Designers just got another off-site option for Fashion Week shows. Pat Regne, the owner of Caramel Sound, Music & Lights, is offering the use of an all-inclusive facility for the dates surrounding and during the rag trade's February showcase. To be called 3o3, the West Village location—the sound company wants to keep the exact address secret for now—is a raw, 40,000-square-foot space at ground level that will come fully equipped for shows and presentations.
With the slump in retail sales and the loss of Bumble & Bumble's West 13th Street space as an option for shows this season, Regne saw an opportunity to provide a one-stop-shop for shows at a price that is significantly lower than that of IMG Fashion's tents. In fact, there are a couple of venues that will be used by designers as a cost-conscious alternative to the tents. Yesterday, WWD reported that although Bryant Park will house shows from newcomers like Justin Timberlake's William Rast, others are saving thousands at venues such as Roseland Ballroom and Gotham Hall. Carmen Marc Valvo will use the Flatiron district's new lounge Citrine, which is renting its space to the designer for free, and companies like Calvin Klein and Vera Wang will show in their own offices and stores.
3o3 already has packages in place and configurations for three different types of runway productions as well as two setups for presentations. For instance, the package for a U-shape runway show is $35,000 and includes amenities like full lighting and sound systems; a backstage equipped with 15 hair and makeup stations, 15 rolling racks, two steamers, and a lounge; aluminum bench seating for guests; a three-level riser for press; and four security guards. Without some of the items above, venue rental starts at $8,000. Comparatively, the fees for renting spaces in the Bryant Park tents are $48,000 for the Tent, $38,000 for the Promenade, and $28,000 for the Salon, according to WWD.
3o3 will also be eco-friendly; the location will use only LED instruments for all architectural lighting, and Caramel will purchase renewable energy credits to make up for the power consumed.
Caramel will exclusively provide the sound, lighting, and staging for any events at 3o3 and is the booking contact. Currently, Regne plans to only supply the space for February Fashion Week, but should the venture prove successful, he may offer it for future season's shows.
