MBFW Day One rings in trends of post-Labor Day whites and pleats as Mercedes Benz launches New York Fashion Week 2008.

By Jonathan Zipper

NEW YORK, NY (Hollywood Today) 2/2/08 – Fashionistas from all over the world descended on Manhattan’s Bryant Park on Friday for the kick-off to 2008 New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Despite being a rainy winter day, the level of excitement remained high as designers BCBG, Nautica, Nicole Miller, and Erin Fetherston put their latest Fall looks on display inside the understated white tents set-up throughout the park, making the event everything but a wash-out.

The stars of NBC’s heavily promoted “Lipstick Jungle,” Brooke Shields, Kim Raver, and Lindsay Price, started the morning in high style by joining series writer and executive producer Candace Bushnell at the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Then, the clothes took center stage.

First up was Nautica, featuring its typical “out-to-sea” men’s line with a new twist. The color white frequently found its way into the post-Summer wear mix, with designs balanced using crafty, high-endurance fabrics. Nautica’s creative director Mirian Lamberth referred to the outfits as a personal interpretation of “ice sailing.”

Afterwards, celebrities such as Molly Sims (“Las Vegas”), Sara Ramirez (“Grey’s Anatomy”), and singer Ashanti strutted their stuff wearing The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection. As part of the anti-heart disease campaign, First Lady Laura Bush joined the women in promoting awareness and reminding others about the importance of exercising and staying healthy.

She even brought up the impending 2008 Presidential election, albeit briefly. “I don’t know if I’ll be quite this much in demand next year,” she joked.

Later in the afternoon, husband and wife design-team Max and Lubov Azria unveiled the Fall 2008 BCBG collection. The palette for their simple-shaped designs featured commonly used Fall colors: black, brown, cream, pink, and teal. Pleats were also on-tap.

A-list stars like Joss Stone, Sophia Bush (“One Tree Hill”), and Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) sat along the BCBG catwalk, applauding and cheering with the crowd.

Rounding out the first night at the off-site Altman Building on 18^th Street was the premiere of newcomer and Project Runway alum Victorya Hong’s na∙be women’s line. Hong commented in her notes that being a child of the 80s always influences her style.

“I constantly find myself referring back to that decade: the music, the clothing, movies and images. For me, it’s peg-legged pleat front pants & double breasted jackets, a bright chartreuse tee shirt I wore to death in high school,” Hong explained.

Her inspiration could not have been more apparent in the designs being modeled, as all three of her examples worked their way into the show. Hong seemingly favored shades of black, grey, white, and cream as well. Meanwhile, silk fabric intertwined itself into nearly every ensemble.

As the show continued, her models dawned vibrant yellows and metallic plum purples. A variety of the looks during the latter portion featured uncovered shoulders or completely sleeveless designs.

Hong’s guests were invited to help celebrate the premiere at an after-party held at the trendy Asian-themed HIRO nightclub, located within New York’s Maritime Hotel.

NY Fashion Week continues through February 8, while upcoming weekend shows include Lacoste, Rock & Republic, Diane Von Furstenberg, Y-3, and Miss Sixty.

Hong’s Na-Be line photo by Jonathan Zipper