Meet the New Yorkers Who Make Fashion Week Happen

Doorman / Promoter / Stylist

Lives: Chinatown

Age: 35

Paris native Simonez Wolf styled fashion shoots before he became the gatekeeper to New York's most exclusive clubs and creator of in-the-know pop-up parties. He first worked the door at the fabled Beatrice Inn and hosted a weekly Sunday fete there. Soon he was creating parties at the Bowery Hotel, Madame Wong's, Westway, Le Baron and Le Bain. He says his job is part art direction, part judging human nature. This Fashion Week he’s hosting his annual Chinese New Year dinner party. If this is the first you’ve heard of it, you’re probably not on the guest list.

Victoria: What’s your role during Fashion Week? Do you go to any of the shows?
Simonez: Front of the house. Sometimes.

Q: What’s your favorite store in your neighborhood?
A: The Chinese Hispanic grocery.

Q: What’s most compelling about Chinatown?
A: It still has that real gritty New York look to it.

Q: Your Fashion Week DO and DON’T?
A: Do eat well. Don’t overrun myself.

Q: What do you like best about NYC style? How is different than London, Paris, or Milan?
A: New York has more of a street style, a mix of hip-hop and skate.

Q: Who was the most glamorous person in the world when you were a teenager?
A: James Bond, Bruce Lee, David Bowie.

Q: Who is the glamorous now?
A: Dasha Zhukova.

Q: Best outfit/article of clothing you’ve seen on a partygoer during Fashion Week?
A: A long cape on a tall-legged model.

Q: What is your definition of cool? Or how do you define chic?
A: Slick.

Q: What’s the best party you’ve ever been to?
A: Paris Opera House for a YSL soiree.

Q: What party would you like to create? Who would come? Where would it be?
A: A Chinese New Year celebration in a Chinatown temple. Guests will include all the Victoria's Secret angels plus Andre Saraiva, Jeff Koons, Alessandro Twombly, KAWS, JR, Joakim Noah (French NBA player), Tom Hardy, Demi Moore, M.I.A, Jay-Z.

Q: What do you notice first about someone when they approach you at the door?
A: The shoes.

Q: You won’t let a guy in if he’s wearing...
A: Square-toe shoes, sweatpants, flip flops.

Q: You won’t let a girl in if she’s wearing...
A: Square-toe shoes, tracksuits, flip flops.

Q: What are your NYC spots?
A: Jack’s Wife Freda, Dudley's, The Leadbelly, Nom Wah, Panade Puffs & Pastries.

Q: Is night life still French-centric? What’s next?
A: Yes, still a bit. Chez André TriBeCa.

Q: What was the reading material for the class “Dance, Music, and Nightlife Culture in New York City” at Yale, where you gave a talk?
A: “Nightclub City,” by Burton W. Peretti; “On the Make: The Hustle of Urban Nightlife,” by David Grazian; “Steppin' Out: New York Nightlife and the Tranformation of American Culture,” by Lewis A. Erenberg.

Q: What’s the most idiotic thing someone’s said to you at the door?
A: Do you know who I am! And then he googled himself on his phone to show to me.

Q: What is the most extreme length you’ve seen someone go to get into the party?
A: Getting a room at The Standard so that he could get in at Le Bain.