A Week In The Tents:
An Overview of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011
An Overview of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011
By: Dara King
For New Yorker’s, Fashion Week signifies a week when fashionable people across the globe descend upon the tents to predict what you and I will be wearing in two seasons. For those who have not actually attended a show, it is an adrenaline rush. Generally annoying because it is hustle, hustle, hustle and people trying hard for the spotlight however, when you enter the tents it is all worth it.
As the crowd fills in, the lights go dim, and the DJ plays the first beat perfectly timed to the lights shining on the runway, your heart pounds and the flutter of excitement overwhelms you. This feeling lasts for the whole 6-7 minutes the collection shows and you either leave feeling satisfied or feeling a void that can only be filled by another brilliant show.
As writers are sent invitations to cover the shows, we rifle through our closets for something that will emulate the air of the slender waifs that grace the runways.
That’s where my week started, crazily rooting through my closet for something to wear after I received my Fashion Week schedule. I was slated to cover nine shows and three after parties in the course of a week which would effectively exhaust my wardrobe. Settling on something, I began day one at Fashion Week.
As the crowd fills in, the lights go dim, and the DJ plays the first beat perfectly timed to the lights shining on the runway, your heart pounds and the flutter of excitement overwhelms you. This feeling lasts for the whole 6-7 minutes the collection shows and you either leave feeling satisfied or feeling a void that can only be filled by another brilliant show.
As writers are sent invitations to cover the shows, we rifle through our closets for something that will emulate the air of the slender waifs that grace the runways.
That’s where my week started, crazily rooting through my closet for something to wear after I received my Fashion Week schedule. I was slated to cover nine shows and three after parties in the course of a week which would effectively exhaust my wardrobe. Settling on something, I began day one at Fashion Week.
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As writers are sent invitations to cover the shows, we rifle through our closets for something that will emulate the air of the slender waifs that grace the runways.
That’s where my week started, crazily rooting through my closet for something to wear after I received my Fashion Week schedule. I was slated to cover nine shows and three after parties in the course of a week which would effectively exhaust my wardrobe. Settling on something, I began day one at Fashion Week.
Day One-
The first day, I was scheduled to view Mara Hoffman at the Box. With the new tents set up at Lincoln Center, there are a few places where shows happen throughout the facility. There is the Box (which is more of a presentation than a show), the Studio (which is a mini-runway), the Stage (which is a normal sized runway), and the Theater (a gigantic stage for large productions).
Mara Hoffman was set on a platform in the Box and opened almost 30 minutes late. When we were finally able to view the collection, we were greeted with a goddess warrior inspired collection. Silk prints, juxtaposed with heavy veiled fabric, Mara Hoffman’s goddess warrior would be a recurring theme throughout Fashion Week.
That’s where my week started, crazily rooting through my closet for something to wear after I received my Fashion Week schedule. I was slated to cover nine shows and three after parties in the course of a week which would effectively exhaust my wardrobe. Settling on something, I began day one at Fashion Week.
Day One-
The first day, I was scheduled to view Mara Hoffman at the Box. With the new tents set up at Lincoln Center, there are a few places where shows happen throughout the facility. There is the Box (which is more of a presentation than a show), the Studio (which is a mini-runway), the Stage (which is a normal sized runway), and the Theater (a gigantic stage for large productions).
Mara Hoffman was set on a platform in the Box and opened almost 30 minutes late. When we were finally able to view the collection, we were greeted with a goddess warrior inspired collection. Silk prints, juxtaposed with heavy veiled fabric, Mara Hoffman’s goddess warrior would be a recurring theme throughout Fashion Week.
Timo Weiland collection. Photo Credit: Christopher Fequiere
Day Two
Day two I spent feverishly writing and viewing collections via Live Stream (Christian Sirano was impressive). I also attended the Farrah Angsana collection but felt the glitter-infused lingerie was not noteworthy so I only wrote a cursory note about what the collection contained.
Day Three
Day three was devoted to Prabal Gurung. One of the most anticipated young designers, Gurung did not disappoint. With all of the big editors front row side eyeing the clothes that came down the runway his strong glamour that showcased heavy fabrics and sparks of color was one of the most celebrated collection of the Fall season’s showing.
Day two I spent feverishly writing and viewing collections via Live Stream (Christian Sirano was impressive). I also attended the Farrah Angsana collection but felt the glitter-infused lingerie was not noteworthy so I only wrote a cursory note about what the collection contained.
Day Three
Day three was devoted to Prabal Gurung. One of the most anticipated young designers, Gurung did not disappoint. With all of the big editors front row side eyeing the clothes that came down the runway his strong glamour that showcased heavy fabrics and sparks of color was one of the most celebrated collection of the Fall season’s showing.
Day Four
While Derek Lam Live Streamed, I was visiting Timo Weiland at the Box. A relatively unknown, young designer, Weiland showed a British inspired collection that too referenced a strong woman softened by silk prints. (As a side note, he also threw a fabulous after party at the Soho Grand)
We also snuck into Lela Rose and I was impressed by her diversity on the runway in addition to her beautiful gowns that combined silk and light, textured feathers.
Day Five
By Day five, I was tuckered out. One can only take being surrounded by uber-fashionable people for so long. I skipped the shows but Live Streamed Max Azria. To my slight disappointment, I wasn’t terribly impressed.
Day Six
Day six I saw Carolina Herrera and Betsey Johnson and her cartwheels. Although, I was not the target market of either collection (Herrera is for a more traditional, money blessed generation and Betsey Johnson... quite the opposite) both were well done and an evolution from previous collections.
Day Seven
Day seven is when my Fashion Week ended. I Live Streamed every collection available (Badgely Mischka, Vera Wang, and Herve Ledger... who were all inspiring). I saw Sergio Davilla (whose collection is my downtown uniform) and Bibhu Mohaptra (beautiful, edgy evening and formal gowns) and then returned to my quarters to begin a frenzied all night writing session about my loves and my leave behinds for the Fall 2011 season.
While Derek Lam Live Streamed, I was visiting Timo Weiland at the Box. A relatively unknown, young designer, Weiland showed a British inspired collection that too referenced a strong woman softened by silk prints. (As a side note, he also threw a fabulous after party at the Soho Grand)
We also snuck into Lela Rose and I was impressed by her diversity on the runway in addition to her beautiful gowns that combined silk and light, textured feathers.
Day Five
By Day five, I was tuckered out. One can only take being surrounded by uber-fashionable people for so long. I skipped the shows but Live Streamed Max Azria. To my slight disappointment, I wasn’t terribly impressed.
Day Six
Day six I saw Carolina Herrera and Betsey Johnson and her cartwheels. Although, I was not the target market of either collection (Herrera is for a more traditional, money blessed generation and Betsey Johnson... quite the opposite) both were well done and an evolution from previous collections.
Day Seven
Day seven is when my Fashion Week ended. I Live Streamed every collection available (Badgely Mischka, Vera Wang, and Herve Ledger... who were all inspiring). I saw Sergio Davilla (whose collection is my downtown uniform) and Bibhu Mohaptra (beautiful, edgy evening and formal gowns) and then returned to my quarters to begin a frenzied all night writing session about my loves and my leave behinds for the Fall 2011 season.
For more behind the scenes video from all the shows check out the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week youtube channel. To read more from Dara check out http://www.artdirectingmylife.com/
Models walk in the Mara Hoffman show. Photo Credit: Christopher Fequiere
Entrance to Lincoln Center. Photo Credit: Christopher Fequiere