Article

Here is a copy of the article of the article that ran in my campus publication. They want me to do a bi-monthly article about fashion in nyc, so exciting. My next article will be "How to Shop for Vintage Clothes in NYC"
Between February 2nd and 9th droves of people will migrate to NYC for the bi-annual Super Bowl of US fashion shows, Fashion Week. Publicity-seeking celebrities and industry insiders will convene under the hallowed tents of Bryant Park while those without an illusive ticket to the invitation-only event will flock tot he web for next season’s fashion forecast. This Fashion Week will generate extra media attention due to the proliferation of controversy surrounding models' weight and its role in generating unhealthy body images. Fashion insiders, medical professionals, and journalists alike are waiting to see if fashion week's governing council and it's president Diane Von Furstennburg's ban of alcohol, encouragement of food at shows, and curfew for underage models will alter shows’ or models’ appearances.
Meanwhile, looks from the Fall/Winter runway and their numerous high street clones are due to reach stores this month. Many designers, including Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld, claimed they did not watch fashion reality show sensation Project Runway. However, some younger designer's, such as Zac Posen and Behnaz Sarafpour, presented looks reminiscent of PR contestants' signature designs. Those who watched the show might recognize Angela's rosettes and Laura's sparkly cocktail frocks in their collections. Since Sienna Miller was recently photographed in two gowns with rosettes, one can also expect this trend to filter down to cheaper formal wear. Three major trends from fall's runway are projected to find their way to the streets: Menswear, Primary Colors, and Space-Age/Dominatrix. Expect to see menswear pieces such as blazers, vests, and wide leg pants as you stroll down the street this season. Literal interpretations of the runway are usually reserved for the pages of Vogue and Elle. Most fashion devotees won't be storing their skinny jeans, shopping in the men's department, and wearing the trend head to toe. Instead, you can expect to see last season's skinny jeans worn with curve-hugging blazers and vests. However, wide legged pants will break up the sea of skinny jeans thanks to trend setters Kate Moss and Lindsay Lohan, who were spotted wearing this shape.
Primary colors also made a strong showing on the runway. Canary yellow, cobalt blue, and candy-apple green will be interjected into this winter's dominant black, white, and red. After the disappointing display of back toback white dresses on the Golden Globe's red carpet, the re-introduction ofcolor is being welcomed by fashion devotees. This trend is wallet friendly so expect it to have a strong presence on the street in the months tocome. For example, shoes and purses in bright colors are being sold for less than $20. Ina carry over from last season, patent leather versions of primary color accessories will also be on the fashion radar. Dolce and Gabbana, Balenciaga (the powerhouse behind the much photographed bag toted by Mary-Kate Olsen and Nicole Richie), and Versace runways' favored a futuristic/dominatrix tone. Most people won't be walking down the street in PVC outfits. To channel this trend without looking like a streetwalker or a Dungeons and Dragons convention attendee, fashionsitas will wear lucite or fetish heels. Few but the most fashion forward will eschew this trend for day. Instead, anticipate spotting this look on the feet of Manhattan's clubhoppers.
As for the upcoming season, fashion editors have reported their disappointment after viewing the Spring/Summer 07 collection. Apparently, designers have not introduced anything radical, unlike the shape-shifting of Fall/Winter 06. While this may be a disappointment to the fashion elite, this lack of change is a boon for those of us without an unlimited budget. On the whole, this season is about enhancing already owned pieces – not purchasing a new wardrobe.
Despite all the fuss, industry insiders are quick to acknowledge the diminishing importance of the runway. The surge in 80's inspired tapered pants and skinny jeans was inspired by one person: Kate Moss. Designers understand that their creations have to be photographed on celebrities to create true demand. The runway’s influence may not be dead, but if your looking for an outfit to wear to class, your best bet is to scan a copy of US Weekly and leave the rest for the pages of Vogue.