting fads, but rather cultivated through a considered understanding of personal expression. The recent spotlight on Zoë Kravitz’s embrace of ballet flats [Zoë Kravitz's Outfit Is Proof the Ballet Flats Trend Can Elevate a Pared-Back Tee and Jeans Ensemble ] demonstrates this enduring appeal of understated elegance, a sensibility that feels intrinsically linked to the East Village’s aesthetic. Similarly, the thoughtful pairing of high-end accessories, as seen with Dakota Fanning’s The Row bag and Hailey Bieber’s favored flip-flops [Dakota Fanning Pairs Kendall Jenner's The Row Bag With Hailey Bieber's Favorite Heeled Flip-Flops], underscores the quiet luxury that defines a truly discerning eye – a luxury born from intentionality, not ostentation.
The choice of The Standard East Village as a venue further reinforces this narrative. The hotel itself embodies a modern sensibility, blending a distinctive architectural presence with a commitment to cultivating a particular atmosphere. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s an experience, a curated environment designed to inspire and engage. This approach mirrors our own philosophy – the belief that true luxury resides in the details, in the carefully considered design of a life well-lived. The fact that even royalty, as highlighted in the article about Princess Kate's absence from her sister’s birthday [Why Princess Kate Won't Be Attending a Birthday Party Her Sister Pippa Middleton Is Hosting This Weekend], occasionally prioritizes other commitments speaks to the demanding nature of a life lived with intention and purpose. It’s a subtle reminder that even within the most privileged circles, time and presence are precious commodities.
Beyond the immediate celebration, Popsugar’s choice speaks to a broader shift in how brands and individuals are approaching luxury and belonging. There's a growing desire for authenticity, for spaces that feel genuinely rooted in a community, rather than manufactured for fleeting trends. The East Village, with its history of artistic rebellion and independent spirit, provides precisely that foundation. It's a place where creativity isn't a commodity to be bought and sold, but a vital force that shapes the very fabric of the neighborhood. This is a far cry from the era of blatant displays of wealth; instead, it’s about cultivating a personal style that reflects inner confidence and a deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. The celebration at The Standard wasn't simply a milestone for Popsugar, it was a testament to the enduring power of a neighborhood that continues to inspire and evolve.
Looking ahead, it's fascinating to consider how the East Village will continue to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of New York City. Will it retain its independent spirit amidst rising rents and increased development? Or will it succumb to the pressures of homogenization? The ongoing evolution of the neighborhood, and its ability to attract and nurture creative voices, will be a critical indicator of the broader cultural shifts we're witnessing – a movement away from superficiality and towards a more authentic, emotionally resonant way of living. It’s a space to watch, not just for its aesthetic contributions, but for the insights it offers into the future of urban culture and the enduring appeal of quiet, intentional luxury.
There's a reason the East Village is one of New York City's most iconic neighborhoods. Walking around the area, you can feel the air buzzing with a certain young, creative energy: residents, students, and tourists alike spill out of boutique shops, bustling restaurants, and trendy bars.
Right in the heart of it all is The Standard, East Village, an equally iconic destination. Known for its sprawling views of Manhattan, the hotel has been the host of many high-profile events — including, most recently, Popsugar's 20th birthday party. We were very excited for the opportunity to partner with The Standard to bring our Y2K celebration to life at its beautiful Penthouse, an indoor-outdoor venue with panoramic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Several of our team members stayed overnight at The Standard as well, and we can attest to the fact that this is the perfect spot for your next marquee event or trip to Manhattan. To learn more about the hotel, keep reading.
About The Standard, East Village
The 21-story building offers sprawling views of Manhattan, with rooms ranging from deluxe suites like the Corner King to more efficient Standard Queen rooms.
Dining options include Cuna Restaurant and Cuna Bar & Lounge, which offer Mérida-inspired dinner and brunch fare; the all-day stalwart Café Standard; and The Garden, which offers bites and beverages and turns into Chasing the Sun, a partnership with Veuve Clicquot, from June 20 through Labor Day.
The hotel offers several excellent event spaces, including The Penthouse, where we hosted our party; The Overlook, a meeting and banquet room; and The Garden, which is perfect for outdoor cocktail receptions.
While there isn't a fitness center on-site, guests have free access to Crunch Fitness, which is across the street.
What We Like About The Standard, East Village
We have to start with The Penthouse, where we hosted our Y2K-inspired birthday party. When we say that this was the ultimate venue for a special occasion like our party, it's a total understatement. As the elevator doors opened to the space, our guests audibly gasped: the views were simply breathtaking. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow the city itself to be the backdrop of any event, with unbelievable photo opps across the entire venue.
Guests, including Monique Coleman and Taryn Delanie Smith, enjoy the outside area of The Penthouse. Image Source: Melissa Alper
Speaking of, The Penthouse offers more than 1,300 feet of indoor space, where we were able to have separate areas for different aspects of the party: the main room, where our DJ spun beats; an area that housed the bar and charcuterie display; and another lounge area with seating and a photobooth. It was the perfect layout for about 150 guests to mingle, pick up their VIP gift bags, snap nostalgic photos, and dance.
On a beautiful summer evening, the wraparound outside space was also a crowd favorite: celebrities like Monique Coleman, Taryn Delanie Smith, and Kaylor Martin loved taking photos with their friends as the Empire State Building framed the background. Another note about hosting at The Penthouse: the entire staff at The Standard made sure guests were enjoying the cocktails, bites, and views, and were a pleasure to work with.
Our team also had the opportunity to stay overnight at the hotel. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and the large windows — which look out over the city — make you feel like you have breathing space even amid all the hustle and bustle. We enjoyed working from and hanging out in The Garden, which was a tranquil reprieve from the concrete jungle.
Photos show the inside of The Standard's guest rooms. Image Source: The Standard
And anyone who lives in or has visited New York knows that location is everything. The Standard couldn't be better situated — while it's on a relatively quiet street, it's right in the heart of downtown, just steps from SoHo shops, Washington Square Park, and all the fun bars in the Lower East Side. It'd be the perfect landing spot for someone who had never visited Manhattan before, as well as a seasoned visitor who loves being in the center of it all.
Ultimately, The Standard offers a quintessentially New York experience, with well-designed details (like a funky mirror inside the elevators) and unbeatable views of the entire city. When we say it's dreamlike, we're not exaggerating — any stay or event will make you feel like you're among the clouds.
Lena Felton (she/her) is a senior director of special projects at PS, where she oversees sponsored packages, tentpole projects, and editorial partnerships. Previously, she was an editor at The Washington Post, where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity. She has been working in journalism since 2017, during which time her focus has been feature writing and editing and elevating historically underrepresented voices. Lena has worked for The Atlantic, InStyle, So It Goes, and more.Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience