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The 7th on Sixth cooperative venture has helped spur the Americanization process... |
Even designers who are not showing their collections there agree the central location has drawn retailers and press people to New York. "We thought about showing in France or Italy, but we saw that it wasn't necessary because Europeans were coming here,' said Donna Karan. "It's New York's time." Ms. Karan introduced her less expensive collection, D for DKNY in the tent in Bryant Park, but presented her main collection in her showroom because she preferred the intimacy. " I haven't said I'd never go back." she said. "When you're communicating with the world, 7th on Sixth somehow makes it easier." Basically, Calvin Klein agrees. He introduced his collection at the Dia Center because he liked the space ("It's close esthetically to my store on Madison Avenue"). But like Mr. Lauren, he contributed to 7th on Sixth as an associate member, which meant inclusion in the calendar, among other benefits. "The central location has help attract some of the most important stores and journalists from all over the world," he said. "Not everyone is coming yet, but it's happening." Those who showed their collections in the tent or other Bryant Park venue professed to be pleased, if only because of the larger audience that could be accomodated. "In my showroom, I can seat 100 people." said Yeohlee. "In Bryant park, I had 700." She call the group shows "One of the best things to happen to fashion in New York" and feels it won't long before fashion follows "the music industry and Hollywood" as a major cultural player. Geoffrey Beene is not an enthusiast of tent shows. "Animals perform better under tents," he says, adding that the enviroment doesn't enhance the clothes and is nondescript and charmless. Still, he says the changes at Givenchy and Dior point up the end of couture. He urges government support of good design in this country and believes the talent exists to make it happen. "If I see something really good, I will let a new designer use my showroom to present it to the world." he says. And what about 7th on Sixth? Fern Mallis, the executive director, promises it will continue. The space may be expanded. "We still have over 50 shows and some designers may decide to return," she says. Bill Blass, the closest American fashion has to a seer, approves. "It's the moment when American fashion is valid," he says. "This is the time. I'm all for everybody getting together." |