| NEWS 02.16.09 2:01 PM |
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| Fashion Week Pics: Barbie Bedecks the Tent in Pink, Others Trade Theatrical Shows for More Practical Setups |
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The recession has hit the fashion community hard, and most noticeable is the lack of the over-the-top sets, stages, and entertainment that have been the norm at Fashion Week shows. In the first round of fall/winter 2009 collections, minimalist scenes abounded, and even labels like Y-3, Miss Sixty, and Lacoste kept production simple. Nevertheless, each show was as crowded as ever, drawing big names like Kanye West, Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
One company that did make a splash was Barbie maker Mattel, which hosted the first runway show for the doll brand on Saturday afternoon in the Bryant Park tents. Held as part of the 50th anniversary promotional blitz for Barbie, the packed viewing employed a bright pink runway and LED backdrop to highlight the lineup of Barbie-inspired creations from designers including Betsey Johnson, Kenneth Cole, and Catherine Malandrino. |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | For Chadwick Bell's exhibit-style presentation, JKS Events dressed hand-painted mannequins in the designer's fall collection. Held at the Hosfelt Gallery on Friday, Bell's show allowed editors and buyers to view the clothes up close over a two-hour period.
Photo: Jessica Torossian for BizBash |
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 | Although Michelle Obama didn't make an appearance—the first lady wore one of the designer's creations at an inauguration ball last month—Jason Wu's show at Exit Art was overflowing with attendees. The simple set on Friday afternoon kept the focus on the girly pieces, with just a black backdrop of treelike silhouettes.
Photo: Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images |
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 | Design duo Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos chose a empty warehouse space in west Chelsea for the site of their fall 2009 show on Friday. Tom Palmer Projects handled the production, which employed white floor decals, strategic lighting, and a hidden ramp.
Photo: Tara Greenwald for BizBash |
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 | The Saturday-morning show for Lacoste took over the tent at Bryant Park with vibrant lighting, a setting that offset the soft pastel colors of Christophe Lemaire's line.
Photo: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week |
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 | In addition to a presence at the International Toy Fair this weekend, Mattel hosted a Barbie runway show on Saturday afternoon. The first show for the brand saw models hit a pink runway wearing clothing from 51 different designers, including Betsey Johnson, Diane von Furstenberg, Patricia Field, and Kenneth Cole.
Photo: Jennifer Graylock |
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 | After years of production-heavy shows, Y-3 opted for a more subdued look at Pier 40 this season. Painted floorboards marked the runway of a Sunday-evening show for the Yohji Yamamoto line, and guests sat in bleachers.
Photo: Keith Sirchio for BizBash |
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 | Miss Sixty brought in Jonathon Beck to create the set on Sunday night. Inside the tents, Beck adopted a graphic look with a black-and-white backdrop and a textured runway. Miss Sixty also partnered with Totes to create custom umbrellas as gifts for each attendee.
Photo: Jennifer Graylock |
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 | Late on Friday night, Mercedes-Benz kicked off Fashion Week with a cocktail party at Shang. An accoustic performance by the Virgins kept the crowd entertained.
Photo: Keith Sirchio for BizBash |
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 | Outside Shang, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new SL65 AMG Black series vehicle for the Friday-night kickoff party.
Photo: Keith Sirchio for BizBash |
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For others over the weekend, lighting and floor decor played an important role in establishing the setting. Location also factored in for some—relative newcomers like Chadwick Bell, Shipley & Halmos, and Jason Wu held court at west Chelsea spaces. And to kick off the weeklong series of shows, on Friday night title sponsor Mercedes-Benz headed to Shang, a new bar and restaurant on the Lower East Side, with Fashion Week organizer IMG Fashion and rock quartet the Virgins.
—Anna Sekula
RELATED TOPICS
Fashion Week, Barbie, Mattel, Chadwick Bell, Jason Wu, Shipley & Halmos, IMG Fashion, Mercedes-Benz, Lacoste, Y-3, Miss Sixty
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