Chic Crowds, Stiletto Blisters, and Anna Wintour at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Photo by Peter Stigter and

Jonas Gustavsson for The Times

By Liz Donovan

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, in all its glory, is admittedly a little intimidating. The crowd at Bryant Park is tough to please, which I learned the hard way during my first venture into the tents last fall. (One comment from a fellow attendee I tried to introduce myself to: “I didn’t know there was a life in New Jersey.”) But for the Spring/Summer presentations, September 10 to 17, I arrived in Manhattan confidently prepared to shine — and snub, if necessary. I managed to pull together a chic outfit, which required me to ditch my glasses so to not compete with my hair accessories. Vision-impairment aside, I fell into the herd, strutting from Promenade to Salon to the main Tent, taking in the newest and hottest designs set to hit stores and fashion rags over the next season. Here are some highlights from the week:

• On Thursday, September 10, Tory Burch made her debut in the tents. Burch opted for a presentation instead of a runway show — a packed house of attendees circled around the runway, where models posed clad in the designer’s newest looks.
• Shopaholics and fashionistas alike hit the streets on Thursday, September 10, for Fashion’s Night Out, sponsored by Vogue. Shops across the city offered cocktails and entertainment, among other perks, to encourage shopping and boost the city’s economy.
• NJL spotted a fierce-looking Anna Wintour leaving the Michael Kors presentation on Wednesday, September 16.
• Steven Cox and Daniel Silver, co-designers of menswear line Duckie Brown, teamed with event sponsor McCafe to launch a limited-edition glove line that will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Actress and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete was a guest speaker at the unveiling on September 10 in the Bryant Park McCafe booth. To purchase the gloves for a suggested donation of $50, send a Twitter message at twitter.com/
  mccafeyourday.
• Funktastic designer Betsey Johnson made an appearance at the Sharpie booth Monday, September 14 to design a one-of-a-kind tee-shirt that will be auctioned off to benefit cancer research center City of Hope. Fashion week attendees were given exclusive Sharpie tee-shirts, also designed by Betsey, and were invited to create their own designs by stenciling and doodling on bracelets, headbands, ties, and clutches.

By the end of the week, I had gained one traffic ticket, countless stiletto-induced blisters, and tons of material for New Jersey Life’s fashion pages. Stay tuned for the latest trends and looks you’ll love.

Shop 'Til You Drop

By Brianne Harrison

It’s no secret that the economy is hitting businesses hard, and small and independent businesses are being hit the hardest. Those trying to make their living in fashion are being dealt a particularly difficult hand: even in the best of times, fashion is one of the most difficult industries to succeed in.

There’s strength in numbers, though, as well as an excellent opportunity for shoppers, and 25 independent and emerging designers from New York and New Jersey are gathering at Creative Conspiracy, a temporary retail space in Montclair, to introduce their collections.

For four days, shoppers can browse men’s and women’s clothes, jewelry, and accessories while also taking advantage of the entertainment and free services being offered. Sip a free mocktail while you shop and enjoy a discounted makeover, a free chair massage, or a free hair styling courtesy of Bangz Salon and Wellness Spa when you get tired.

Creative Conspiracy is a great place to find a perfect Mother’s Day gift or to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Best of all, you’ll walk away with beautiful items and the satisfaction of knowing you helped a deserving designer who might otherwise not be able to keep doing what they love and do best.

Participating designers include J.B Born, B. Artise Originals, Sandra Baquero, Atlantis Jewelry, Marcelle Decaille, Vernakular, Devils May Care, Issy Salomon, Butter by Keba, A Seat at the Table, Pinnington Bags, Sierra Rising, Guerrilla Soul, Must-Have Accessories, Rhizome Design Concepts, Sohung Designs, Vanessa Ro Designs, Z Chocolate Candy, Amparo3, Park It Guides, NTR Designs, and Gail Toma. The event kicks off with a VIP opening on Thursday, April 16 and runs through Sunday, April 19 at 10 South Park St. in Montclair. To see a preview of the wares being offered, click here. For more information, visit creativeconspiracybyb.com.