The tents at Bryant Park not only house runways during Fashion Week, but also kiosks touting everything from iGoogle to Italian shoes. Sponsor booths line the circumference of the grand circular lobby. T-Mobile gave away a Blackberry an hour to those who drew a card with an image of one on it. Havaianas invited visitors to select the color—foot bed and thong—of made-to-order flip-flops. TRESemmé encouraged fashionistas to touch up their 'do' with its products in its makeshift salon. Office Max tossed out rubber band balls and served notebook-shaped gingerbread cookies with juice or champagne. The Brit skincare line Boots had guests test its latest No 7 products (inexpensive and available at Target). And, come happy hour the masses amassed for free Imperia Vodka and Chambord concoctions like sweet mojitos and martinis.
But nothing says, “notice me” better than beautiful babes, some scantily clad, bearing free goodies. These uniformed vendor vixens gave away everything from Le Petit Écolier biscuits to Evian to Rioja wine key chains. I couldn't help but think in such an atmosphere where individuality reigns that these girls were TIRED of wearing the same outfit everyday for eight days straight. Hair, makeup, dress and shoes were all the same at an event where different was the order of the day. Certainly, we have a strong case for accessories here.
Take the T-mobile divas dressed in ruched red mini dresses and black high heels…a chunky gem necklace, stacked bangles, even a brooch would have added just the right sparkle of personal touch. While the Office Max mavens, trying to portray business chic with their satin tops and knee length pencil skirts, could have used some pearls or a power ring to break up the monotony.
Okay, the ladies of Evian were donned in a chic two-toned dress design of “Evian pink” and hot pink, with plunging neckline fixed by braided straps that flowed down the back, oh so Grecian goddess. Gracienne Myers custom-designed high heels emblazoned with Evian labels to complement the eco-friendly gowns crafted by Viridis Luxe from a combination of hemp satin and bamboo cotton. But these tall drinks of water were just too homogenous. Imagine some fabulous chandelier earrings or classic hoops with that outfit?
By the end of the week, I felt bad for these product surrogates. Sure, the focus is on the goods they’re pitching, but don’t punish the messenger. Let individuality ring through…and I mean ring literally…and earrings, necklaces and bracelets. You can’t Bewitch without Bejeweling!
Gloria Sullivan, author of Cents of Style
