Note to self: Ask designers to create pill boxes for aspirins. New York Fashion Week is sure to cause more headaches than usual, thanks to an overbooked calendar with up to five shows per time slot, and an earlier-than-usual start. Any Labor Day sunburns barely will have time to fade, since the shows have been moved up by two days to accommodate the Jewish New Year.
The season’s most sought-after ticket is for Ralph Lauren, who will ring in his 40th year in business with a not-to-be-missed show and black-tie party at the Conservatory Garden in Central Park on Sept. 8.
February’s shows were marked by a dearth of top celebrities, and this round is expected to be similarly challenged. Even First Lady Laura Bush said she plans to sit this one out. But Teri Hatcher plans to catch the red-eye for Badgley Mischka’s show, as she’s the label’s latest face, while Amanda Peet and Mary J. Blige are said to be on board for Rag & Bone. All in all, this season it’s up to the designers to create that extra buzz.
Related Articles
When Alber Elbaz rolls into town Sept. 5 to be honored by the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT, Victoria Beckham, Iman, David Bowie, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker and Liv Tyler will be among the expected well-wishers at a luncheon at the Rainbow Room. Calvin Klein Underwear also has reason to celebrate, after 25 years of selling skivvies. Djimon Hounsou and Hilary Swank will do the honors as co-hosts at the custom-designed Sept. 5 bash at Klein’s corporate headquarters. The following week, Kate Bosworth and Moore will toast Francisco Costa at a postshow private dinner at Ian Schrager’s much-anticipated Wakiya restaurant at the Gramercy Park Hotel. Rag & Bone’s after party at Gold Bar will be decidedly more low-key—so much so designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville requested pocket-size invites so they can personally hand them out to 100 of their nearest and dearest. And photographers are off limits.
You May Also Like
Many eyes will be on Narciso Rodriguez, Liz Claiborne Inc.’s new man on campus, who will hold his first runway show after selling a substantial stake of the business to the multibrand behemoth. Proenza Schouler, still flush with cash, thanks to its new corporate sugar daddy, Valentino Fashion Group, also will be getting its share of attention, with many wondering if and how these financial infusions will be seen in the collections. Marc Jacobs’ first post-rehab runway show and Isabel Toledo’s sophomore stab at Anne Klein are other must-sees. Following her widely covered first season, Toledo has much hype to live up to. Phillip Lim, fresh off his new shop opening, is also sure to pack the house.
Elsewhere, the Bill Blass presentation won’t have a designer bow at the end, as Peter Som’s creative directorship won’t kick in until pre-fall. Issey Miyake’s right-hand man, Naoki Takizawa, will unveil his first signature collection, and Jen Kao has called on her pal, Ryan McGinley, a favorite photographer with hipsters, to shoot a presentation of her work. The paparazzi are certain to come calling when Nicky Hilton launches her Nicholai line. Ditto for all the aspiring actresses at Marchesa.
As usual, there are parties galore, but this season, at least one night belongs to the Italians. On Sept. 7, Prada and Roberto Cavalli each are hosting bashes. Prada’s is a private concert by Damien Hirst’s favorite rockers, The Hours, in its SoHo store. Meanwhile, uptown on Fifth Avenue, Cavalli will fete his new Just Cavalli boutique.
Of course, the Italians are not the only ones in the mood to party. In his second season back on the runway, Tommy Hilfiger is hosting a big “Iconic America” benefit for UNICEF, complete with a musical performance featuring Debbie Harry with Chris Stein and Paul Carbonara on Sept. 5. Lacoste is trumpeting its 75th with a special anniversary collection, some of which will bow on its runway on Sept. 8. And, a few nights later, Diane von Furstenberg, author Charlie Scheips and the Council of Fashion Designers of America will host a book party at Bergdorf Goodman for Assouline’s American Fashion. Beatniks can catch the talk, “On the Road at 50: A Celebration of Jack Kerouac,” honoring the unabridged release of Kerouac’s 50-year-old tome at the Lighthouse International Theater, 111 East 59th Street. And the beat goes on.
CHECK IT OUT
Waverly Inn: You still have to know Graydon Carter to get a reservation, but the full menu is served at the bar and seats are quick to come by—just be nice to Douglas the bartender. 16 Bank Street; 212.243.7900
Wakiya: Already the location of a handful of hot fashion parties, grab a bite before heading to the Rose Bar or rooftop. 2 Lexington Avenue; 212.920.3300; gramercyparkhotel.com/restaurant
The Box: Where to catch Francisco Costa blushing at a risqué late-night burlesque performance. 189 Chrystie Street; 212.982.9301; theboxnyc.com
Little Branch: An old-school speakeasy with couture cocktails and a laid-back vibe. 22 Seventh Avenue S.; 212.929.4360; littlebranch.net
Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar: The latest in the Blue Ribbon dining empire. Go for wine and small plates. 34 Downing Street; 212.691.0404; blueribbonrestaurants.com
DO IT
Richard Prince: “Spiritual America” (Sept. 28 to Jan. 9), a mix of photographs, sculptures and works on paper from the artist’s 30-year career. The Guggenheim, 1071 Fifth Avenue; 212.423.3500; guggenheim.org
Click Chic: “The Fine Art of Fashion Photography” (Sept. 6 to Oct. 6) features 50 images from six of New York’s top and emerging fashion photographers: Roderick Angle, Guy Aroch, Maki Kawakita, Ryan Michael Kelly, Chiun-Kai Shih and Sarah Silver. Visual Arts Museum, 209 East 23rd Street; 212.592.2000; sva.edu
GET IT
- A Gin Gin Mule cocktail: If you’re uptown, order it at Bemelman’s Bar; downtown, at the Pegu Club.
- Tickets to see Shakira at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 7, Willie Nelson at Farm Aid on Sept. 9 or Van Morrison on Oct. 14 at the United Palace.
- A scoop of latte e menta gelato at Grom, Upper West Side.
- Sante D’Orazio’s new book, Gianni and Donatella; the new Taschen tome on Valentino; Balenciaga, by Lesley Ellis Miller.
- A day pass to Crunch gym to fortify your calves in its Stiletto Strength class.
- An iPod at the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue at midnight—just because you can (it’s open 24 hours).
- Popcorn at the Film Forum when you’re watching The French Connection or Carmen and Geoffrey, a film about dancers Carmen De Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder.