This Week in Fashion...FASHION WEEK IS OFFICIALLY HERE!!!

Ok my fellow fashion gurus...One of THE busiest times of the year is officially kickin' off on February 13th at the tents in Bryant Park (42nd betw 5th & 6th for those of you who don't know). This is truly an exciting and very busy time for those of us in the industry who are artists, socialites or work directly for the designers...or who just happen to LOVE fashion. I really look forward to hitting up some of the shows this week, because it gives me ideas for upcoming projects, and I can also build upon my industry contacts. In this business, it's really good to be out & about amongst the people to network & be seen...most people remember a face more than a name.

It seems as though most of the shows I will be attending this season are off Bryant Park and new designers. I love going to the Park but it can be a bit hectic at certain times of the day, and the new or "underground" designers' shows (i.e. Magalis Garcia www.magalisgarcia.com) I enjoy because I really like to introduce the new, innovative and unique designers to my clients and styling team. I'm not really a follower, I've always been different, and though I absolutely am a fan of the seasoned designers like Christian Dior, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Rodarte, Michael Kors and Roberto Cavalli...I also believe in mixing it up a bit with my style and vision. That is one of the qualities of a true artist...originality.

There are also many, many parties and in-store events happening this week & next...some of which I will be hitting up! Here are some of the events (fashion shows, parties) taking place:

Monday (2.9)

* Room 4 Chocolate @ Apotheke, 9 Doyers St (No Time)

* HBO presents an Exclusive Screening @ 40/40 Club, 6 W 25 (7 -10)

Tuesday (2.10)

* Trouble Andrew @ Burton Snowboards Flagship store, 106 Spring St @ Mercer (5 - 6:30)

* Why Hasn't He Proposed Yet? Book launch @ Kathlin Argiro Studio, 265 W 37^th, 7^th Fl (6:30 – 8:30)

* Love @ 1^st Sip @ Dave & Busters, 234 W 42, 3^rd Fl (6:30 – 9:30)

* David Foote No. 10 reception @ Bo concept, 69 Greene St btwn Spring/Broome (7 - 10)

* Bobby Valentino album release party @ Branch, 226 E 54 btwn 2^nd/3^rd (11 - 4)

Wednesday (2.11)

* Spiff PreV-day @ Spiff for Men, 750 Third Ave @ 46^th St (5 – 8)

* Christopher Ong "Madame Butterfly" @ Arader Galleries, 1016 Madison Ave btwn 78^th & 79^th (6 – 8)

Thursday (2.12)

* Nary Manivong A/W 09 @ 442 W 49^th btwn 9^th/10^th (6 – 8)

* February Hedge Fund Social @ La Perla Lingerie Boutique, 803 Madison Ave btwn 67^th/68^th (6 – 8)

* 2^nd Annual Speed Dating Charity event @ Boucarou Lounge, 64 E 1^st St @ 1^st Ave (7 – 10)

* Ignighter Valentine's Day Party @ Haven, 244 E 51^st btwn 2^nd/3^rd (7 – 10)

* Alvin Valley 2009 Fall Collection @ 135 W 18 btwn 6^th/7^th (8 – Until)

* Pinstripe Magazine @ Greenhouse, 150 Varick (9 – 11)

* Fader presents: One Step Beyond @ American Museum of Natural History (9pm – 1am)

Friday (2.13)

* Lyons Wier Ortt Gallery presents Buckle @ 175 Seventh Ave, NE corner 20^th St & 7^th Ave (6 – 9)

Saturday (2.14)

* Georges Chakra's Edition Fall/Winter 2009 Collection @ The Promenade at Bryant Park, 6^th Ave @ 41^st (11am)

I will post more events as they come my way!!!! Those of you that will be in the house at some of the shows...have a great time!!!

Always in fashion,

Mary