New York Fashion Week Spring 2011 begins its inaugural season at Lincoln Center, some 20 blocks north of its previous home at Bryant Park, on Thursday, September 9. Despite some initial huffing and puffing in the media, it seems the usual full roster of attendees is expected, including style expert Michael O’Connor. Michael started as a jewelry designer and works with celebrities and stylists to get them accessorized for public appearances and award shows. You may have seen him on trend segments and award show coverage for MTV, E!, The Today Show, EXTRA, and a host of others. I got to ask him a few questions in the days leading up to New York Fashion Week.
Kelly Christiansen: Michael, how do you feel about NY Fashion Week’s big move from the tents at Bryant Park to Lincoln Center?
Michael O’Connor: There are some great advantages to Fashion Week being moved to Lincoln Center. Although the tents in Bryant Park were great, there were some definite issues with temperature and space, the ability to house shows, the lobby area, and also the surrounding area. Lincoln Center offers a larger space and many more options. I’m looking forward to it!
How do you feel about fashion bloggers and their presence at shows?
Fashion bloggers serve a great purpose at a show. Many have great followings and give great accounts of what’s going on at the shows. It’s the new media, it’s fresh and much more immediate.
How many shows are you planning to attend this season? Which designers are you looking forward to seeing collections from?
The number of shows really depends upon their schedule. I’m assuming approximately 10-15. I always love Carmen Marc Valvo shows, I love Derek Lam’s style, Dennis Basso, Venexiana, etc.
Are there any trends you’re predicting we’ll see on the Spring 2011 runways? Are there trends you’re hoping will go away?
I think we’re going to see a lot of 1950′s influence coming up this Fall. Shows like Mad Men have really sparked an interest in the period. I think we’re going to continue to see lots of color–people want brights in their lives right now. I’m hoping that the excess use of frills goes away. They’re on everything these days. In moderation they’re great and when used to create a line. However, the Academy Awards showed us that you have to draw a line–I hope somebody does. I’d like to see ripped jeans go away for the same reason. There’s a point at which it’s sexy, and then there’s a point at which it becomes ridiculous.
What is your favorite thing about Fashion Week?
My favorite thing is seeing all the NEW. All the creativity that walks the runway is amazing.
Thanks so much for your time, Michael!
Check in with BSCreview.com all week for continuing Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week coverage!
