Se ee Doe ras a 14 - Sunday, May | 1, ‘i994 - North Shore ‘News A preview of American designer collections for fall ’94 FASHION STATEMENTS FASHION PRESS and retail- ers from around the world _ made a pilgrimage to New ‘York City’s Bryant Park in ‘April te pay homage to top : American designers. ‘They gathered en masse to view - the Fall 94 ready-to-wear collec- tions which were staged in huge white tents behind the historic New York Public Library at the heart of the city’s garment district, This was only the second time that U.S. designers presented their Nines in a collaborative effort ata central location. A group of organizers called 7th on Sixth brought together 60 designers sharing four crowded venues on a frantic schedule for eight days. The fashion Shows @ ran back-to-back with few breaks i between. When you consider the hundreds of components that go into each show and each small tent—the clothes, which totalled 3,500 outfits; over 100 models; 60 hair stylists; 60 makeup artists; dressers; props; sound and lighting technicians and over 600 volunteers; in addition to the journalists, photographers, tele- vision crews, store buyers and ‘celebrities who attend —- everything must be planned to perfection to avoid disaster and chaos. The event attracted 12,000 fash- ion followers who posed and pushed in lines outside the show tents, which seat only 800, for over an hour i in some cases to view each 20- minute ramp presentation. - Tight security included 70 police officers and guards on duty at all times within the one-block radius of the park to handle impatient crowds. Unless the invited guest had ID confirming an clitest position with a firm like Vogue magazine or Neiman Marcus, it was assumed that he or she begged and bribed to gain entry. ifthe ticket had a seat num- ber, the guest simply waltzed in. If it indicated “standing.” he or she waited in a crowd among insignificant others who may or may not have been herded in before the show started. The overwhelming attrac- tion of the collections isn't only to come to view future fashion. Those who parade the gar- ments are enough to draw a good crowd. Mega-models including Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Bridget Hall, Stephanie Seymour, Shalom and Amber strut- ted the 235 feet of runway. And, though the famous faces are paid well over US$5,000 per hour, they were sometimes indistinguishable due to the overly artistic hairstyles and bizarre makeup. The audience hud its share of notable-nameables, too. Designer Todd Oldham’s show, which has enticed the ; press and prestigious dressers for several seasons, entertained Julia . Roberts, Susan Sarandon, Robert . De Niro, Oliver Stone, Ellen - Barkin and Mariah Carey.’ - : Seated at Anna Sui’s show were Richard Gere, the Coppolas, Johnny Depp, Tatum O’Neal, Winona’ Ryder, Drew Barrymore, Johnny Lydon (of the former Sex Pistols), Bjork (of the former Sugar Cubes), . Vanessa Williams and Deee-Lite’s ‘Lady Miss Kier. . : Longiime designezs- -turned celebs made’a traditional . Tunway appearance follow- ing their shows, giving onlookers the chance to applaud Calvin Klein, Oscar de la | . Renta, Ralph Lauren, Bill Blass,” Geoffrey Beene, Donna Karan, - Adienne Vittadini and Norma knits with Kamali. » Perhaps more enthusiastic, how- ever, was the turnout for newcom- ers who have rocketed to runway .: SUCCESS, - : Anna Sui, Isaac Mizrahi, “Todd Oldham, Betsey.:; Johnson, Byron Lars, Mare Jacobs, Richard Tyler and Christian Francis Roth wit- nessed record numbers of loyal followers. Some fashion shows were as much a spectacle as an interpretation of new style. Betsey Johnson provided — one of the more dramatic per- formances, entitled “Suzie Full long evening Cyber Surfs.” The designer , Stirts covered all models in shiny, “second-skin white bodysuits extending from head ta toe, which were worn beneath all other cloth- ing. Your First Treatment is Free lease accept this invitation to try our wonderful new. service for yourself. 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