NEW YORK -- This year marks the 10th anniversary of 7th on Sixth, an organization originally formed in 1993 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America to organize, centralize and modernize the New York collections. It has become one of the city's marquee events, attracting thousands. Fashion industry leaders, the worldwide press, buyers, celebrities and politicians make up the mix, and it generates an estimated $253 million for the city's economy each year.
This year, 66 designers will present their spring collections from Sept. 12 to 17, and many are making their debut under the tents at Bryant Park. Collections like BodyGear Activewear and Bahar Korcan are showing their creations for the first time at this year's Fashion Week. The popularity of the event has created so much hype that hundreds of people are being denied entrance to many of the most talked-about shows. Baby Phat, Rosa Cha by Amir Slama and Fusha lines were so long their shows were standing room only. In February, the less-than-booming economy didn't add to the already downtrodden mood surrounding the shows. But this season, things are different. A-list celebrities are dominating the red carpet, and designers are supporting others designers by attending shows.