Broadway has been transformed into an open-air fashion runway, as 32 custom-crafted mannequins, supplied by Ralph Pucci Intl. (New York), line the famous New York thoroughfare. The Fashion Center BID (Business Improvement District) launched the Sidewalk Catwalk at the end of June, as a celebration of art and industry. The event, which will run through the summer, is centered on the mannequin, an enduring icon of the fashion world.
Thirty New York designers, using weather resistant materials from Materials ConneXion (New York), interpreted their vision of the quintessential industry standard. Students from FIT and Parsons also participated in the design of two mannequins, along with such industry notables as Tommy Hilfiger, Dianne von Furstenberg, Elie Tahari and Kenneth Cole.
The event proceedings were kicked off by Terry Lundgren, ceo of Macy’s, who called the event a public art installation that celebrates the fashion industry. Afterwards, LIM College students unveiled the 32 mannequins simultaneously.
The installation is presented by LF USA and sponsored by Macy’s, The New York Times and Hewlett Packard.
Photos by Eric Feigenbaum, New York