2017 marks a year of Style Diaries from contributor Sibylle Eschapasse. To celebrate the weekly column, she went with Epoch Times photographer Ben Chasteen on an amazing helicopter ride with FlyNYON and the duo came back with some amazing pictures and great memories.
Why did you choose FlyNYON?
Sibylle Eschapasse: I wanted to celebrate this anniversary and this new year of Diaries with something really special and fun, something visual and very New York, so that our readers can share the experience with us. FlyNYON takes you on a unique helicopter ride. It is unique in the sense that you board a helicopter without doors, and while you are safely harnessed, of course, you are given the amazing opportunity to sit on the edge of the helicopter during the whole flight, with your feet dangling in the sky, enjoying the breathtaking skyline of the city.
The experience is thrilling and allows to take beautiful aerial pictures including what FlyNYON is famous for, its shoe selfies above Manhattan.
How was the ride?
Ms. Eschapasse: The ride was incredible. I was excited about the whole thing, having read about it before and having seen some pictures and videos. I was a little scared, too, before taking off, because I didn’t know what to expect.
After a few seconds to adjust to the wind—as there are no doors—New York is literally at your feet while you’re way high up in the air, and you embrace every minute of the flight. The adrenaline of it and what you see is really breathtaking, and the professionalism of the pilot and the entire company makes you feel a hundred percent safe. It is something I recommend for people to do. As we say, life begins at the end of your comfort zone, and there are few experiences in New York that compare to this one.
You are celebrating another year of the Style diaries. What do you like about this column?
Ms. Eschapasse: I like it because it’s a column that explores style from the perspective of choices,and what that means for different people. So it’s a constant reminder that style means everything and nothing at the same time, and the fact we should always appreciate and respect the beauty of diversity even when it doesn’t reflect your own style. It allows me to meet the so many vibrant people of the New York scene and share what they have to say with our weekend readers.
[gallery ids=“2215129,2215131,2215132,2215134”]
What’s the best advice you’ve heard?
Ms. Eschapasse: I think overall, the best advice is to be yourself and to choose clothes you love to wear and that express who you are. Clothes say so much about people, they speak before words. Being happy in your own skin and in your clothes helps you greatly. The same way that you can change your life by changing your thoughts and/or the words you speak, you can change your life by changing your clothes and enhancing your style. Every day and every moment counts and should be celebrated and enjoyed.
Did you try some of the favorite restaurants?
Ms. Eschapasse: Yes, I did. I love food—I love restaurants in New York. A restaurant can transport you to a unique sphere with its atmosphere, its decor and its food. When a restaurant is well put together, it can really be a unique experience. Recently, I tried Marea with Oz Garcia. It was very nice. The seafood was outstanding.
How did this column affect your style?
Ms. Eschapasse: Since I started this column, some of the people I interviewed inspired me, some even became friends. They not only inspire me on how they dress and with their style but sometimes on how they live their lives. It is how you live your life as a whole that matters most.
[gallery size=“medium” ids=“2215106,2215137,2215138,2215140,2215141”]
