Okay, we rarely cover menswear here at Fashion Rollcall, but this season’s shows might put an end to that.  Dolce & Gabbana showcased beautifully made dark suits, relaxed fitting jackets and pants on equally beautiful male models during their spring 2011 runway show. 

The collection as a whole was very informal in a neutral color palette of oatmeal, taupe, white and black.  Shredded and faded denim makes a comeback for spring 2011; it was a good balance among the crisp white suits that spelled both sporty and preppy.  Did we mention the sexy swimwear that’s perfect for a day on a beach on the Italian Riviera? 

Some of the looks reminded me of Matt Damon and Jude Law’s characters, in The Talented Mr. Ripley.  That was quite fitting because it was filmed in Italy, namely Rome and Venice.  All the models donned dark suits and stormed the runway during the finale.  It was definitely a Men in Black moment minus the dark shades, and the aliens of course.  The designers also celebrated their 20th anniversary on the runway with a live performance by Annie Lennox during the show.

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There is talk that American designer Zac Posen may show his Spring 2011 collection in Paris.  It’s been reported by WWD that he takes issue with his time slot for New York Fashion Week in September.  Posen said no decision has been finalized, but he believes “doing a fashion show in New York with today’s climate, is difficult.”  He goes on to say he wants to go to Paris “where they understand my clothes.”  The rumor is reminiscent of when Marc Jacobs considered leaving for Paris a few seasons back.  Hopefully Posen and the CFDA will work out this matter and New York will keep this talented designer.

Zac Posen to Show in Paris? [Elle UK]

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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