L-R: Liya Kebede, Nigerian designer Fati Mohammed Asibuela & Alek Wek
To dispel rumors that Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, Fall 2009 would not be taking place in light of the economic recession, IMG sent out a press release yesterday with Fern Mallis, President of IMG, saying the following:
“We are very proud and supportive of all the designers who continue to understand the power of the runway, the effectiveness of producing a first-class, top notch show is the best marketing tool a designer has in this climate, and we look forward to working closely with each designer to maximize this opportunity.”
In addition, the company released its list of participating designers for Fall 2009 and behold, Nigeria’s ThisDay Newspaper the folks responsible for the ‘Africa Rising Music Festival and Fashion Show’ in Nigeria, London and USA, will be debuting the “the African Fashion Collective 2009.” The debut is an effort to amplify the work of African designers on the continent and also Arise Magazine, a new fashion magazine launched by ThisDay newspaper late last year.
Where credit is due, we give one. We are indeed quite pleased. The platform and timing is perfect for African fashion designers as a new President with an African heritage enters into office; and of course over 100,000 fashion forward descend on New York City [national and international fashion buyers and press included] to see and purchase the latest fashions. We say kudos to Nduka Obaigbena for helping put African fashion on the map, in a big way.
New York Fashion Week Fall 2009 takes place on February 13th-20th, 2009.We will bring you the schedule soon! You heard it first on LADYBRILLE.com.
“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off with the 7th edition of The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2009 and is followed by Yigal Azrou?l, Duckie Brown, Charlotte Ronson, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Nicole Miller, This Day/Arise Magazine: African Fashion Collective 2009, Academy of Art University, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, ADAM, Barbie Runway Show™, Verrier, Monarchy, Lela Rose, Mara Hoffman, Nicholas K, Sergio Davila, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, Akiko Ogawa., Erin Fetherston, Miss Sixty, Farah Angsana, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Tracy Reese, Tony Cohen, Terexov, William Rast, Cynthia Steffe, Badgley Mischka, Matthew Williamson, Pamella Roland, Diesel Black Gold, Dennis Basso, Cho Cheng, MAX AZRIA, Tibi, J. Mendel, Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors, Richard Chai, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Tommy Hilfiger, Brian Reyes, Rebecca Taylor, Ports 1961, Custo Barcelona, Zac Posen, Project Runway and Tadashi Shoji. DKNY, Calvin Klein Men’s Collection, Y-3, Jill Stuart, Donna Karan New York, Yeohlee, Z Zegna, Calvin Klein Women’s Collection and Ralph Lauren are associate members on the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week calendar with shows off-site.”
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
Awesome! About time they better recognize Africa!U are right Uduak, I know how I felt when a large Store told me my designs were 'too ethnic'…..But like what fashion truly is: When the bug bites, the whole world would clamor for it and as long as it brings the $$$, major stores and retailers will beg for a bite! ;)…Timing….that's what it is….timing and the consumers' pockets….
A lot of times, these things boil down to economics and timing.Uduak
I'll be looking forward to seeing the collections.Is 7th Avenue now seeing that inclusion is important than exclusion?