Tribute to the Tents

In 2007, ‘80s glam-rock designers Heatherette put on a Wizard of Oz themed show that saw heiress Lydia Hearst pose as Dorothy (complete with ruby slippers) and Amanda Lepore as Glinda the Good Witch, but ticket holders were far less impressed with the elaborate design. The chaos outside the tents became a “soul sucking mess”—making the show far less whimsical than promised.

Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images; Jemal Countess, WireImage / Getty Images

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Donna Karan’s 2008 show was the source of much controversy, as PETA protesters dubbed the designer a “Bunny Butcher,” but the show still earned rave reviews.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images for IMG

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Monika Jagaciak and Karoline Wolter toppled over during the Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2009 show. Apparently the sky-high platform sandals and tight dresses weren’t at fault—Max Azria blamed the slippery wood catwalk instead.

Scott Gries / Getty Images for IMG

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The iconic doll was celebrated at last year’s New York Fashion Week, where designers like Calvin Klein, Rachel Roy, and Alexander Wang created Barbie-inspired outfits.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images for IMG

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Whitney Port left behind Los Angeles—and coworker Lauren Conrad—to pursue her career in New York, and is the star of her own show The City, working alongside socialite Olivia Palermo. Last year, the reality TV star worked backstage at Fashion Week for Diane von Furstenberg, but will be showing her own line Whitney Eve in the tents this week.

Hugh Dillon, WENN.com / Newscom

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During the 2007 Fashion Week, Carmen Electra hosted Full Frontal Fashion, a high-definition show on the Dish Network meant to bring the excitement of the tents into the living rooms of far-away fashionistas.

John Angelillo, UPI Photo / Newscom

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Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez made their memorable debut at Fashion Week in 2004, featuring dark and neutral colors that ushered them into the big leagues.

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In September 1999, Fashion Week was only midway through when Hurricane Floyd descended on the city, and the tents were in lockdown for the rest of the afternoon. A torrential downpour didn’t stop the well-heeled masses from turning out for Bill Blass’ final show.

Stan Honda, AFP / Getty Images

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Despite being in the middle of the worst recession in history, and designers still hurting from the downturn, the show must go on. Bryant Park will play host for the last time to the ready-to-wear 2010 spring-summer collections.

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Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and editor at large Andre Leon Talley are a constant presence at the front-row of each year’s Fashion Week.

Patrick McMullan

Tribute to the Tents

This year’s Fall shows mark the beginning of the end for the legendary tents that have long been the home of New York’s Fashion Week. The Daily Beast recalls the glamour and chaos of the last 16 years.