New York Fashion Swag

New York’s Fall 2007 Fashion Week saw the return of Mercedes-Benz as the title sponsor, 77 shows in the tents, and some of the coldest weather that the city has experienced in recent memory. As the fashionistas converged upon Bryant Park, the mercury dipped well below the freezing point. Many of us found ourselves spending much of our time between the shows in the tents, only venturing out when absolutely necessary. Seating was frequently in short supply, and more than once someone could be found napping on the rug near one of the Mercedes-Benz display cars.

The sponsors did their best to provide TLC to the members of the fashion press. Complementary coat check was provided by Chambord to relieve us of all our winter layers. The Heart Truth booth offered cups of hot tea and soothing foot massages. Caffeine was plentiful in all forms with lattes in the ‘wichcraft Café, espresso (and delicious biscotti) at DHL, and cappuccino at MAC. In the evening, the Moet and Chandon lounge kept the champagne flowing and the Lotus Bar was always a mob scene.

Cingular awarded one lucky winner, each day, with one of their BlackJack phones, and offered a free, do it yourself Bling Kit to decorate your cell phone. On Thursday morning, MAC representatives, clad in Barbie pink, distributed chic black tubes, chock full of products, from their new Barbie make-up line.

The Lycra Denim Lounge invited us to meet designers Jeff Rudes of J Brand and Mik Serfontaine of Serfontaine, and preview jeans made with the new Xfit Lycra denim. I took home a pair of each brand and I can honestly say that both pairs have a fantastic fit. The fabric stretches n all directions (360 degree flexibility) and is so soft and comfortable that it doesn’t feel like denim at all. The J Brand jeans are in a beautiful deep blue color and the Serfontaine’s are an equally flattering dark blue/black.

Just when you have stocked your closets with skinny jeans, get ready for new styles for fall. According to Jeff Rudes, “flares, including the wide leg palazzos, are already selling briskly.” Mik Serfontaine said waistlines continue to go higher. He sent me off with a classic straight leg pair and a reminder that the best way to keep your jeans looking like new is to have them organically dry-cleaned.

The Daily Suite was in operation once again, offering two days of pampering spa treatments, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. Located in the new Night Hotel, the two-story suite was comfortably furnished and buzzing with activity. Those who were lucky enough to book an appointment for a manicure or massage could also help themselves to a selection of products from the very popular Foot Petals line. There was also an opportunity to sample a new fragrance from Bond No. 9 called Bryant Park. A goody bag filled with these items and offerings from other sponsors was presented to guests at the end of their visit.

Sears and K Mart took over two suites in the Bryant Park Hotel to allow editors to preview their fall clothing and accessories lines (Route 66, Jaclyn Smith, and Lands End, to name a few) while enjoying refreshments (cappuccino, chocolate dipped fruit and more biscotti).

After touring the suites, I was told that I would be receiving a set of closet organizers as a parting gift. This should come in handy to store all the bags, T-shirts, and other items that I have collected during Fashion Week.

-Rhonda Erb with photos by Aexander and Isabelle Erb