The introduction to WME-IMG as the sponsor of NYFW and how designers are adapting to new venues

When NYFW lost Mercedes-Benz as a sponsor after the last F/W 15 season in February, people behind the scenes who help to create NYFW, namely the CFDA and their business cohorts, were frantic to find a sponsor. When WME-IMG took over many were wondering what this would mean for Fashion Week. While it is an entirely different scene, and adjustments had to be made accordingly, the inaugural celebration of runway shows went off as expected.

Fashion Week officially opened with Nicholas K's fashion show at Skylight Clarkson Square in Soho. Skylight Clarkson Square was previously the main venue for NYFW: Men's in July, and was adapted very differently for NYFW: Women's. The space was adjusted so that it appeared as if you were entering a warehouse converted into an art gallery.

Despite the difference in how designers had to use their square footage, Nicholas K's show went off without a hitch. The designer presented a collection of futuristic inspired deconstructed dresses that seemed to be inspired by the trailer for the latest Mad Max movie and amazons of Greek mythology. Nicholas K's collection was a look into the future of women's wear as designers begin to push the boundaries of giving people the type of fashion fiction would expect from the year 3000.

BCBG Max Azria's show was one of the first runways shows to give the fashion community an insight to how Moynihan Station would work as a space. Moynihan Station, for lack of a better word, was a severe adjustment for the fashion community who were used to the better paved floors, food vendors, and larger venues of Skylight Clarkson Square and the previous NYFW: Women's venue of Lincoln Center, but the designers made it work.

BCBG Max Azria was all about the boho chic this season. It was all about the sun ready shorts and loose blouses in tie-dye colors and even some Coachella inspired pieces like a metallic gold Jacquard jacket. BCBG Max Azria wasn't the only fashion brand to embrace the more free ephemeral silhouette.

Erin Fetherston, who's known for her feminine whimsical approach to design, produced a collection that was like cloud nine and a dream. Lightweight materials like silk were used to create flowing dresses in hues of blue and floral prints that will be perfect for a warm summer day when a lady just wants to feel her prettiest.

Project Runway alumna Leanne Marshall showed at Milk Studios, an offsite space that is very popular for both men's and women's fashion weeks, giving her a very long runway to work with. Unfortunately, her collection was incredibly lackluster. Her finale look was an emerald green tiered dress embroidered with flowers which bordered on being a costume. For Marshall, her problem often lies in color choices, as the shades of greens and blues she used were too close to fall and winter for a spring/summer collection.

The designer who had the privilege of one of the best venues for all of NYFW would arguably be Malan Breton. Breton showed an array of stunning looks at Gotham Hall in Midtown Manhattan. His looks were very heavy on the East Asian influence with floral patterns for dresses reminiscent of a Chinese painting or Japanese kimono.

His presentation was for both his men's and women's collections for spring/summer, with his men's collection following all the new rules of tailored men's wear from the slim fits to the artistic patterns, which were also influenced by East Asian art and culture. His collection was shown on an elevated catwalk in a concert hall usually meant for the highest level of performances, and a great performance his show was.

All in all, NYFW day 1 was a great kickoff an introduction to a whole new list of venues that are sure to keep Fashion Week exciting. The era of runway shows at Skylight Clarkson Square and Monynihan Station has begun.

photo1:BCBG Max Azaria via voguerunway.com
photo2:Erin Fetherston via thefashionspot.com