Starting tomorrow, fashion industry professionals from around the globe and cupcakeMAG will gather at the world’s leading performing arts center, Lincoln Center, to preview the Fall 2011 Collections. The runways will showcase the most influential new looks worn by top models, as new designers never before seen at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week present alongside some of America’s most established names in fashion.
The newcomers to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week include Allegri, Callula Lillibelle, CHRISTIAN COTA, Elene Cassis, Frank Tell, G-Star RAW, GUiSHEM, Irina Shabayeva, Joy Cioci, LUBLU Kira Plastinina, Maisonette 1977, Porter Grey, Sachin + Babi, Son Jung Wan, Tess Giberson and VACCA.
“We are proud to welcome so many established and emerging designers to present their Fall collections this season,” said Peter Levy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “The goal of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is to facilitate an opportunity for designers and brands to successfully showcase their talent at an event that will further support the growth of their businesses.”
Allegri- Founded in 1971, Allegri has specialized in outerwear and rainwear and it is known for its extensive fabric research to create garments that offer the ultimate protection from the elements.
Callulla Lillibelle- Designers William Calvert and Melanie Fraser Hart create their collections to reflect the diverse range of women’s needs, including style, comfort, and price.
CHRISTIAN COTA- This Parisian designer attributes his passion for design to his first muses, his mother and his late grandmother, saying “their manner of dress and their poise was always an education in elegance. They define the word.”
Elene Cassis- Long Island native, Cassis started her own signature collection in June of 2009 and has already caught the attention of top retailer Neiman Marcus, along with over 30 other noted specialty stores nationwide.
Frank Tell- Frank Tell describes his new collection in light of the recession, “the Recession killed cocktail dressing. It’s too precious. Women don’t want to buy something they will only wear once and then sit in their closets. What is needed are extraordinarily crafted pieces that can be worn in an everyday way.”
G-Star RAW- Pierre Morisset, G-Star’s head designer, is one of the most important stylists in the denim world. He is creating tomorrow’s authenticity today. He is considered by many to be the denim specialist “le chirurgien du jean” (the jeans surgeon).
GUiSHEM- This Latin American designer, Guillermo Jop specializes in eveningwear; Jop’s designs incorporate draping and innovative pattern cutting.
Irina Shabayeva- Born in Georgia, Shabayeva honed her skills there creating luxurious garments for celebrity clientele, positioning her as a talent to be reckoned on the 6th season of “Project Runway.”
Joy Cioci- Sexy, romantic and influential personal inspirations play into each one of Cioci's meticulous designs to provide a versatile collection that women gravitate to for everyday effortless wear.
LUBLU Kira Plastinina- Inspired by her own lifestyle, Kira Plastinina designs prêt-a-porter clothes for a girl who is always on-trend.
Maisonette 1977- Jane Ibrahim, originally from Hong Kong, brings an expressive, innovative spirit tempered by taste and expert execution to her designs.
Porter Grey- New York based designers Alexandra and Kristen O’Neill build on versatile foundation pieces to create beautiful garments infused with an urbane elegance and relaxed sophistication.
Sachin + Babi- Sachin and Babi have successfully translated their vision of modern luxury into a lifestyle brand that is accessible for today’s design savvy consumer. Their designs feature an array of exclusive products including pillows, bedding, ready to wear, and accessories.
Son Jung Wan- Son Jung Wan is one of the largest Korean designer labels in the country with over 37 billion won (34 million dollars) in sales for 2009 and a total of 37 stores carrying the brand.
Tess Giberson- In addition to Giberson’s success in the fashion industry, this American designer’s work has been commissioned for exhibitions by several galleries in New York, Paris and Tokyo.
VACCA- Julie Vacca aims for her line to have a balance of fashion, tradition and luxury. She explains, “I am a person who loves to work but at the same time I have a balance of life where I need clothing for many occasions including travel and cocktail receptions. The most important is for me to feel comfortable in what I am wearing.”
The official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule kicks off with The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection, Nicholas K, Porter Grey, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Duckie Brown, Luca Luca, Mara Hoffman, Tadashi Shoji, Eva Minge, Christian Siriano, W Hotels Global Glam, Irina Shabayeva, Ruffian, Tess Giberson, Perry Ellis, Farah Angsana, Norman Ambrose, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Minkoff, Tommy Hilfiger Men’s, Nicole Miller, Joy Cioci, Cynthia Rowley, Academy of Art University, Venexiana, General Idea, Binetti, Jill Stuart, Prabal Gurung, ADAM, MANDY COON, Vivienne Tam, Mik Cire, Charlotte Ronson, Maisonette 1977, G-Star RAW, Toni Francesc, Derek Lam, Timo Weiland, Lela Rose, DKNY, Calvin Klein Collection Men’s, Tory Burch, Yoana Baraschi, Max Azria, Diane von Furstenburg, CYNTHIA STEFFE, Y-3, Carmen Marc Valvo, Custo Barcelona, Behnaz Sarafpour, Tommy Hilfiger, Zang Toi, Jenny Packham, Callula Lillibelle, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan New York, Sachin+Babi, Monique Lhuillier, pamella roland, Betsey Johnson, Chado Ralph Rucci, GUiSHEM, Sergio Davila, Trias, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Jen Kao, Diesel Black Gold, Bibhu Mohapatra, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Dennis Basso, J. Mendel, Tibi, Frank Tell, Narciso Rodriguez, Mackage, Yigal Azrouël, VACCA, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Herchcovitch;Alexandre, Adrienne Vittadini, Milly by Michelle Smith, Helen Yarmak, Allegri, CHRISTIAN COTA, Anna Sui, Odd Molly, Elie Tahari, Ralph Lauren, Son Jung Wan, Calvin Klein Collection Women’s, Elene Cassis, Naeem Khan, LUBLU Kira Plastinina, L.A.M.B. and Ivana Helsinki.
Whew?! Is that enough FASHION for you? Stay tuned - we will be bring you up-to-date with all of the Fall 2011 Collections!