As retail sales continue to decline, speculation comes that the traditional runway shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February may be nixed in favor of cheaper, smaller-scale presentations. IMG Fashion, the organizer of the shows that take place in the tents at Bryant Park, only recently started taking bookings for February, but is prepping for this different style of show.
“We are fully prepared to work with any designers who want to do a presentation versus a runway show,” IMG Fashion senior vice president Fern Mallis told WWD.
Although it’s still too early to know for sure, Mallis expects fewer lavish after-parties and Fashion Week-related events. “Editors and guests that need to go to shows often have to go to store openings and other parties,” said Mallis. “This year, we are anticipating we might see less of that happening.” If this is true, Fashion Week could go the way of this year's holiday parties, with smaller guest lists and less over-the-top production.
