With every new season comes change, and NY Fashion Week is no exception. A large list of changes is looming for the event, including the main sponsor, this season shifting back to Mercedes-Benz from Olympus. While many photographers commented that Olympus was a sponsor who understood them, many industry professionals are grateful for the return of the auto maker’s sponsorship. Fall/Winter Fashion Week 2007, held at Bryant Park for the last time, will occur February 2-9. The September shows are still looking for a suitable location.
UPS, which sponsored last season’s up-coming-designer tent The Hub, has been replaced by another delivery carrier, DHL. DHL will offer a booth titled “The Pick-Up Spot”, ‘a satellite center for international and domestic shipping where espresso will be served.’ The UPS Hub will be replaced by The Showroom, an all-black space with seating for 300 people, and a $20,000 price tag.
NY Fashion Week will also be facing scrutiny for the CFDA’s handling of the swirling model controversy. A group of industry insiders, including Anna Wintour, gathered with the CFDA and it’s president, Diane Von Furstenberg to discuss the matter. The committee outlined a set of guidelines that were less than earth shattering. Designers should schedule their fittings with younger models during daylight hours, designers are urged to identify models with eating disorders, and promote a more healthy diet backstage instead of champagne and cigarettes.
In case you haven’t got your fill of Fashion Week info just yet, check out the official schedule.