With most big names already showing off site (Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Proenza Schouler), it appears that Diane Von Furstenberg may be the only big show worth attending in Bryant Park. A rep for Oscar de la Renta has confirmed his Spring 2008 show will be held at 583 Park Avenue, the same location as his last resort collection.
IMG's efforts to move Fashion Week away from the tents at Bryant Park to a more permanent location have seemingly stalled, with the shows returning again for the "second last time". The largest tent cannot accommodate the mass spectacle that comes with major design houses such as Marc Jacobs, and cannot provide the luxury generally associated with houses such as De La Renta. Since when have port-a-potties been glamorous?
To further complicate the issue, IMG has entered sponsorship overload by agreeing to a MetLife sponsored/Peanuts inspired fashion show, complete with big name participants designing Snoopy couture. We understand sponsorhip and advertising are part of the fashion wheel, however we have reached saturation. From large Mercedes vehicles parked where there once were chairs, to luxury developments in Arizona, what do these have with fashion and/or the comfort level of those attending the shows?
In all honesty, we feel as if the fashion machine is beyond caring about the consumer, the press or any avenue by which profits were traditionally made. While some designers may still wish to keep their integrity in tact, IMG & 7th On 6th have partnered up to whore themselves out to the highest bidder. Look forward to more UPS brownies, Peroni beer, WE network lime green purses and weight loss pills, because it appears the circus is here to stay.
