subscribe to style file blog via RSSUp For Discussion: The Future Of Fashion Shows
July 28, 2009 3:39 pm
Fashion power players including Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein and Proenza Schouler’s Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, along with a slew of top editors and retailers, joined CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg and executive director Steven Kolb this morning at FIT’s Katie Murphy Amphitheatre to discuss the future of New York fashion shows. “Are they relevant as we know them?” was the question at hand, and on the table were concerns about the timing and deliveries of collections and the money spent on expensive runway shows vs. the money made on less flashy, more lucrative pre-collections. Among the most contentious issues raised was what Donna Karan called a “white sale” mentality that’s training customers not to buy clothes and accessories at full price. In the spirit of problem solving, Vogue’s Anna Wintour suggested that stores get together and set ground rules about when the discounting can start. When she was informed by von Furstenberg that that’s illegal, she replied: “Is that something we can change? We have friends in the White House now.” One topic that we’ll be keeping close tabs on for all of you Style Filers is the potential of fashion shows for consumers, in addition, that is, to shows for editors, buyers, and designers’ celebrity pals. Betsey Johnson, for her part, announced she’d be the first to sign up: “I would love to show at Madison Square Garden,” she said.
tags: Anna Wintour, Betsey Johnson, Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Francisco Costa, Jack McCollough, Lazaro Hernandez, Proenza Schouler, Steven Kolb
An fantastic idea, fashionshows for the average consumers. And I think Madison Square Garden or Madison Avenue is the right place. Almost in the middle of the fashion district with a lot of famous brands which have there a boutique or a Golden Shop. I have to agree with Anna Wintour about rules when the discounting starts. If it is illegal do something about it and in my view the CFDA can do something about it. So Mrs von Furstenberg try to make a deal with your new government and with my beloved Anna W. Americans are capable of doing a lot of things so this has to be a piece of cake. Gretings from Italy, arriverderci
By Valerio on 07/28/09 at 5:55 pmI love that Anna Wintour doesn’t understand the illegality of price fixing. That’s just precious.
By zfraley on 07/28/09 at 5:57 pmThat’ll be fantastic!! Totally for it
By joelle1 on 07/28/09 at 11:13 pmFashion shows for consumers seem like a wonderful return to the core function of a fashion house - to have a discussion with the public via their wardrobes (I also think ticket prices should be redeemable towards future purchases). But Madison Square Garden? No, fashion should not lose its sense of intimacy, of seeing details close up. And Anna Wintour is right in trying to change the law - in Italy and France the law is that all stores must start sales at the same time.
By benjaminseidler on 07/29/09 at 3:53 amI love the pre fall collection coverage on style.com, most of my favourite fall looks in my look book, came from pre fall. I personally prefer the showroom shots that show the clothes. I also prefer the models used.
By georginacookie on 07/29/09 at 10:17 amIf you are a consumer, the look book approach is very appealing.
One can only hope that these big power people resolve to something realistic and responsible about their problems instead of just “passing the buck.” (an idea that i’m sure some would remark as just pure fantasy) It’s a great thing for people to learn the real reason as to why things exist and think for themselves, and most important that value in this country take on a new meaning.
By MarieElizabeth on 07/29/09 at 5:56 pm