Hometown Heroes: What Most Excites The Barneys Team About NY Fashion Week

The photographers! The models! The fuss! The fanfare! Every September, Fashion Week turns New York into an utter spectacle (as if the city weren’t enough of one already). And while many of us will contentedly watch from the sidelines (read: fashion blogs), Barneys New York will be right in the thick of it. With so much going on, we asked the team to tell us what they are most excited about for FW ’12.

* * *

MARK LEE
Chief Executive Officer

“I’m always excited to see the shows and then the product in the showrooms. I’m eager to see many designers’ shows but wait with particular impatience for Giulietta, The Row, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang and Band of Outsiders based on their strong turnouts of recent seasons. I also always love Monique Péan presenting her new jewelry to us.”

* * *

DANIELLA VITALE
Chief Merchant, Executive Vice President

“I cannot deny that I am most excited about formally celebrating our new shoe floor with our very talented designers: Pierre Hardy, Gianvito Rossi, Tabitha Simmons, Narciso Rodriguez, Walter Steiger and many more. It is a perfect way to kick off what will be a powerful week.”

* * *

DENNIS FREEDMAN
Creative Director

“I am more excited than ever about the New York shows because I feel that this is a great moment for fashion in this city. I am especially looking forward to seeing Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Altuzarra, Rag & Bone, Derek Lam, Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang.”

* * *

TOMOKO OGURA
Senior Fashion Director

“I look forward to feeling and observing the different vibes and energies of each Fashion Week city—New York vs. London vs. Milan vs. Paris.”

* * *

TOM KALENDERIAN
General Merchandise Manager, Executive Vice President

“I am really excited that we launched the XO Exclusively Ours Thom Grey collection in the Men’s CO-OP just in time for Fashion Week. And Thom Browne has created a special collection that is perfect for the fashion pack.”

* * *

CHARLOTTE BLECHMAN
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications

“I can’t wait for the Perfect Pairs launch party for our new shoe floor tomorrow night. I’m also really looking forward to the launch we’re hosting for Rag & Bone’s new handbag on Monday. These will definitely be the highlights of Fashion Week as far as I’m concerned.”

* * *

SIMON DOONAN
Creative Ambassador at Large

“I am excited to see the attendees just as much as the clothes. Every season I see more exotic outfits in the audience than on the runway…paging Michelle Harper.”

(Main image via The Guardian)