I would be lying to you if I didn't admit that fashion shows can be pretty darn exciting.
From the flashing lights to the celebrity sightings to the gift bags -- and, of course -- the clothes. It all makes for a very thrilling mix that makes all the stress, fatigue and chaos of fashion week more than worth it.
But can I let you in on a little secret? After a while, it gets a bit boring. (I can just see you rolling your eyes and dismissing me as a jaded fashionista. But before you close this window, please read on....)
After your fifth time on the fifth day of watching the same models walk up and down the runway you have a shocking epiphany: you don't really see the clothes. Sure, if you are on the first row -- or fourth row, like me -- you can get a good glimpse at the garments. Chances are when you go home and log on to Style.com, you can also read up on the quirky elements which inspired the designer, but none of these trump the experience touching, feeling, and seeing the clothes up close.
It might be for this reason that designers like Marc Bouwer, as well as Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders are opting for more innovative -- and intimate -- ways of viewing their collections. This season Bouwer, known for his ultra glamorous gowns, opted to pre-tape his entire fashion show and launch it online where editors and stylists could preview the collection from the privacy of their own office. Band of Outsiders, a funky New York label, held theirs like an art installation at a space in the meatpacking district. Huge screens projected actors Max Mingehella and Kirsten Dunst, dancing, walking and kidding around in pieces from B.O.O's Spring 2009 collection. Those same items were also conveniently hanging off racks and displayed on tables so guests could touch them and take notes.
For both designers, this innovative method saved dollars, made sense and most importantly allowed them to save some of their budget for things that really matter: the clothes.