While the rest of the city continues to celebrate New York's crowning achievement winning the Superbowl, those in the fashion industry have just embarked upon their own festivities. Yesterday marked day one of Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week, and appropriately so, New York Giants' own Victor Cruz (the talented wide receiver who sealed Sunday's victory) joined me in unveiling the fourth season at Lincoln Center. For the next seven days, the industry will flock to the historic Lincoln Center to view the Fall/Winter 2012 collections of over 100 designers and brands. With seven days of shows every half-hour, even Victor agreed that Mercedes-Benx Fashion Week was nothing short of four-quarters on the football field.
As Director of Fashion at Lincoln Center, this is the time for me to step from behind the numerous spreadsheets and budgets that pile up on my desk and experience the over ten runway shows and presentations held against the Lincoln Center backdrop.
Thursday's chilly and brisk morning began with new designer Monika Chiang's presentation in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center. Chiang opened the Fall 2012 season with fellow model and muse Elettra Weidemann who was clad in the designer's strong, modern silhouettes. Select looks featured unexpected pairings of texture while her signature accessories line included thigh-high fur boots with lace-up detail - an incredible addition to any fall outfit! It was exciting to see Monika's first presentation come to life within the walls of Lincoln Center which was strategically located right above my office!
MY morning schedule was tight as we left Monika Chiang and I was already late for BCBG Max Azria who christened Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's Theater as the first runway show of the season. It was a pleasure to catch up with familiar faces from the publishing world in the front row, of which I sat next to Allure's charming Linda Wells. BCBG's Fall 2012 collection gave us neutral color blocking, with two-tone fur accents and flawless pleating. Right after, I headed over to Richard Chai for his showing of Men and Womenswear. Perhaps it was the accurately paired soundtrack of The Smith's "How Soon is Now?" that brought back visions of the 90's cult-classic, "The Craft," but the designs revived the era with muted grey striped wool coats hung over-the-shoulder, velvet corduroys and tie-dye inspired patterns.
It was back to the office after Chai to catch up on emails, finalize contracts for upcoming shows and review updated production plans before the next presentation of new designer KAtherine Polk's line, Houghton. Transforming with Grand Promenade of Avery Fisher Hall, the 1:30 PM call time proved harmonious as the sun shined brightly on the entirely white collection of ready-to-wear and evening. Katharine played with airy silhouettes that echoed against perfectly tailored day suits and coats. Houghton's Fall 2012 collection was simply beautiful, and I'm eager to see her continue to evolve as a designer.
After a long day out and around Lincoln Center, I headed to the CFDA's 50th Anniversary Exhibition at the FIT Museum. I'm so proud to be a part of the CFDA's bicentennial celebration, as I am confident that without the framework that the late Eleanor Lambert set over 50 years ago, this industry would not be the global leader in fashion and design that it is today. The efforts of the CFDA extend far beyond the resources it provides to America's established and emerging designers - its endeavors to strengthen the garment district in Manhattan, create and support health initiatives for our industry's models, as well as fashion-related charities and causes, and acting as the liaison for American fashion within the global community, means so much to all of us.