Almost eclipsed by the pandemonium of Fashion's Night Out, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week got off to a quiet start Thursday. However, following some relatively modest shows in the Bryant Park tents, the fashion community's big trade show started gathering steam with Vena Cava's lively presentation on Thursday afternoon. Held at Milk Studios, the M.A.C.-sponsored alternative to the tents, the show kept the mood light by bringing in Brooklyn-based musical duo the Fiery Furnaces. Others also recruited indie rock bands to spice up their showings—Erin Wasson chose Gang Gang Dance to open for her Friday-night gig at Bryant Park and French girl group the Plastiscines headlined the Alice & Olivia presentation in the meatpacking district on Saturday.
Although adding extra visual components to the shows doesn't seem high on priority lists this season, there are still some designers that use themed staging and backdrops to underscore the inspiration behind their collections. Lacoste built an elevated, boardwalk-style runway to highlight Christophe Lemaire's sporty spring looks, while sand dunes, driftwood, and hammocks completed the beach tableau for Boy by Band of Outsiders' warm-weather outfits.
