Cosmo x PopUp Bagels: Pre-NYFW Event Recap & Block Party Highlights
Discover how Cosmo and PopUp Bagels brought New York’s favorite snack and custom Cranberry Butter to the ultimate pre-NYFW block party.
Cosmo x PopUp Bagels: Pre-NYFW Block Party Recap
Introduction: When Style Meets Flavor
Before the hustle of New York Fashion Week and the glamour of star-studded red carpets, Cosmopolitan and PopUp Bagels joined forces for an unforgettable kick-off event. On Thompson Street, local fashionistas, artists, and food-lovers converged to celebrate the debut of Cosmo’s crave-worthy Cranberry Lime Butter alongside freshly rolled bagels. Blending iconic style and vibrant flavors, the event embodied New York’s essence and set the tone for the season’s fashion buzz.
The Ultimate Block Party: Scene & Vibe
Guests arrived to find Thompson Street transformed into a festive gathering spot. Music pulsed, laughter echoed, and aromatic bagels beckoned from the PopUp Bagels stand. Attendees sampled Cosmo’s limited-edition Cranberry Lime Butter, a schmear infused with dried cranberries, tangy cranberry juice, and a touch of lime zest—mimicking the signature notes of the Cosmopolitan cocktail. Influencers and lovers of style mingled with local neighbors, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
- Location: Thompson Street, New York City
- Date: Preceding NYFW, September 2025
- Attendees: Editors, influencers, designers, bagel enthusiasts, local artists
- Highlights: Cranberry Butter bagel tastings, custom sketches, music, photo moments, exclusive merch
Cosmo’s Limited-Edition Cranberry Lime Butter: Behind the Schmear
Inspired by the flavors of an iconic Cosmopolitan cocktail, Cosmo’s Cranberry Lime Butter became the block party’s star attraction. The spread included:
- Dried cranberries for chew and sweetness
- Cranberry juice for depth and tartness
- Lime zest for citrusy brightness
Served on warm, golden bagels, the schmear delighted everyone—from traditionalists to flavor explorers. The vibrancy of the Cranberry Lime Butter not only paid homage to Cosmopolitan magazine’s namesake cocktail but elevated the bagel experience into something stylish and new.
PopUp Bagels: From Festival Champs to Street Party Stars
PopUp Bagels, known for disrupting NYC’s bagel scene and taking top honors at local festivals, brought their signature recipe to Thompson Street. For this event, they partnered exclusively with Cosmo, serving bagels that were crispy on the outside, tender inside, and the perfect canvas for creative schmears.
Guests enjoyed a range of toppings, but the Cranberry Lime Butter stole the spotlight. In addition to personal favorites, PopUp Bagels offered gluten-free options and inventive pairings, welcoming bagel fans of all ages and dietary needs.
Live Art: Custom Sketches & Street Style
The collaboration went beyond food; Cosmo set up a live illustration booth where artists created custom sketches of attendees’ party looks. Inspired by street style and fashion week excitement, guests walked away with one-of-a-kind portraits capturing their individuality and flair.
- Live art: Fashion sketches with on-the-spot illustration
- Photo backdrops: Branded installations for social sharing
- Merch specials: Tote bags, pins, and stickers celebrating the event
The Influencer Experience: Who Was There?
Fashion editors, bloggers, and tastemakers flocked to the party, posting bags of bagels and styled sketches across Instagram and TikTok. Key guests included:
What others are reading
- Top NYFW models
- Cosmopolitan’s beauty editors
- PopUp Bagels’ founder and team
- Street style photographers
- Neighborhood trendsetters
The event naturally became a content goldmine, with attendees sharing outfit details, favorite bagel combinations, and artful reminders of their time on Thompson Street.
How the Event Came Together: Collaboration & Creativity
The block party was the result of months of planning and an all-star collaboration between Cosmo, PopUp Bagels, and local artists. The idea: create a New York moment that brings together communities through style, art, and delicious bites. The team curated every detail, from the limited-edition butter to the branded napkins and creative photo ops.
| Element | Collaboration Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Lime Butter Recipe | Cosmopolitan’s Test Kitchen | Exclusive recipe shared at event |
| Bagels & Toppings | PopUp Bagels | Fresh bagels, original flavors |
| Custom Live Sketches | Local NYC artists | Hand-drawn portraits for guests |
| Photo Backdrops/Merch | Cosmo Design Team | Branded installations and keepsakes |
Fashion Meets Food: Setting the Trend for NYFW
The party’s energy echoed the anticipation of Fashion Week, as editors and designers mingled over bagels and discussed runway shows. The intersection of style and food was celebrated in every corner—proving that New Yorkers embrace creativity in both what they wear and what they eat. The Cranberry Lime Butter, with its cocktail-inspired flavor, was quickly deemed the accessory of the morning.
Cosmo’s event reminded the fashion crowd that a chic start isn’t limited to couture; it can be a flawlessly toasted bagel topped with a bold, flavorful schmear.
Community, Connection & Inclusivity
The Thompson Street block party was open to neighbors, friends, and families. The Cosmo x PopUp Bagels collaboration welcomed all ages and backgrounds to enjoy food, art, and celebration. From the youngest bagel fans to veteran editors, attendees found connection through shared enthusiasm for New York’s distinctive vibe.
- Family-friendly: Activities for kids included coloring stations and mini sketch sessions
- Accessibility: Seating and options for all guests, including gluten-free bagels
Behind the Scenes: Creating the Cranberry Lime Butter
Cosmo’s test kitchen perfected the recipe for the limited-edition Cranberry Lime Butter, balancing sweet dried cranberries with tart juice and the crisp flavor of lime. Development focused on pairing well with classic and inventive bagel flavors. The spread also reflected Cosmopolitan’s ethos: stylish, unique, and a little unexpected.
DIY at Home: Recipe Adaptation
- Soften unsalted butter and blend with dried cranberries
- Add a splash of cranberry juice and lime zest
- Season lightly with salt
- Spread generously on your favorite bagel
Social Media Buzz: #CosmoBagelParty
Event attendees and followers shared stories, reels, and TikToks under the hashtag #CosmoBagelParty. Photos of custom sketches, stacks of bagels, and fashionable guests quickly went viral. The selfie-friendly backdrops and promo codes for future PopUp Bagels orders amplified engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was the inspiration for Cosmo’s Cranberry Lime Butter?
A: The spread combined elements of the Cosmopolitan cocktail—cranberry, lime, and a touch of sweetness—to create a flavor that’s both on-trend and timeless.
Q: Where can I try the Cranberry Lime Butter after the event?
A: The limited-edition schmear debuted at the Thompson Street block party and is available at select PopUp Bagels locations during NYFW week, while supplies last.
Q: Are gluten-free or vegan options available?
A: PopUp Bagels provided gluten-free bagel varieties, ensuring the event was accessible to as many attendees as possible.
Q: Will Cosmo host another pre-NYFW party in the future?
A: Due to strong community response, Cosmo is considering making the block party an annual tradition—follow official Cosmo channels for updates.
Q: How can I get my own custom sketch?
A: Local NYC artists at the party created live illustrations; select artists offer custom commissions online for fans who missed the event.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating NYC’s Style & Flavor
The Cosmo x PopUp Bagels event underscored what makes New York unique: creativity, community, and a love for serious flavor. With unforgettable bites, artful keepsakes, and the city’s fashion crowd in full force, the block party proved you don’t have to wait for the runway to celebrate style—sometimes, it’s just a bagel away.
Quick Highlights
- Block party kicked off NYFW with style and energy
- Exclusive Cranberry Lime Butter referenced Cosmopolitan’s trademark drink
- PopUp Bagels served up classics and gluten-free options
- Live sketch artists created personalized memories
- Social buzz and community connections set the tone for the season
References
- https://perishablenews.com/bakery/bagelfest-2025-returns-to-citi-field-with-a-stacked-global-lineup-and-higher-stakes-than-ever/
- https://www.getsauce.com/post/from-manhattan-to-madrid-bagelfest-2025-highlights-global-bagel-culture
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a66105966/cosmo-popup-bagels-nyfw-event/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-ZlQN5CA7U
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/author/228580/mikhaila-archer/
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