New York Fashion Week came and went and over here, this small staff of myself and my friend Jamar covered as much as we could. Still there was plenty to talk about this season--well, other than the clothes. So, Fashion Funhouse Emporium is counting down the 5 coolest things to happen during New York Fashion Week.
5. Fashion GPS
Photo: Fashion GPS Self Check in Kiosk
Fashion GPS, though a little confusing at first with the numerous automatic emails is a really efficient system for managing invites and seating. This was my third season gathering invites and scheduling shows for myself. I've freelanced at InStyle managing a full list of editors fashion week schedules. This helps.
Whats cool about it:
Just click a link and respond "yes" or "no" to RSVP to invites.
Guests could scan a barcode on their invites in a self service kiosk, print out thier seats and go right in.
No waiting in line--that is unless you're a Fashion Funhouse Emporium blogger and most of the emails you get say: "Your seat number is: Standing." I might point out that is not a seat at all. Then you still have to wait in line.
Its harder to cheat the system. Strictly experimental, Jamar and I simultaneously checked in for a show. I went the old-fashioned route to the humans behind a desk and he went to the kiosk. Once I checked in at the counter, he was unable to check in at the kiosk. His message said: Amber has already checked in. No ticket for him. Sorry crashers!
4. Live Streaming Shows & Video
Video: Isaac Mizrahi Spring 2011 Collection
For those of you who were unable to cheat the system, Milk Studios featured live streaming of some of their shows on their site Milkmade, including the "it" show of New York Fashion Week for less superstar designers: The Blonds.
For registered media, we were able to download video from Mercedes Benz Image Net and post to blogs such as mine for you to check out what went on. Bigger venues also allowed for more independent videographers to attend and thanks to YouTube, pretty much every collection is out there for your viewing pleasure.
3. Pop Up Shops & Shop the Runway
Video: Animated Video for The Florshiem Pop-Up Shop
Many designers such as Elizabeth and James, Florshiem and Mayle opened temporary shops for fashion week emergencies.
But if you have Oscar de la Renta money, then you watched the show live and ordered straight from he runway. While very innovative, those who need instant gratification, you lose.
However, Oscar de la Renta's shop the runway is a revolutionary step in by passing buyers and giving the people what they want. I wouldn't be surprised if this sort of thing catches on. Or, it should for newer designers who can't get the top tier buyers to attend their shows because bigger shows overlap simultaneously, like Oscar.
Photo: Andy & Debb Presentation at Lincoln Center
While the new venue at Lincoln Center provided a very rock arena style atmosphere for show goers, still plenty of designers held low key presentations again this season.
At bigger shows, often my seat was in the peanut gallery, way up in row 5 or 6. At shows such as BCBG, Ports 1961, and other more established designers, this meant all I saw coming down the runway was a floating model head in a shirt. I was there to look at the clothes, therefore this made it impossible to see a full look until I got home and could look up collections online. Presentations, however, I walked in, snapped my pictures and got awkwardly close to the models to catch details of the fabrics. Then I silently floated around tagging music with my Shazamn iPhone app and I was out. For party people, those who are more social, presentations allow the audience to mingle with each other, drinks in hand.
1. Designers who put the SHOW in Fashion Shows
Video- Elise Overland Runway show Featuring Han Bin.
Elise Overland sent violist Han Bin down the runway to play while wearing a look from her collection. Where many shows played it safe and showed an endless parade of minimalist looks of white for spring, some designers added flair with live performances. The Blonds had burlesque style dancers open the show, complete with large feather fans, Zang Toi sent out a half-naked cowboy, reminding show-goers that a show is just that--a show.
