NEW YORK—Mercedes Benz Fashion Week kicked off last Friday with little signs of the economic downturn.
For the red-heeled fashionistas, it was mostly fashion as usual—perhaps with a political spin. Maybe it was the “Fashion Wins”/”Vote Fashion” buttons or the heading “Chic Must Go On!" splashed across the pages of Fashion Week’s official daily….all indications are that Fashion is ON this year…maybe even borrowing some contagious HOPE from the sweeping Obama victory.
Blending Fashion, Politics, and Business
"It has been tremendous, so much. The recognition alone is something designers work 10 or 15 years for," Wu said in an interview by Reuters." It is global recognition. This will put the brand to the next level."
The designers for Jill Biden’s inaugural celebration clothes, Michelle Smith, of fashion label Milly, and Reem Acra of her self-named label are also enjoying the lime-light.
Fashion has also evoked an economic reward to New York as recognized by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "The fashion industry is a vital part of our city’s economy, providing more than 175,000 jobs and generating billions of dollars in wages for New Yorkers annually," he was recently quoted as saying on the Shop Talk fashion website.
Further highlighting the city’s deep links with the fashion industry, Mayor Bloomberg announced a five-year contract starting in 2010 for staging Fashion Week at the Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, a venue 25% bigger than its current home in Bryant Park.
Opening Weekend Recap
Patricia Arquette, Katie Couric, and Hilary Duff were among the guest models gracing the catwalk. Former "Wonder Woman,” Lynda Carter, in a one-shoulder Caroline Herrera gown was a crowd favorite as were former "Beverly Hills, 90210” stars Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth. Other highlights of the weekend line-up were Lacoste, Barbie RunWay Show, and Diane Von Furstenberg.
Feb. 16, Monday Morning Highlights
Monday morning was buzzing with fashion folks getting their early morning dose of sophisticated glamor.
Farah Angsana Couture Fall Winter 2009
Farah Angsana’s romantically inspired seductive couture evening wear featured rich black silks with an opulent red strapless thrown in. Watching the show you felt like a story was being told about longing and love from the music to movement of the dresses to the models expressive pouts. Celebrity Sightings—Kellie Pickler, Sherri Saum, and Alison Brie.
Carlos Miele Fall Winter 2009
In describing Mr. de Castro in their spotlight on Latin American music, TIME magazine claimed he “just might be the most original musical talent to have come out of Brazil in three decades.” Celebrity Sightings—Katherine McPhee and Erika Mader
Carolina Herrera New York Fall 2009
The collection is a combination of sophistication, shape, and decorative elements from 18th century architectural detail. Her creations could be smart work wear concentrating on elongating the waist with narrow skirts and slim trousers. Layers of fabrics and textured jackets adorned the look. Dark colors like lapis blue and smoky charcoal were highlighted. Celebrity Sightings—Christian Siriano, Anna Wintour, and Rachel Zoe
Christine Beal writes on fashion and entertainment, and lives and works in New York.
