The Fashion Statement: NY Fashion Week Gets Underway

by Kristin Young (RSS feed)
Sep 9th 2010 at 9:00AM

New York Fashion Week has officially begun here at the Lincoln Center, marking the first time in 17 years the main hub has been anywhere else but Bryant Park.

Yesterday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg kicked off the week, declaring the city the capital of fashion and noting that the Lincoln Center location was appropriate given that fashion is art. He even renamed a subway stop nearby "The Fashion Line."

According to Bloomberg-the wire service, that is-this is the biggest Fashion Week ever with more than 325 designers showing around town through the end of next week. At Lincoln Center, 97 designers will show, up from 75 one year ago.

Show producers say the reason for the uptick is more space and better technology. Among the biggest techie changes are self-service kiosks to detect bar-codes on invitations that will do away with check-in lines and, along with them, probably more than a few catfights. It will also likely prevent show crashers.

Among the trends we should expect to see for Spring 2011? The color orange, maxi skirts, Yves Saint Laurent-esque pantsuits, hot pants and dressy shorts. If resort 2011 is any predictor, we'll also see looser silhouettes-roomy tops worn with roomy bottoms. (The old rule of slim on top, roomy on bottom and vice versa no longer applies). The season is expected to be very colorful, too, doing away with nudes, camel and beiges we've seen in the last few seasons. Finally, blazers sans shoulder pads will be there. Think Julia Roberts après makeover in Pretty Woman.

Meanwhile, Carolina Herrera has been announced as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer. The fashion show producers get behind one designer who is recognized for her use of quality materials, unique style and innovative design. "To be recognized in such an important year in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week history, is without question, a wonderful honor," says Herrera. Other "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designers have included Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, and CHADO Ralph Rucci.

But first, commerce. Tuesday night Vogue and a myriad of designers held Fashion's Night Out: The Show (pictured above) drawing more than 150 models and 1,500 guests, including Gisele Bundchen, Tommy Hilfiger and Blake Lively. The event came two days ahead of Fashion's Night Out with 1,000 stores throwing special sales, events and shopping open to the public. Vogue chief Anna Wintour conceived of the event to encourage people to shop. It's become an international affair with events planned around the globe.

Tags: Anna Wintour, Blake Lively, Carolina Herrera, fashion week, gisele bundchen, Lincoln Center, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Tommy Hilfiger