Economy Causes Changes at Fashion Week

Spring Fashion Week 2009 is quickly approaching and with the economy dramatically affecting the fashion industry, the festivities have undergone some drastic changes. Fewer and fewer designers are showcasing their lines in the tents themselves, and many are backing out completely, opting to show in other spaces throughout the city or in their own showrooms.

Some of the Fashion Week staples moving outside the tents are Betsey Johnson, Carmen Marc Valvo, Vera Wang, Temperley London, Monique Lhuillier, Ralph Lauren, and Naeem Kahn.

On the plus side, the showroom events will be more intimate, and they're actually still considered part of Fashion Week. However, designers do lose the large amount of publicity that comes with being at the tents. There has also been talk of a new showcase venue being created near Bryant Park that will feature smaller presentations rather than runway shows.

Another plus? Because of the loss of regulars at Fashion Week, many lesser-known designers have been taking advantage of the open slots. And in 2010, the entire event will be moving from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center. For over a decade, Bryant Park has been Fashion Week’s home and in that time, the festivities have grown exponentially. Some say that the move to Lincoln Center is a risky one because the space may be limited and awkward for the runway presentations.