What would happen if you went to fashion week, but completely ignored the clothes on the catwalk? This sounds like a pretty stupid idea, even by the standards of the industry that brought you Zoolander 2. Actually, it’s not even remotely outlandish – especially at New York fashion week, where the clothes on the catwalk can be prop-your-eyes-open-with-matchsticks dull but the audience is unfailingly compelling.
If you ever happen to be in New York during fashion week, do not make the mistake of imagining you need to be on Calvin or Ralph’s “nice” list for a good view of the action. Instead, head down to Albert Capsouto Park on the northern edge of Tribeca, bag yourself a bench with a good view of the Laight Street crossing (right across from the entrance to the Holland Tunnel), sit back and enjoy the best catwalk show in town. Here, showgoers heading to the Spring Studios catwalk venue promenade their best looks, for the benefit of the photographers who will record their virtuoso shoulder-robing skills for posterity. Since London fashion week departed the photogenic cobblestones of Somerset House for Soho, the more picturesque stretches of Brewer Street – outside Lina Stores deli, say, rather than Simply Pleasure Adult Entertainment – have become unofficial catwalks around show time.
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