2 More Drop Fashion Week

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Betsey Johnson, Vera Wang and Carmen Marc Valvo all opted out of showing their collections at New York Fashion Week this Spring. Now Monique Lhuillier and Naeem Khan won't be showing either.

Monique Lhuillier * Naeem Khan

According to Paul Wilmot, whose public-relations firm Paul Wilmot Communications represents both brands, the designers will be hosting smaller, more private shows instead. Although previous designers have cited the economy as their reasoning, Wilmot insists that this is not the reason for the change for Lhuillier and Khan. Instead, Wilmot says the designers wanted to try a new approach to selling clothing. The more intimate setting will allow buyers and guests an upclose a personal look at the designs, as well as a chance to meet and talk to the designers.

Although I think that Fashion Week is an incredible event, I do agree that shifting to a different format could yield some positive reactions. This format is a throwback to the original fashion shows when designers such as Coco Chanel used to host small, intimate viewings of their latest collections. This makes the event much more about the clothes, and not so much about the hype surrounding it.

A void in Bryant Park this Spring

Every Spring and Fall celebrities, journalists and fashionistas flock to New York's Bryant Park for Fashion Week. Originally called Press Week, NYC Fashion Week began in 1943 as a small event for journalists, and has grown since then into an international event drawing thousands of people to the tents each year. Shows range from those of top American designers to newer up and coming designers. Between lighting, staging and accessories each fashion show runs up a bill of $100K to $200K +! 

right to left: Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, Carmen Marc Valvo

It looks as if the economy has hit even the best of the fashion designers; recently Betsey Johnson, Carmen Marc Valvo and Vera Wang have all announced that they will not be showing at this Springs New York Fashion Week. Instead they will be holding a smaller, private show consisting of a guest list of 100 to 150 people.

This is a great loss for Brant Park this year, as all 3 of these designers draw a large crowd. Betsey Johnson's shows are known for their quarky, light-hearted feel; always pushing the boundaries of fashion. Let's hope things improve by the Fall, or we may see even more designers pulling out of the shows!