Daily Front Row

2010 September 8

Bloomberg Unveils "The Fashion Line"

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Katherine Farley, Ted Forstmann, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Diane von Furstenberg
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(NEW YORK) “No question about it, fashion is critical to the city’s future,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared this afternoon at 11 a.m. during the kick off for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center and the unveiling of the subway sign outside the venue. In honor of Fashion Week’s new location, the No. 1 line has been redubbed “The Fashion Line” for the duration of the week. Bloomberg rode the subway himself, stepping above ground and walking directly to the podium in front of the subway stop, addressing the audience. “If you’re my age and want to take the Fashion Line, I suggest you get a senior MetroCard. It’s great!” he laughed.

The City worked with IMG and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to identify a new location for the shows, “and the day so many of us have been waiting for is finally here,” Bloomberg announced. The mayor introduced Diane von Furstenberg, who spoke on behalf of the CFDA. “Growing up, I never thought I’d get to know Diane, but I have and she’s a wonderful woman. She’s great fun to have dinner with and her husband will pick up the check!” Bloomberg joked. Von Furstenberg quipped back, “He makes it seem like I’m older than he is!” The mood was indeed joyful and Ted Forstmann, IMG chairman and CEO, took to the podium, predicting, “I think this is going to turn into the greatest Fashion Week and one of the greatest events in the world." Von Furstenberg seconded Forstmann’s emotion. “It looks like New York Fashion Week is certainly becoming the most dynamic Fashion Week, and the work is now on us designers to make sure we deserve it all. Thank you so much.”
EMILY POPP