As of yesterday, Fashion Week Fall 2010 began in earnest (there are always events and trunk shows leading up to FW but yesterday was the start of the main shows in the tents). Since I’m stuck out here on the West Coast and not working on any shows I’ll be scoping the shows to bring you my analysis of the trends and makeup directions for the coming seasons. Should be a lot of fun. Sadly, however, I must start my Fashion Week coverage on a more somber note.
This Fashion Week marked a couple of significant changes in the fashion landscape – one bittersweet and one tragic. First, after 16 years, this will be the last Fashion Week to take place in the tents at Bryant Park. Come September for the Spring shows, Fashion Week will take place in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center. On the sad side, this came after much dispute and scuttlebutt about interference with public usage of the park. Even Mayor Bloomberg intervened on the behalf of the fashion community, but ultimately it was decided that the Tents should move. On the plus side the new location is said to offer more space to the designers and attendees. While change is often for the better, it is important to acknowledge the end of an era. Fashion Week will undoubtedly have a different feel come the Spring shows.
The other reason Fashion Week – New York and around the world – will feel quite different from now on is the sudden and untimely death of designer Alexander McQueen. McQueen died Thursday – reportedly suicide – at 40 years old. Needless to say this has rocked the fashion world. Every time I read about it somewhere I could not believe it, and even typing about it now I just cannot believe it. McQueen was known as an agitator and an innovator but he was no gimmick. He was a gifted tailor and craftsman and underneath all the showmanship and extravaganza were impeccably designed and constructed clothing. He was a one of a kind legend, and he will be missed.
EDIT – I just read that his death came after he was apparently distraught from the recent death of his mother. May they both rest in peace.
© 2010, Tania D. Russell / Makeup to Go. All rights reserved.
