Who are they all?!

Over at lookonline.com Ernest Schmatolla has written a great article about the over-hyping of New York Fashion Week and the huge tribes of people who attend the shows, and asks a question that many of us wonder- who are they all and what are they doing there??!!

"What
was once a trade event for the buyers, retailers and fashion press has
more and more been taken over by paying sponsors and national celebrity
press as a mass entertainment/marketing vehicle. NY fashion week is now
part of the annual circuit of entertainment events that are heralded,
promoted, cosponsored, hawked and branded."

"There
was a lot of talk among editors and retailers this past fashion week
about who all is actually attending these shows. Several thousand
people during fashion week get a seat or stand at one or more of the
shows. Who are they and what do they all do?
We
know many legitimate writers and stylists who cannot get into the major
shows. People who contribute and participate in our industry and make a
valid contribution to it. In
fact, it has been suggested that some designers do not even want
informed editors reviewing the collections. Why subject the collection
to the scrutiny of an experienced eye who cares for how the dress was
made, and whether the seams were sewn on straight? Better just have the
likes of a Full Frontal Fashion program run a 30 second clip of
highlights while Judy Licht wide-eyed gushes over how wonderful the
collection is?"

It’s funny because it’s true! How did New York lose it’s way so badly? At least the European shows focus more on the catwalk rather than the front row, saving celebrity appearances for their advertising instead.

read the article – Six Rows of Separation