February 12, 2010 Ok, I’ll admit it: I kind of boycotted the MBFW this season. There are numerous reasons why, but specifically, I basically felt (and still feel) like the tents don’t really do anything to support the blogger movement. I will probably go on about my reasoning in a future article. Regardless, I had a plan. However, just as every good plan is wont to do, this plan went awry. For what should arrive in my inbox during fashion week than an invitation from IFB to join in a “Tweet Up” in the American Express Lobby Lounge at the park. Well, drats. So much for that idea. Where did I put my nice shoes…

More photos, and video after the cut…

I have been to several shows in the actual tents prior to this occasion, but this was my first experience in the VIP area reserved for American Express ticket holders. Seeing as I don’t normally shell out $400 or so to see a fashion show, and having noticed the dark windows of the lobby above me at these said shows, I must admit I was incredibly curious to see what this place was all about. I was anticipating some posh little nightclub-esque room, resplendent with soft light, comfortable seating and a wet bar – and I did not know whether to feel chagrin or pride that I was right in all these presumptions. It was plush, make no mistake. I think it would be most accurately described as the Skybox of the fashion world.

Sadly, they didn’t have the windows open, so no peeking on any fun shows. However, it didn’t take long for the place to begin filling up with the finest bloggers New York has to offer (sadly no Susie Bubble, I passed her leaving as I entered the tents). Hostess and IFB Founder Jennine Jacob was there of course, looking adorable as always, and I chatted it up with her, Deanne Yee of Dream Sequins and Jillian Hobbs of Nova Style as we waited for the talk to begin. I had to grab a shot of Jennine, because she is always just as cute as a button. Love the layering…

One thing that was totally neat was that American Express had set up a special twitter hatch code that was delivering all tweets containing it to a huge screen in the main tent – hence, the “Tweet Up.” We in the audience were encouraged to use it as the event took place. Rather cutting edge, if I do say so myself.

Fern Mallis, vice president of IMG Fashion organizer of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, was the guest speaker. I was extremely curious to hear what she had to say regarding blogging, particularly for the reasons and my opinion of the shows that I stated earlier. She actually had some very interesting things to say around these subjects, most specifically how IMG and MBFW are trying to accommodate this rising community of bloggers, even if at times those attempts seem slow in coming and not optimal solutions.

I was able to capture a good portion of the discussion on video, though sadly I discovered my video camera was broken and only holding about twelve minutes of video, when it is supposed to film an hour. Se la vie. Here’s ten minutes of Fern Mallis on blogging and fashion…

Altogether, some fascinating stuff. Bloggers unionize? Hmm…

On my way out of the tents, I was also lucky enough to run into the illustrious Rosemary Ponzo. I love Rosemary – her appearance at any event always puts a smile on my face. She was kind enough to pose for a photo. What a gal.

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