New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is quickly approaching! On February 9^th, it will kick off the global calendar of Fashion Weeks. Known formally as the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, it is one event that fashion lovers do not want to miss. With over seventy top designers eagerly waiting to reveal their new collections, New York Fashion Week is the epitome of fashion’s finest.
 
The trip to New York City is only obstacle for many fashion enthusiasts, who must also try to gain access to the shows. Most shows are so exclusive that only those with serious intentions of showcasing designs at high-profile events are allowed to attend. Tight security ensures that only the extremely wealthy and Hollywood’s finest can view the season’s latest fashions.  

Left: Fashion mogul Alexa Chung (front row of Proenza Schouler show). Right: Mary-Kate Olsen, Melissa George, Selma Blair and Ashley Olsen (front row of J. Mendel show).

However, there are occasionally opportunities for ordinary people to volunteer and get the inside scoop during NY fashion week. Visit www.mbfashionweek.com/volunteer at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s official page for more details.
 
Which designers will be showing this year? Displaying a collection at New York Fashion Week is one of the greatest honors for a designer, so there is always a host of top designers in attendance.
 
When U of I advertising student, Elise Vallosio, was asked who she was most excited to see, she replied, “For sure J. Crew. I’d be there hours early and it would be the best experience in my entire life. I love Jenna Lyons, so it would be a once in a lifetime experience to see her. “
 
She continued, “Also, I think it would be cool to see Anna Sui. I’m loving her dresses right now. Her style is so whimsical but definitely not over the top. It’s the perfect amount of femininity.”
 
You can view a preview of the Anna Sui runway collection in the following video:  http://www.mbfashionweek.com/photos_and_videos/spring_2012 
 
BCBGMAXAZRIA, Rebecca Taylor, Diane Von Furstenburg, Whitney Eve Studio, Michael Kors, and J. Mendel are among other great designers who will be sending their creations down the runway in hopes of wowing the crowd. You can check out the complete line-up at www.mbfashionweek.com.
 
“I would love to see Diane Von Furstenburg and Badgley Mischka. I really appreciate them both as designers,” said anthropology student, Florence Lin.
 
“DVF’s collection is always effortlessly seductive and beautiful. I love her experimentation with texture yet simple cuts. When I think of Badgley Mischka, two words come to head: feminine couture. I adore the look of the embellished pastel gowns in this year’s collection,” said Lin.
 
The chance to view mature designers that have been showing for several seasons would be indescribable. They are experts on how to predict the season’s trends and construct beautiful clothing that flatters both women and men’s figures.

Left: Artist Karen Elson performing at Nine West Vintage America Party. Right: Georgina Chapman, Camilla Belle, and Emma Roberts at the Marchesa after party.
 

Fashion Week is such an exciting time to see what up-and-coming designers will bring to the table. With innovative design techniques and a fresh creativeness, their works are sure to put forth a sense of newness on the runways that is always refreshing.
 
Whitney Port, for example, will be debuting her Whitney Eve collection at her first solo show this year.
 
“My collection has grown so much over the past few years, and the next step for me as a designer was to put on my own runway show,” Port said in a release. You can visit this designer’s blog and view some of Port’s collection at her official website:  www.whitneyport.celebuzz.com.
 
Fashion Week is not just about the runways. Throughout the week, designers hold after parties celebrating their new collections. A-list celebs attend the events adorned in the appropriate couture.

Wish you could experience Spring 2012’s Fashion Week? You can! Visit www.harpersbazaar.com for videos, pictures of the shows and exclusive after party shots. You can also follow the events on twitter (@harpersbazaarus) for coverage throughout the week.

After New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion week, be sure to follow as the fashion calendar continues in London, Milan, and Paris.