With over 175,000 jobs and $773 Million in Economic Activity, New York’s Fashion week needs bigger digs to continue its growth and prosperity in the world’s fashion capital.
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced an agreement to move New York City’s biannual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week events to Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center. The agreement between IMG Fashion and Lincoln Center, Inc. will allow the shows to relocate from Bryant Park to Damrosch Park beginning in September 2010.
There will be a 25% increase in space from 70,000 sq feet to 85,000 which will inevitably increase the attendees (234,000 last season), visitor spending ($466 million in 2008) and over $ 1 billion in tax revenue and $10.6 billion in jobs. So while the financial industry is loosing their grasp in Manhattan, fashion is rising taller than the Balenciaga platforms we saw last fall.
“The CFDA is so pleased that the fashion show tents are moving to Lincoln Center. The shows are the main showcase for American fashion and to be part of this cultural center is exciting,” said CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg. “The proximity and visibility of Lincoln Center ensures the industry remains at the forefront of worldwide fashion. Without the centralized location and additional venues provided by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center it would be impossible to accommodate the almost 250 designers who show in New York City.”
But what does this mean for the emerging designer?
With greater space and renovations usually comes greater cost, so much so that it seems a new talent will never get to step into the glow of the big tents.
But consider this, with any change comes press. The first fall collection at Damrosch will garner more international press than ever before, featuring more space and more talent which gives even the little guy a chance to shine.
With more space also come more seats and more buyers. Remember that Bryant Park was the home for Fashion Week for only 16 years. It has grown from 35 shows to 70 per season and PR reps are having to turn down press and buyers even before the completed schedule is e-mailed out.
So in the midst of downsizing and lay-offs rest assured that New York isn’t giving up their crown any time soon.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 Response to "Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week moves to Lincoln Center"
Post a Comment