As the Fall 2012 collections at New York Fashion Week draws to a close, and designers, models and the general fashion glitterati pack up their fabulousness for another six months, one thing is abundantly clear; this year marks a return to glamour.
Economic woes aside, designers pulled out all the stops to wow the fashion crowds. The sophistication of Lincoln Center is a perfect venue for the shows, which are held for one week every six months, showcasing next season's collections. Several sponsors grace the space showing examples of their latest products, such as the newest cars by Mercedes-Benz, free make-up giveaways at the Maybelline counter, souvenir photographs at the DHL stand, and Diet Pepsi giveaways. While waiting for the next show fashionistas can also enjoy free Fiber One Chewy Bars, champagne by Sherry-Lehmann, a bag display by eBay and the CFDA, relax in the TRESemme or American Express seating area, read free copies of the New York Times Style section and magazine, and view jewelry displays by Circa to name a few. The shows are displayed on a giant video screen inside the main tent, and a cafeteria and media center are also provided.
The shows, which are by invitation only to fashion bloggers, buyers, stylists and the press, are shown in three separate spaces within the complex. The Box, which is the smallest of the spaces, is used for presentations by younger designers, while the Studio and the Stage are used for conventional runway shows. Some of the celebrities spotted at the shows include: Ivanka Trump, Susan Lucci, Joan and Melissa Rivers, the Olsen Twins, Kelly Osbourne, Yoko Ono, Bar Refaeli, Dakota Fanning, Adam Lambert, Lil Kim, Anjelica Houston, Debra Messing, Stacy Keibler, Ashanti, Michelle Williams, Stanley Tucci, Gloria Estefan, Star Jones, Carol Alt, Gretchen Mol, Petra Nemcova, Molly Sims, Kristin Chenoweth, Jessica Alba, Kyra Sedgwick, Matt Damon, George Lucas, Elizabeth Hurley, Natalie Portman, Adriana Lima, Uma Thurman, Renee Zellweger, Maria Sharapova, and the list goes on and on. For some, the constant rounds of shows and parties can be exhausting but exhilarating.
Several other fashion related events are also happening around New York City to coincide with Fashion Week, such as the alternate fashion week at Elle's Style 360, which, “hosts events and runway shows featuring independent designers, creative brands, and emerging developments in fashion.” Couture Fashion Week runs through Sunday, February 19th and features high-end bridal, metal, outerwear and knitwear. See www.couturefashionweek.com for further details and to RSVP.
Several celebrity parties and events were also held, such as Brooke Shields Barbie Dream Convention, which was later open to the public. Visitors could enter a life size Barbie world where they could be transformed into the model icon. Standing in front of a video screen they could scroll through different Barbie outfits and then take home a souvenir photograph of themselves in their unique new look. The space was a pink fantasy that put a smile on the faces of both children and adults. The Barbie theme has also been carried through at the Fashion Institute of Technology museum, where Barbies are dressed up in different designer creations. The museum is also showing an exhibit celebrating the CFDA called Impact, and screening several Fashion Week related films such as “The Day Before: Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld” and “Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton.” Upcoming lectures also include designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Bob Mackie, Hal Rubenstein, Oscar de la Renta and former CFDA President Stan Herman. For more information check their website at fitnyc.edu/museum.
During Fashion Week designers like Emilio Cavallini, Fotini and Reem Acra featured luxurious and decadent dresses using fabrics like silk crepe, chiffon, tulle, lurex lace, Gardenia wool and buttery leather. Detailing included organza, mesh lace, accent beading, corset bodice, feathers, gunmetal embroidery, sequins, metallics, and trapunto-stitching. The styles were feminine, flattering and breathtakingly beautiful. A feeling of richness was shown on the runway, but also felt off the runways. The multitude of Fashion Week events, promotions, parties and shows benefitted the fashion business itself, but also increased revenues for hotels, restaurants and several other businesses throughout the city. The styles shown at this week's event will soon be on sale in stores and boutiques near you, or you can view the latest styles in the publications Women's Wear Daily and The Daily Front Row magazine. Fashion Week seems to get bigger each season and it all happens again the second week of September.
To view photos and video from the latest collections go to www.mbfashionweek.com/photos_and_videos/
Also click on “the scene” button to view backstage photos and to see which celebrities attended the shows.
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