This summer, following the sun leads to the East Village.
For 7 weeks, The Garden at The Standard, East Village is home to Chasing The Sun, an immersive residency by British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. Known as the "Architect of Joy," Ilori draws deeply from his Nigerian heritage, using bold color and storytelling to create spaces that spark optimism and invite people to come together. His work has transformed our tucked-away garden into a vibrant retreat where afternoons linger a little longer and golden hour feels like the main event.
The residency first debuted during Milan Design Week before making its way to New York for the summer. Inspired by the sun as a universal symbol of warmth and connection, Chasing The Sun encourages guests to slow down, settle in, and embrace the simple pleasure of sharing time outdoors.
The spirit of the residency extends naturally to the menu (view here). Veuve Clicquot anchors the experience, poured by the glass, bottle, or as part of celebratory table pairings, while a collection of bright cocktails—including the Rich Rosé Spritz and Sunset Paloma—keeps the mood firmly rooted in summer. The kitchen follows suit with dishes that feel just as refreshing: ripe tomatoes with whipped ricotta, chilled shrimp, crispy chicken finished with wildflower honey, grilled peaches, and the kind of golden fries that disappear almost as quickly as they're served. It's a menu made for grazing, passing plates, and ordering one more round before the sun slips away.
Opening weekend brought that vision to life. With Veuve Clicquot flowing from The Garden's window bar, guests drifted through the space with champagne in hand, DJs carried the energy from afternoon into evening, and first tastes of the summer menu made their way around the garden. Everywhere we looked, conversations unfolded beneath Ilori's joyful installation as neighbors, creatives, and hotel guests settled into the easy rhythm of the season.
The weekend also included an intimate conversation with Yinka Ilori, who spoke about the lasting influence of his Nigerian heritage and the belief that joyful design can shape the way people experience a place. More than decoration, his work offers an invitation—to connect, to celebrate, and to create moments of belonging through color, culture, and shared experience.
The residency remains at The Garden through August 9th, where the champagne stays chilled, the music carries into golden hour, and summer always seems to linger just a little longer. Make a reservation or walk right in when golden hour calls.
Take a peek at Chasing The Sun below.
For 7 weeks, The Garden at The Standard, East Village is home to Chasing The Sun, an immersive residency by British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. Known as the "Architect of Joy," Ilori draws deeply from his Nigerian heritage, using bold color and storytelling to create spaces that spark optimism and invite people to come together. His work has transformed our tucked-away garden into a vibrant retreat where afternoons linger a little longer and golden hour feels like the main event.
The residency first debuted during Milan Design Week before making its way to New York for the summer. Inspired by the sun as a universal symbol of warmth and connection, Chasing The Sun encourages guests to slow down, settle in, and embrace the simple pleasure of sharing time outdoors.
The spirit of the residency extends naturally to the menu (view here). Veuve Clicquot anchors the experience, poured by the glass, bottle, or as part of celebratory table pairings, while a collection of bright cocktails—including the Rich Rosé Spritz and Sunset Paloma—keeps the mood firmly rooted in summer. The kitchen follows suit with dishes that feel just as refreshing: ripe tomatoes with whipped ricotta, chilled shrimp, crispy chicken finished with wildflower honey, grilled peaches, and the kind of golden fries that disappear almost as quickly as they're served. It's a menu made for grazing, passing plates, and ordering one more round before the sun slips away.
Opening weekend brought that vision to life. With Veuve Clicquot flowing from The Garden's window bar, guests drifted through the space with champagne in hand, DJs carried the energy from afternoon into evening, and first tastes of the summer menu made their way around the garden. Everywhere we looked, conversations unfolded beneath Ilori's joyful installation as neighbors, creatives, and hotel guests settled into the easy rhythm of the season.
The weekend also included an intimate conversation with Yinka Ilori, who spoke about the lasting influence of his Nigerian heritage and the belief that joyful design can shape the way people experience a place. More than decoration, his work offers an invitation—to connect, to celebrate, and to create moments of belonging through color, culture, and shared experience.
The residency remains at The Garden through August 9th, where the champagne stays chilled, the music carries into golden hour, and summer always seems to linger just a little longer. Make a reservation or walk right in when golden hour calls.
Take a peek at Chasing The Sun below.
