“Redesigning The Rule of Fashion in Today’s Media”

On Dec 10^th, 2009 The Times Center at The New York Times Building in NYC was hosting Roundtable Discussion  about “Redesigning The Rule of Fashion in Today’s Media” presented by  the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund and sponsored by DOW XLA™and LIM college.

Mary Alice Stephenson (style expert, fashion commentator and Contributing editor for Harper’s Bazaar) did a great job moderating the panel consisting of the most recognizable, wittiest and knowledgeable people in the fashion industry: Annabel Tollman (celebrity stylist and fashion consultant), Dani Stahl (style director for Nylon Magazine, Factory Girl),  Abe Gurko (founder of one of my favorites imeanwhat.com and AbeNYC), Patrick McMullan (celebrity photographer and a staple of NYC's happenings), Stuart Elliot (advertising columnist for the NYT), Alex Gonzales (founder/director of AP New York) and Brian Reyes (fashion designer). Each panelist spoke candidly of how the fashion world changed since the days of Studio 54  and with the introduction of social media outlets and the whirlwind speed of information. The subject of instant information availability will contribute to seasonless fast food fashion. Fashion’s place in the world reflecting the social and economic environment contributing to the rise and fall of pricing and fashion designers and retailers. Topic of online shopping versus the actual store shopping was discussed in terms of convenience and social activity. How coexistence of various social networks, viral outlets, blogs and traditional print media will influence customers.  

From left to right: Mary Alice Stephenson, Stuart Elliot, Alex Gonzales, Annabel Tollman, Brian Reyes, Dani Stahl, Patrick McMullan and Abe Gurko

 Abe Gurko discussed blogging and finding your voice in it

Patrick McMullan's point of view on photographing people is about presenting them in the best light instead of catching them off guard in a negative light

Anaabel Tollman discussed the celebrity perception based on clothes styling and how much of hard work goes into creating "glamour"

The today's woman will derive her style from the celebrity trends and her own personality according to Dani Stahl

Economic climate influence on fashion retailing was discussed by Stuart Elliot
Mary Alice Stephenson discussed that today's fashion needs to have authentic factor. Why there is a need to have this item and how it can be justified.
Overall, it was a very educational and eye opening discussion about the reality of a fashion business involving all hard work, not that much glamour, understanding of the market place, social media involvement and collaborating all mediums to benefit everybody from the designer to the end consumer.

After the panel a private cocktail reception was served where I had a pleasure meeting the fabulous panel ladies, Mary Alice Stephenson, Annabel Tollman and Dani Stahl who had each individuals fashion style ranging from form fitting red dresses to printed t-shirt.
The 2009 FSF Roundtable is a precursor to the highly anticipated 2010 FSF Geoffrey Beene Fashion Scholarship Awards Dinner, which will be held on January 13th, 2010 at Cipriani 42nd Street. This event is the FSF’s principal fundraiser held annually, with 100% of net proceeds going directly to FSF programs, and will formally celebrate 110 FSF scholars and the 2010 FSF Honorees—Margarita Arriagada (Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Sephora), Thomas A. Kingsbury (President & CEO of Burlington Coat Factory) and Robert L. Mettler (former Chairman & CEO Macy’s West)—for their contributions to the industry.
Special thanks to the Workhouse PR for the event involvement.