New York wants a little of what London (and Milan, and Paris) is having.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America has confirmed that two meetings with key industry figures have been held recently to discuss the feasibility of hosting standalone in the city. The current set-up sees menswear shown in New York in and around the womens schedule, in either mens-only or dual-gender shows and presentations.
Many of the top names in US design including Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan opt instead to show their collections at the standalone shows in Europe.
Over the years, a number of industry people have talked to the CFDA about the value of a dedicated mens week. In recent months, some key people with a deep and sincere interest in that idea have come together as a group to explore that possibility, Steven Kolb, chief executive officer of the CFDA, tells WWD. We are looking at the potential of a mens week and how that might fit into the global mens calendar.
Designer Michael Bastian is one of many who has voiced his support for the plan, saying, I think American mens wear is totally different from what you see in Milan and Paris. Sometimes you see an American designer over there and it feels a bit out of context. It looks out of place. I think now we are getting critical mass in New York for mens wear so that we could gang together and stand for something.
Kolb confirms that, with the right people having the right conversations, an independent New York mens fashion week could be scheduled for as early as this summer, or spring 2014.
Lets hear it for the boys.