Today was the first day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  There are so many new things this season, the first would be the change from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center.  In addition to a change in venue, fashion week has gone high tech. 

Day 1 went very smooth, but it was just a warm up for my schedule.  Day 2 will be the challenge of seven shows and numerous Fashion’s Night Out events scheduled.  Follow me on my journey to this new beginning of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center.   

Thursday, September 9th

• Nicholas K
• Logan Neitzel
• Mara Hoffman
• Farah Angsana
• Concept Korea

Friday, September 10th

• Tadashi Shoji
• BCBGMAXAZRIA
• Michael Angel
• Nautica
• Lorick
• Edition Georges Chakra
• Ports 1961

FNO

• I Heart Charlotte Ronson Party, the only scheduled stop; the rest will be spontaneous stops. 

Saturday, September 16th

• Yoana Baraschi
• Callula Lillebelle
• Charlotte Ronson

Sunday, September 12th

• DKNY
• Max Azria
• Custo Barcelona
• Vassilios Kostetsos

Monday, September 13th

• Jenny Packham
• Carlos Miele
• Gerlan Jeans
• Donna Karan New York
• Monique Lhuillier
• Leifsdottir
• Perry Ellis

Tuesday, September 14th

• bebe
• Tibi
• alice + olivia
• Toni Francesc

Wednesday, September 15th

• Gottex
• Eva Minge
• Odd Molly
• Zang Toi

Thursday, September 16th

• Andy & Debb
• Isaac Mizrahi
• Rebecca Moses

We are about one month away from the official start of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.  The Spring 2011 season will make its debut in the new site located at Lincoln Center from September 9th to September 16th.  There are exciting changes in store for invited attendees.  Lincoln Center has four rooms – Box, Stage, Studio and Theatre instead of the three that were at the Tents.  That’s in additon to all the digital upgrades designed to make the registration, credential and seating process a lot smoother.  Make sure you’re fully rested for all the shows, there are over 90 designers scheduled to show their collections.  Check out the schedule listed below.  Who are you looking forward to see this season?

Preliminary schedule of events:

September 9, 2010

• 9:00 AM Nicholas K, Studio
• 10:00 AM Project Runway, Theatre
• 10:30-11:30 AM Toni Maticevski, Box*
• 11:00 AM Richard Chai, Stage
• 1:00 PM Ruffian, Studio
• 2:00 PM Christian Siriano, Stage
• 2:30-4:00 PM Bensoni, Box*
• 6:00 PM Farah Angsana, Studio
• 6:30-7:30 PM VERRIER, Box*
• 7:00 PM Concept Korea, Theatre
• 9:00 PM Richie Rich, Studio

September 10, 2010

• 9:30-10:30 AM Tadashi Shoji, Box*
• 10:00 AM BCBGMAXAZRIA, Theatre
• 11:00 AM Duckie Brown, Stage
• 12:00 PM Michael Angel, Studio
• 1:30-2:30 PM Buckler, Box*
• 2:00 PM EDITION Georges Chakra, Stage
• 3:00 PM Ports 1961, Theatre
• 4:00 PM Alexander Berardi, Studio
• 6:00-10:00 PM Fashion’s Night Out
• 8:00 PM Academy of Art University, Theatre

September 11, 2010

• 10:00 AM Lacoste, Theatre
• 10:30-11:30 AM Binetti, Box*
• 11:00 AM Cynthia Rowley, Stage
• 1:00 PM Prabal Gurung, Studio
• 2:00 PM ADAM, Stage
• 2:30-3:30 PM Yoana Baraschi, Box*
• 3:00 PM Vivienne Tam, Theatre
• 4:00 PM Mik Cire, Studio
• 6:00 PM Charlotte Ronson, Stage
• 7:00 PM Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Theatre
• 9:00 PM Venexiana, Studio

September 12, 2010

• 10:00 AM Derek Lam, Stage
• 10:30-11:30 AM Timo Weiland, Box*
• 11:00 AM Lela Rose, Studio
• 1:00 PM DKNY, Off-site
• 2:00 PM Rebecca Taylor, Studio
• 2:30-3:30 PM Rebecca Minkoff, Box*
• 3:00 PM Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Stage
• 4:00 PM Diane von Furstenberg, Theatre
• 5:00 PM Trias, Studio
• 6:30-7:30 PM Global Glam Collection, Box*
• 7:00 PM Custo Barcelona, Stage
• 8:00 PM Tommy Hilfiger, Theatre
• 9:00 PM Vassilios Kostetsos, Studio

September 13, 2010

• 8:30-10:00 AM William Tempest, Box*
• 9:00 AM Jenny Packham, Studio
• 10:00 AM Carolina Herrera, Theatre
• 11:00 AM Carlos Miele, Stage
• 12:00 PM Diesel Black Gold, Off-site
• 1:00 PM Tracy Reese, Studio
• 2:00 PM Donna Karan Collection, Off-site
• 2:30-3:30 PM TONYCOHEN, Box*
• 3:00 PM Monique Lhuillier, Stage
• 4:00 PM Yeohlee, Off-site
• 5:00 PM Herchcovitch;Alexandre, Studio
• 6:00 PM Betsey Johnson, Theatre
• 7:00 PM Perry Ellis, Stage

September 14, 2010

• 9:00 AM Elie Tahari, Studio
• 9:00-10:30 AM Monique Péan, Box*
• 10:00 AM Badgley Mischka, Theatre
• 11:00 AM Vera Wang, Stage
• 1:00 PM Rosa Cha, Studio
• 1:30-3:30 PM Bibhu Mohapatra, Box*
• 2:00 PM Max Azria, Theatre
• 3:00 PM Dennis Basso, Stage
• 6:00 PM Luca Luca, Studio
• 6:30-7:30 PM Sophie Theallet, Box*
• 7:00 PM Tibi, Stage
• 8:00 PM Narciso Rodriguez, Theatre
• 9:00 PM Toni Francesc, Studio

September 15, 2010

• 8:30-10:00 AM Bill Blass, Box*
• 9:00 AM Tory Burch, Studio
• 10:00 AM Michael Kors, Theatre
• 11:00 AM Nanette Lepore, Stage
• 1:00 PM General Idea, Studio
• 1:00-2:30 PM Adrienne Vittadini, Box*
• 2:00 PM Gottex, Theatre
• 3:00 PM Milly by Michelle Smith, Stage
• 5:00 PM Odd Molly, Studio
• 6:00 PM Anna Sui, Theatre
• 6:30-7:30 PM Mackage, Box*
• 9:00 PM Zang Toi, Studio

September 16, 2010

• 10:00 AM Ralph Lauren, Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
• 11:00 AM Ralph Lauren, Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
• 11:30-1:00 PM Andy & Debb, Box*
• 12:00 PM Isaac Mizrahi, Theatre
• 1:00 PM Davidelfin, Studio
• 2:00 PM Argentina Group Show, Stage
• 3:00 PM Calvin Klein Collection Women’s, 205 W 39th St, Ground Floor
• 4:00 PM Calvin Klein Collection Women’s, 205 W 39th St, Ground Floor
• 6:00 PM J. Mendel, Studio
• 6:30-7:30 PM Rebecca Moses, Box*
• 7:00 PM Naeem Khan, Stage
• 8:00 PM L.A.M.B., Theatre
• 9:00 PM IVANAhelsinki, Studio

*Designer Presentation

There are so many new and exciting changes to New York Fashion Week this upcoming Spring 2011 season.  It’s safe to say that Fashion Week is getting an extreme makeover.  The biggest is of course its new home at Lincoln Center. It’s certainly a larger and more magnificent venue than Bryant Park.  There are even smaller more adminstrative changes; what was known as the Tent at Bryant Park will now be the Theater at Lincoln Center.  The Stage replaces the Promenade, and the Studio is the new Salon.  Of course the Theater, like the Tent, remains the largest of the three, followed by the Stage, then the Studio.

Among the larger changes would be the change in leadership.  Stephanie Winston Wolkoff is now at the helm of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Fern Mallis was the organizer-in-chief of Fashion Week throughout its tenure at Bryant Park.  Mallis announced yesterday that she is stepping down from her post at IMG, but remains as a consultant.  She is needed in an advisory capacity because she’s pretty much seen it all and done it all over the years.  Stephanie Winston Wolkoff is no stranger to planning important events, she was once Director of Special Events at Vogue. 

Fashion Week is also going high tech with the help of Fashion GPS. Invitations, RSVPs and check-in will be coordinated by this invaluable service, and it will save time usually spent waiting on long lines.  Bar codes may even be placed on invitations if designers opt for it. Welcome to 2010!

From all outward appearances, changing venues may have been the best thing for this event.  The overhaul has thrusted New York Fashion Week into the 21st Century, and it will only encourage everyone involved to raise their own game.  It’s time for this major fashion event that helps to define this great city, and showcases the talent of U.S. designers to take its place at the world famous landmark at Lincoln Center.  September 9th to 16th will be a new beginning for us all.

Fashion Week Unveils New Plans for Lincoln Center [The Cut]

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J. Mendel’s Fall 2010 collection was all about luxury, think luxurious mink stoles, jackets and vests.  The furs were divine, and the gowns breath taking with wonderful movement.  All the ruching on the dresses were done to perfection.  It was a youthful collection, and that point was reinforced by the hemlines that fell at mid-thigh.  J. Mendel was one of a few designers who deviated from the longer hemline trend for fall 2010. 

Sequins goes well with fur, just like champagne goes with strawberries, a delicious combination.  The colors ranged from black, brown, forest green, pewter, blue and red to a blue and black print so delicate that it did not overtake the design of the gown.  A presentation was the right setting for this collection because it gave you the ability to view it for an appreciable amount of time.  There was no stodginess in the styling, slouchy mid-calf boots and booties were paired nicely against the glamourous dresses and furs.  J. Mendel will appeal to young Hollywood, and the red dress was a show stopper that will likely be worn by a lucky starlet on Oscar night.

Davidelfin’s Fall 2010 collection had a parochial vibe from beginning to end, but there was nothing provincial about it.  Upon careful inspection, I noticed the red soles on the models’ feet, they were wearing Louboutins.  Even the Gossip Girl crew wouldn’t mind abandoning their designer duds and donning Davidelfin’s runway looks.  As far as the designer is concerned, it will be a very bright fall.  He used yellow, black-and-white plaid with a pop of hot pink.  There were great blazers and mini skirts for the ladies and shorts for the guys.  The sexy school girl look has always been a societal favorite, and these pieces will only enhance it; the designer has even thrown the guys into the mix as well.

My first thought upon seeing Toni Francesc’s Fall 2010 collection was of  Lieutenant Uhura of Star Trek.  Yes, it was futuristic sexy.  The collection had strong structured shoulders, some even angular like the hair.  Visual projections onto the walls completed the sci-fi effect.  All of that could not distract from the beauty of the clothes.   Mini skirts are still on trend as far as Francesc is concerned.  Separates were a big part of this collection like jackets, skirts and pants.  The leggings looked like they came from a dark glistening pool, and most of the fabrics had an iridescent shine.  He used a neutral black, brown and gray color palette that’s usually a staple for fall, but the fabric sheen and silhouette compensated for the absence of color.  The make-up mimicked the colors of the pieces; the models had dark eyes and a shimmery gold mouth.

Tibi’s Fall 2010 collection will give the younger set something to cheer about come fall.  It’s for the 20-something woman on the brink of finding herself a more grown up look without sacrificing youthful style.  The prints give the collection depth, simple solids would have voided the pieces of personality.  In this case, the fabric selection was on par with design.  The texture and unruliness of the hair went perfectly with the prints.  Teal, bronze, black and gray were the background players behind the prints.   Sequins were sprinkled within, along with a touch of  fur and leather.  All-in-all, a fun collection with the right amount of grown-up mixed in. 

Vivid colors and prints took center stage at Thuy’s Fall 2010 runway show, and what a treat.  Midway through the show I found myself coveting fur warmers worn on the models’ arms.  The show took on a very Russian aristocracy vibe back during the days of the Czars.  It was a collection chock full of rich and vibrant colors like true reds, burgundies, gold and bronze to complement luscious prints.  Thuy was a far departure from the usual gray and tan of fall.  The Thuy lady has quite a selection of dresses, skirts and jackets to choose from, and I imagine that’s the way she likes it.  If winter could look more like Thuy’s vision, I would not be so opposed to the blustering cold and early dark days of the season.

Perry Ellis’ Fall 2010 collection heated up the runways of Bryant Park with chiseled male models and luxurious mens sportswear.  The collection was armed with teal, navy, gray, black and muted red.  We love seeing a well-dressed man in leather, wool, velour and cashmere.  Let’s celebrate the fitted and sexy men’s blazer for fall; I’m particularly partial to the velour navy and charcoal gray ones.  The pants falls just right along the thighs and legs, that’s a tribute to the fabric and cut.  Cashmere sweaters and accessories, like ascots, suspenders and leather gloves round out this collection.  Perry Ellis knows there is nothing sexier than a man dressed in great menswear and a killer attitude.  I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to fall.

Custo Barcelona’s Fall 2010 collection was truly a feast for the eyes, a visual candy affair; sweet and delightful.  It was a colorful collection of luscious pinks, purples and blues.  Black-and-white patterns were thrown in for good measure.  The words cool, funky and fierce comes to mind.  Shapes, textures and patterns were the centerpiece of this runway show.  Solid fabrics were shown the door because this was all about faux fur, knits, leather, prints, patterns and even patchwork.  The show was set before flashing lights of red, blue, yellow, green and pink which was very fitting because those pieces should be reserved for the most stylish of club-goers.