Last week Mercedes Benz Fashion Week brought editors, bloggers and buyers from around the world to the big apple. Every year at this week-long event, fashion designers, brands or “houses” display their latest collections in runway shows so buyers and the media can take a look at the latest trends. To get a taste of this fashion dense week would be any fashionista’s dream.  Last September, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to volunteer at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2011. During that week, the fashion world finally hit me like a brick. It’s not just about the designers telling us what’s “in” and what’s “out.” It’s about celebrities and socialites, press coverage and flashing lights everywhere you turn. It’s about journalists trying to get the best scoop on the latest trends.

For the people who are in the business, fashion is like a rite of passage. One show is a whole ordeal in itself. My job at Fashion Week was to usher guests to their seats. While it may sound simple, seat assignments at shows are crucial. Everyone wants to take a glimpse of the celebrities, socialites and big time fashion editors sitting on the front row. 

For instance, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour is the most popular of the bunch and you will always find her sitting front and center. The front row elite will be the first to judge everything that comes down the runway and god knows everyone wants to know what they are thinking. Honestly, the social intricacies in the seating arrangements are no different than at a high school cafeteria.

Have you ever wondered why so many people at fashion shows are wearing sunglasses? Once the show starts, the lights are turned on so bright that the only way to look up is with an enormous pair of sunglasses on.  As the models make their way down the runway, you see heads turn left and right. Almost simultaneously in the audience, you hear the DJ’s fast paced techno track come on and a million clicks per second from the photography “pit.” You feel chills run up your spine that only true art can evoke.

Although I was unable to attend this year’s fashion week, I had no problem learning about the trends by following it all online. And what did this year’s coveted week have to say about what we should be wearing this coming summer? I noticed four main trends: light pink hues, athletic attire, safari and perfect pairings.

Both Givenchy (left) and Alexander McQueen (right) displayed several looks with light pink hues.

If pink is too girly for your taste – Alexander Wang (left) and Marc Jacobs (right)  portrayed bold sporty attire in their summer lineup. Who knew it could be so chic?

Michael Kors (left) and Marni (right) included garments with striking safari-like prints.

Derek Lam (left) and Proenza Schouler (right) are telling us not worry about being to “matchy matchy” this season with their perfect pairings.*

 

*All photos courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar