So Long Bryant Park

      After 17 years of countless air kisses, chaotic pre-show moments and definitive fashion triumphs, the Tents at Bryant Park are moving and ideeli was proud to be a sponsor of the grand send-off last night to bid au revoir to an era. With over 1500 people in attendance, the Tents were packed for the last time from the lobby to the Promenade with fashion's bold-faced names paying tribute to the iconic locale. Among the revelers were Yigal Azrouel, Vivienne Tam, Lorenzo Martone, Lynne Yaeger, Kelly Cutrone, Russell Simmons, Robert Verdi and of course countless models—all stopping by to take a nostalgic glance back and look forward to the big move in the fall, when Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will relocate to Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park. Also in attendance were the 3 lucky ideeli members who scored invites to the party through our latest giveaway: Leah Melone, Karen Entwistle, and Carol Miu.
      Fern Mallis, the IMG force behind the entire enterprise, said, "Wow!! The tents in Bryant Park will never be the same after last night's fantastic send-off. Just 2 hours after Tommy Hilfiger's great show, the Tents were transformed into the coolest party space...we should have done this every year!! Great friends, colleagues and industry players all came for a last toast." 2 DJ's and countless mini bottles of Moet ensured that the festivities were hopping, and it didn't take long for a full-on dance party to break out in the Promenade tent, where revelers could get down right on the revered runway. The party went on till the wee hours and as we left for the last time we couldn't help thinking, if only the Tents could talk, the stories they'd tell.

A Fashion Week Oasis

Those craving escape from Fashion Week's whirl headed to Townhouse Spa on Tuesday and Wednesday to relax at Beauty Bar presented by the Daily. Co-sponsored by ideeli and Godiva, guests were able to regroup with complimentary blowouts, massages, and manicures. Tinsley Mortimer and Countess Luann from NYC's Real Housewives stopped by to enjoy the calm in the eye of the storm.

At the Christian Cota presentation

Buzzed-about young designer Christian Cota held his Fall 2010 presentation yesterday, and ideeli was proud to be a sponsor of the impressive, avant-garde affair. With models dressed in identical, bobbed wigs and placed on staggered platforms, guests had the chance to observe Cota’s stunning techniques close-up.

Inspired by Cubism for this collection, Cota told ideeli he was driven by the idea of “Taking something apart and putting it back together in a new way.” As a result, the clothes had an almost futuristic vibe, with sharp and angular dresses that would make a woman feel, well, fierce, when wearing one. The abstract striped cutout strapless dress was a particular standout—totally wearable eye candy.

Mingling among the crowd were fashion bigwigs including Anna Wintour (blink and you missed her), Hamish Bowles, and Candy Pratts Price, while actress Melissa George made an appearance dressed in a Cota design. Expect to see Cota fans like Rose Byrne and Leighton Meester decked out in the designer’s appealingly experimental new pieces soon.

And in the short-term, what is the Mexican-born designer looking forward to now that the collection has launched? “Cleaning up my mess at the office,” he told ideeli, “having dinner with my family. And sleeping!”

Attend an exclusive Fashion Week party

After 17 years of showcasing fashion's biggest moments, the Tents at Bryant Park will be saying au revoir this season, as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week moves to Lincoln Center in the fall. A farewell party is commemorating the momentous occasion, and two lucky ideeli members will score invitations, allowing you and a guest to enjoy all the fabulous festivities on February 18th. Get ready to knock elbows with fashion greats, meet blossoming talent and be the ultimate fashion insider. Enter for a chance to attend the party of a lifetime.

Michael Kors, Backstage Wisdom

The runway instructions for models walking in Michael Kors show yesterday can also be applied to life. Except for staying dead center. Life is better when you push the envelope and occasionally teeter on the edge. Now go out and rule the world!