Lincoln Center is experiencing a loss of designers. Big names Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger, Tracy Reese, and Michael Kors all decided to show elsewhere. For example, in an abandoned office building or a hard-to-reach armory. This was more in line with what the designers had in mind. However, it meant that tough choices had to be made; the shows were all over town, and if you wanted to see one, you had to miss the other.

During World War II, it was impossible for Americans to travel to Paris for the biannual fashion weeks. Fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert decided to organize a New York Fashion Week in 1943. Buyers were not allowed to come; they had to go to the showrooms instead. It became a huge success, and as a result, Vogue US increasingly featured American designers in their magazine.

This sense of exclusivity diminished over the years. The marketing agency International Management Group bought the fashion week, moved the location from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center, where Mercedes-Benz ensures that the event can exist in every fashion city (including ours, by the way). Since all shows cost a lot of money to produce, the organization rented out the lobby. As a result, you had to do your best not to trip over the many goods and activities in the lobby.

IMG has decided to shake things up. Bloggers no longer easily receive invitations, there are digital fashion shows, more spaces for showcasing, more backstage areas, and more VIP sections. It was enough to convince Carolina Herrera to show at Lincoln Center after all, and Diane von Furstenberg wants to set up her catwalk elsewhere next season but would like to return the season after. However, the rest is still staying away. A classic case of too little, too late?