Fresh on the heels of Paris' glittering couture week, the sartorial spotlight shifts to New York, as designers gear up to present looks for fall and winter 2020, starting on Thursday.

Formally known as NYFW: The Shows, the week's worth of presentations, runway productions, parties, and other promotional events kicks off on Feb. 6, following several days of menswear collections.

But with an earlier-than-usual date of Feb. 9, Hollywood's Academy Awards threaten to divert at least some of the limelight - and star power - from the New York shows, which often attract celebrities like Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Paris Hilton or the Kardashians.

Indeed, Tom Ford, who is chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and has often helped kick off the New York shows, will instead stage a starry show in Hollywood on Friday.

Although some top names are missing from the roster, the audience will still see "a huge lineup of great designers," said April Guidone, global VP of marketing and brand strategy at IMG, which runs the New York shows.

Christian Siriano, Rag and Bone, Cynthia Rowley and Badgley Mischka are among the most anticipated shows.

Kate Spade, meanwhile, will present its fall designs directly on social media. Fashion Week, an event that was once only open to fashion industry insiders, is changing with the times, said Guidone.

"With smartphones, the consumers are there now and influencers are now invited... to cover the shows and show consumers all over the world, who are following along in real-time, what's on the runway," she said.

Last season saw the introduction of New York Fashion Week: The Experience, which afforded "outsiders" access to fashion shows - for a price. Tickets are still available, starting at around $500 for a seat at a single show. VIP packages can run to thousands of dollars.

Other widely-anticipated shows include the Blonds, who in recent seasons have electrified runways with dazzlingly produced shows themed on topics like Disney villains or gangster fashion. Marc Jacobs will wrap things up on Feb. 12, according to tradition.

Globally oriented shows include the Asian Fashion Collection, the Turkish Group Runway Show, and looks from Indian designer Bibhu Mohapatra.

Fresh on the heels of Paris' glittering couture week, the sartorial spotlight shifts to New York, as designers gear up to present looks for fall and winter 2020, starting on Thursday.

Fresh on the heels of Paris' glittering couture week, the sartorial spotlight shifts to New York, as designers gear up to present looks for fall and winter 2020, starting on Thursday. Formally known as NYFW: The Shows, the week's worth of presentations, runway productions, parties, and other promotional events kicks off on Feb. 6, following several days of menswear collections. But with an earlier-than-usual date of Feb. 9, Hollywood's Academy Awards threaten to divert at least some of the limelight - and star power - from the New York shows, which often attract celebrities like Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Paris Hilton or the Kardashians. Indeed, Tom Ford, who is chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and has often helped kick off the New York shows, will instead stage a starry show in Hollywood on Friday. Although some top names are missing from the roster, the audience will still see "a huge lineup of great designers," said April Guidone, global VP of marketing and brand strategy at IMG, which runs the New York shows. Christian Siriano, Rag and Bone, Cynthia Rowley and Badgley Mischka are among the most anticipated shows. Kate Spade, meanwhile, will present its fall designs directly on social media. Fashion Week, an event that was once only open to fashion industry insiders, is changing with the times, said Guidone. "With smartphones, the consumers are there now and influencers are now invited... to cover the shows and show consumers all over the world, who are following along in real-time, what's on the runway," she said. Last season saw the introduction of New York Fashion Week: The Experience, which afforded "outsiders" access to fashion shows - for a price. Tickets are still available, starting at around $500 for a seat at a single show. VIP packages can run to thousands of dollars. Other widely-anticipated shows include the Blonds, who in recent seasons have electrified runways with dazzlingly produced shows themed on topics like Disney villains or gangster fashion. Marc Jacobs will wrap things up on Feb. 12, according to tradition. Globally oriented shows include the Asian Fashion Collection, the Turkish Group Runway Show, and looks from Indian designer Bibhu Mohapatra.

New York Fashion Week kicks off in shadow of Oscars

Indigenous Mexican weaver and fashion designer Alberto Lopez knew he wanted to be a traditional weaver early on, but there was a problem: The artisans who worked the looms in his poor village in the lush mountains of southern Mexico were all women.

Undeterred, Lopez, a Tzotzil Maya, convinced his mother to let him walk away from the cornfields - the expected place for men like him - and embrace his passion for making the ago-old garments known as huipils.

Later this month, 31-year-old Lopez will showcase his art at a conference at Harvard University and then in New York at a show celebrating indigenous style on the eve of the city's world-famous fashion week, where superstar designers like Tom Ford and Vera Wang will promote their new lines.

A world away in San Cristobal de las Casas, a postcard-perfect colonial town famed for its indigenous Maya culture, Lopez has a studio where he makes handmade huipils from cotton or wool thread and natural pigments to create patterns bursting with color.

He explains that the huipils, traditionally used by women but a garment he also likes to wear, can take up to a year to craft and require meticulous attention to detail.

The work can also require dialogue of sorts.

"I feel the threads also feel what you do, so sometimes I start talking to them," he said.

He adds with a knowing smile that he does this when no one else is around, especially when the thread is being difficult.

Lopez attributes his U.S. invites to a viral video from a German documentary last year and said he had to scramble to get a passport and a visa to be able to make the trip.

"I'm going to explain the cosmovision behind each garment," he said proudly.

Lopez's K'uxul Pok' collection of huipils will be displayed at the "American Indian Fashion Through the Feathers" show in New York on Feb. 2, just days after he is set to speak at a Mexico-themed conference at Harvard.

Indigenous Mexican weaver and fashion designer Alberto Lopez knew he wanted to be a traditional weaver early on, but there was a problem: The artisans who worked the looms in his poor village in the lush mountains of southern Mexico were all women.

Indigenous Mexican weaver and fashion designer Alberto Lopez knew he wanted to be a traditional weaver early on, but there was a problem: The artisans who worked the looms in his poor village in the lush mountains of southern Mexico were all women. Undeterred, Lopez, a Tzotzil Maya, convinced his mother to let him walk away from the cornfields - the expected place for men like him - and embrace his passion for making the ago-old garments known as huipils. Later this month, 31-year-old Lopez will showcase his art at a conference at Harvard University and then in New York at a show celebrating indigenous style on the eve of the city's world-famous fashion week, where superstar designers like Tom Ford and Vera Wang will promote their new lines. A world away in San Cristobal de las Casas, a postcard-perfect colonial town famed for its indigenous Maya culture, Lopez has a studio where he makes handmade huipils from cotton or wool thread and natural pigments to create patterns bursting with color. He explains that the huipils, traditionally used by women but a garment he also likes to wear, can take up to a year to craft and require meticulous attention to detail. The work can also require dialogue of sorts. "I feel the threads also feel what you do, so sometimes I start talking to them," he said. He adds with a knowing smile that he does this when no one else is around, especially when the thread is being difficult. Lopez attributes his U.S. invites to a viral video from a German documentary last year and said he had to scramble to get a passport and a visa to be able to make the trip. "I'm going to explain the cosmovision behind each garment," he said proudly. Lopez's K'uxul Pok' collection of huipils will be displayed at the "American Indian Fashion Through the Feathers" show in New York on Feb. 2, just days after he is set to speak at a Mexico-themed conference at Harvard.

Indigenous Mexican fashion designer bringing his culture's 'cosmovision' to NY fashion week

Fashion and technology have often gone hand in hand, improving supply chains and bringing the world's runways to the masses, but at this week's shows in New York, robotic designs took centre stage.

The dresses were conceived with the help of a kit designed by Anina Trepte, a former model and founder of the 360Fashion Network, who wants designers to integrate technology into their work even if they cannot code themselves.

"I am on a mission to encourage other women to get into tech," Trepte told AFP.

On Trepte's initiative, designers Clare Tattersall and Azrael Yang used the kits to conjure up six dresses unveiled in a Harlem church at a show organized by Melange, a movement promoting diversity in fashion and the art.

Tattersall, a Briton who lives in New York, created one dress with large futuristic flower petals that open and close mechanically on their own -- the perfect eye-catching cocktail attire.

A second dress has a large silver hood that goes up and down with the click of a button.

The last is a fitting frock for the #MeToo era.

It features bits of metal appliqued to one shoulder, and when hidden motion sensors detect someone who is too close, the metal rattles and shakes.

Yang, who is based in Beijing, took her inspiration from the ocean and seaweed for her work, which gently undulate like waves, guided by sensors and environmental data.

"A phenomenal result," Trepte said of the dresses.

- 'Creative tool' -

Trepte, a tall American-born German woman with red hair and big blue eyes, gave up the catwalks and moved to Beijing more than a decade ago to devote herself to fashion tech.

"All the designs and the tech on these clothes were made by women -- and the men did the sewing, ha ha ha!" she said.

For Tattersall, the founder of New York-based fashion tech company ThunderLily, education is key.

"My goal is to get girls involved in math and technology, show them that technology is a creative tool," she told AFP.

Tattersall teaches girls of all ages about wearable technology, which she sees could be especially important in the future in terms of improving our health and fitness.

The dresses were also shown at a separate exhibition in New York's Union Square, along with some of Trepte's own wearable tech -- jewellery that lights up, wallets that charge cell phones and an "SOS" ring that sends a text and a GPS location to an emergency contact.

Also on display were kits to make gloves with LED lights or coats with heating, and even a robot that can prepare cocktails and is activated by wearable tech hidden in the sleeves of a jacket.

- A special guest -

There was a special guest at both the Harlem show and the subsequent exhibition -- the humanoid robot Sophia, made by Hanson Robotics.

Her features and gestures are lifelike -- right down to her eyelashes. The effect is unnerving.

At the Melange show in Harlem, she gave a speech about diversity. On the catwalk: models of all shapes and sizes, races and sexual orientations.

Rag &amp; Bone joined the robotic fun in a different way -- for its big return to New York Fashion Week after a three-year absence, it deployed a giant robotic arm to film its catwalk show.

The images were shown live to the public on giant LED screens.

The robotic arm -- which was connected to sensors capturing the models' movements -- was almost a character in the show, according to Aaron Duffy, who directed the robot for the show.

It went from "kind of playful" to "pretty scary," Duffy told Fast Company magazine.&nbsp;

Fashion and technology have often gone hand in hand, improving supply chains and bringing the world's runways to the masses, but at this week's shows in New York, robotic designs took centre stage.

Fashion and technology have often gone hand in hand, improving supply chains and bringing the world's runways to the masses, but at this week's shows in New York, robotic designs took centre stage. The dresses were conceived with the help of a kit designed by Anina Trepte, a former model and founder of the 360Fashion Network, who wants designers to integrate technology into their work even if they cannot code themselves. "I am on a mission to encourage other women to get into tech," Trepte told AFP. On Trepte's initiative, designers Clare Tattersall and Azrael Yang used the kits to conjure up six dresses unveiled in a Harlem church at a show organized by Melange, a movement promoting diversity in fashion and the art. Tattersall, a Briton who lives in New York, created one dress with large futuristic flower petals that open and close mechanically on their own -- the perfect eye-catching cocktail attire. A second dress has a large silver hood that goes up and down with the click of a button. The last is a fitting frock for the #MeToo era. It features bits of metal appliqued to one shoulder, and when hidden motion sensors detect someone who is too close, the metal rattles and shakes. Yang, who is based in Beijing, took her inspiration from the ocean and seaweed for her work, which gently undulate like waves, guided by sensors and environmental data. "A phenomenal result," Trepte said of the dresses. - 'Creative tool' - Trepte, a tall American-born German woman with red hair and big blue eyes, gave up the catwalks and moved to Beijing more than a decade ago to devote herself to fashion tech. "All the designs and the tech on these clothes were made by women -- and the men did the sewing, ha ha ha!" she said. For Tattersall, the founder of New York-based fashion tech company ThunderLily, education is key. "My goal is to get girls involved in math and technology, show them that technology is a creative tool," she told AFP. Tattersall teaches girls of all ages about wearable technology, which she sees could be especially important in the future in terms of improving our health and fitness. The dresses were also shown at a separate exhibition in New York's Union Square, along with some of Trepte's own wearable tech -- jewellery that lights up, wallets that charge cell phones and an "SOS" ring that sends a text and a GPS location to an emergency contact. Also on display were kits to make gloves with LED lights or coats with heating, and even a robot that can prepare cocktails and is activated by wearable tech hidden in the sleeves of a jacket. - A special guest - There was a special guest at both the Harlem show and the subsequent exhibition -- the humanoid robot Sophia, made by Hanson Robotics. Her features and gestures are lifelike -- right down to her eyelashes. The effect is unnerving. At the Melange show in Harlem, she gave a speech about diversity. On the catwalk: models of all shapes and sizes, races and sexual orientations. Rag & Bone joined the robotic fun in a different way -- for its big return to New York Fashion Week after a three-year absence, it deployed a giant robotic arm to film its catwalk show. The images were shown live to the public on giant LED screens. The robotic arm -- which was connected to sensors capturing the models' movements -- was almost a character in the show, according to Aaron Duffy, who directed the robot for the show. It went from "kind of playful" to "pretty scary," Duffy told Fast Company magazine.

At New York Fashion Week, robotic dresses take on a life of their own

Singer Rihanna is a boss babe and there's no doubt about it! But there are days when she's not feeling like herself and the star just revealed how she stays confident during her worst days. A news agency&nbsp;spoke to Rihanna during the New York Fashion Week and asked the singer the secret behind staying confident. 
 
When quizzed about what she does on days when she's not feeling good about herself, Rihanna said, "Pretend. I mean, it's either that or cry myself to sleep. Who wants to do that? You wake up with puffy eyes the next day, it's a waste of tears. 
 
"If that trick works for the singer, just pretend to be confident in everything and anything that you do, maybe it works for you too. Speaking about her new music, the 31-year-old singer told a magazine, "Y' all will have to wait, am so sorry." Rihanna showcased her Savage X Fenty's latest lingerie collection recently during the New York Fashion Week. 
 
Fans of the star will have to wait until September 20 to see the collection on Amazon Prime Video. At the big fashion night, the singer turned heads dressed in a shimmery turquoise dress that accentuated her body perfectly. 
 
She rounded off her look with jewel-adorned sunglasses, a red-hot lip, and Tiffany blue strappy sandals. During her Savage x Fenty runway, the 31-year-old star took to the stage for the star-studded audience, which included celebrities like Kehlani, Big Sean, Kacey Musgraves and many more. However, Rihanna confessed that she was a bit nervous about her performance. "I was literally about to throw up and I've never said that in my life, because I don't say that unless I mean it. But I was walking off the stage like motions to throwing up. I was so nervous, I was so nervous," she shared. 
 
She continued, "Tonight was phenomenal, everyone is so great. This was a great show. I didn't even realise that people would be intimidated by the environment. I just thought these people would come in and be like, 'Fine'&nbsp;and I'm the one that's nervous but everyone felt the presence of the room. 
 
I was so appreciative of everyone being apart of it. "Meanwhile, her fans are eagerly waiting for new music from the singer. Rihanna is busy dabbling in multiple projects which are keeping her schedule jam-packed. Rihanna`s last album titled&nbsp; 'Anti'&nbsp;came out in 2016.&nbsp;

Singer Rihanna is a boss babe and there's no doubt about it! But there are days when she's not feeling like herself and the star just revealed how she stays confident during her worst days.

Singer Rihanna is a boss babe and there's no doubt about it! But there are days when she's not feeling like herself and the star just revealed how she stays confident during her worst days. A news agency spoke to Rihanna during the New York Fashion Week and asked the singer the secret behind staying confident. When quizzed about what she does on days when she's not feeling good about herself, Rihanna said, "Pretend. I mean, it's either that or cry myself to sleep. Who wants to do that? You wake up with puffy eyes the next day, it's a waste of tears. "If that trick works for the singer, just pretend to be confident in everything and anything that you do, maybe it works for you too. Speaking about her new music, the 31-year-old singer told a magazine, "Y' all will have to wait, am so sorry." Rihanna showcased her Savage X Fenty's latest lingerie collection recently during the New York Fashion Week. Fans of the star will have to wait until September 20 to see the collection on Amazon Prime Video. At the big fashion night, the singer turned heads dressed in a shimmery turquoise dress that accentuated her body perfectly. She rounded off her look with jewel-adorned sunglasses, a red-hot lip, and Tiffany blue strappy sandals. During her Savage x Fenty runway, the 31-year-old star took to the stage for the star-studded audience, which included celebrities like Kehlani, Big Sean, Kacey Musgraves and many more. However, Rihanna confessed that she was a bit nervous about her performance. "I was literally about to throw up and I've never said that in my life, because I don't say that unless I mean it. But I was walking off the stage like motions to throwing up. I was so nervous, I was so nervous," she shared. She continued, "Tonight was phenomenal, everyone is so great. This was a great show. I didn't even realise that people would be intimidated by the environment. I just thought these people would come in and be like, 'Fine' and I'm the one that's nervous but everyone felt the presence of the room. I was so appreciative of everyone being apart of it. "Meanwhile, her fans are eagerly waiting for new music from the singer. Rihanna is busy dabbling in multiple projects which are keeping her schedule jam-packed. Rihanna`s last album titled 'Anti' came out in 2016.

Rihanna reveals her secret to stay confident during worst days

Rihanna's reinvents lingerie fashion with exclusive Savage X Fenty show at NYFW

These were some of the highlights of New York Fashion Week's day three:

California dreamin'

Vibrant colours associated with California's blooming season inspired Wes Gordon's third collection as creative director of Carolina Herrera.

The spring 2020 lineup showed that he is evolving the label since taking over from the eponymous founder in 2018 rather than revolutionising it.&nbsp;

Pink, yellow, blue and orange were all prominently featured as Gordon, 32, created shapes and prints inspired by nature.&nbsp;

Lilies and roses bloomed on chiffon and cotton while Gordon also had fun creating sweeping polka dot gowns.

Sandy Liang's signature&nbsp;

New York native Sandy Liang's eponymous brand has come to embody an innate sense of cool since launching in 2014, and Monday's show enhanced that image even further.

Liang, 28, has become synonymous with hip outerwear inspired by a childhood spent growing up in Manhattan's trendy Lower East Side, with frequent visits to nearby Chinatown.

Through her work, she has made fleece jackets -- her signature piece -- cool again thanks to her own nostalgia for the 1990s.

She drew inspiration from "when you're a kid and you're running around and your mom throws a jacket on you. It was really fun to turn that into my own thing. And now it's its own thing in the collection every season," she said.&nbsp;

Barragan's idea of Mexico&nbsp;

Designer Victor Barragan has been challenging stereotypes about Mexico since his first collection in 2016, repeatedly breaking with American clichés related to its southern neighbour.&nbsp;

His spring 2020 show again challenged the notion of the hypermasculine Mexican male, injecting a sense of femininity through torn t-shirts and low-cut tank tops that evoked female cleavage rather than male torso.

Phillip Lim elevates everyday fashion&nbsp;

Thailand-born Phillip Lim displayed a "utilitarian" collection stacked with outdoor clothing suitable for the active man and woman, including jumpsuits, baggy raincoats and leather scarves.

"That's our DNA basically, clothes that we work in, clothes that we live in. It's about pushing what the uniform can be to make it more buoyant and more refined," he told AFP.

Prominent colours included a seaweed green, cobalt blue and mustard yellow.

The 45-year-old American designer also praised the decision by Fashion Week organizers to reduce the length of the event from seven to five days.

"It's nice. It makes everyone just sit up and take it more seriously instead of letting the energy dissipate," he said.

Cornejo and innocence

Chilean-born British designer Maria Cornejo wowed with a series of chic, comfortable clothes such as structured jackets and fluid dresses, including some in satin.

She told AFP that her show was about "the age of possibility."

"Now we take for granted travel, technology, industrialisation and so it's really incredible to find again that age, that naivete and that innocence. I thought that was a nice way to try to feel fresh," said Cornejo.

These were some of the highlights of New York Fashion Week's day three: California dreamin' Vibrant colours associated with California's blooming season inspired Wes Gordon's third collection as creative director of Carolina Herrera.

These were some of the highlights of New York Fashion Week's day three: California dreamin' Vibrant colours associated with California's blooming season inspired Wes Gordon's third collection as creative director of Carolina Herrera. The spring 2020 lineup showed that he is evolving the label since taking over from the eponymous founder in 2018 rather than revolutionising it. Pink, yellow, blue and orange were all prominently featured as Gordon, 32, created shapes and prints inspired by nature. Lilies and roses bloomed on chiffon and cotton while Gordon also had fun creating sweeping polka dot gowns. Sandy Liang's signature New York native Sandy Liang's eponymous brand has come to embody an innate sense of cool since launching in 2014, and Monday's show enhanced that image even further. Liang, 28, has become synonymous with hip outerwear inspired by a childhood spent growing up in Manhattan's trendy Lower East Side, with frequent visits to nearby Chinatown. Through her work, she has made fleece jackets -- her signature piece -- cool again thanks to her own nostalgia for the 1990s. She drew inspiration from "when you're a kid and you're running around and your mom throws a jacket on you. It was really fun to turn that into my own thing. And now it's its own thing in the collection every season," she said. Barragan's idea of Mexico Designer Victor Barragan has been challenging stereotypes about Mexico since his first collection in 2016, repeatedly breaking with American clichés related to its southern neighbour. His spring 2020 show again challenged the notion of the hypermasculine Mexican male, injecting a sense of femininity through torn t-shirts and low-cut tank tops that evoked female cleavage rather than male torso. Phillip Lim elevates everyday fashion Thailand-born Phillip Lim displayed a "utilitarian" collection stacked with outdoor clothing suitable for the active man and woman, including jumpsuits, baggy raincoats and leather scarves. "That's our DNA basically, clothes that we work in, clothes that we live in. It's about pushing what the uniform can be to make it more buoyant and more refined," he told AFP. Prominent colours included a seaweed green, cobalt blue and mustard yellow. The 45-year-old American designer also praised the decision by Fashion Week organizers to reduce the length of the event from seven to five days. "It's nice. It makes everyone just sit up and take it more seriously instead of letting the energy dissipate," he said. Cornejo and innocence Chilean-born British designer Maria Cornejo wowed with a series of chic, comfortable clothes such as structured jackets and fluid dresses, including some in satin. She told AFP that her show was about "the age of possibility." "Now we take for granted travel, technology, industrialisation and so it's really incredible to find again that age, that naivete and that innocence. I thought that was a nice way to try to feel fresh," said Cornejo.

Fleeces, flowers and fluidity: New York Fashion Week day three

In one of the most anticipated New York Fashion Week runway events this season, American designer Tommy Hilfiger unveiled his latest ready-to-wear looks on Sunday in a collaboration with actress Zendaya at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. 
 
The '70s-inspired show - dubbed "TommyNow" - rolled out the "TommyxZendaya" fall 2019 collection, Hilfiger's second joint effort with the 23-year-old American singer and 'Euphoria'&nbsp;star. 
 
"The collection's bold tailored pieces are infused with a modern twist that celebrates the strength that comes from fearlessly being your true self," Hilfiger, 68, said in a statement. Their last collaboration in March served up bold fashion statements at the Comédie des Champs-Élysées in Paris. 
 
On Sunday, a diverse cast of models including Grace Bol, Halima, and Winnie Harlow rocked the runway donning high-waisted snake print pants and dresses, faux furs, velvet blazers and bootleg trousers, leather platform shoes and more. 
 
South African model Candice Swanepoel sparkled in a metallic halter neck jumpsuit and Ashley Graham, who last month announced that she was pregnant, wowed the audience with a polka dot dress and velvet platform heels. 
 
The front row, lined with celebrities including models Gigi and Bella Hadid and the design world's elite, joined other attendees in dancing along to Aretha Franklin's "Respect" and "Move on Up" by Curtis Mayfield. 
 
"It is a goosebump moment for us to become part of the Apollo's storied history tonight," said Hilfiger. His show was a "see now, buy now" event - a trend in the fashion industry that sees labels make outfits displayed in catwalk shows available to consumers to purchase immediately. 
 
Viewers watching the event live online were able to click on any outfit they chose and purchase the items right away. The Hilfiger brand, owned by fashion giant PVH Corp, is one of the best-known names in the US&nbsp;apparel business, with over 1,600 retail outlets in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. 
 
The brand is the biggest contributor to PVH's sales. Nordstrom Inc will be the exclusive wholesale partner for the "TommyxZendaya" collection in the United States. 
 
New York Fashion Week's five-day schedule, which previously ran for a full week, was streamlined to give buyers and editors more time to attend London Fashion Week, which follows directly after the New York event ends on Wednesday. 
&nbsp;

In one of the most anticipated New York Fashion Week runway events this season, American designer Tommy Hilfiger unveiled his latest ready-to-wear looks on Sunday in a collaboration with actress Zendaya at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

In one of the most anticipated New York Fashion Week runway events this season, American designer Tommy Hilfiger unveiled his latest ready-to-wear looks on Sunday in a collaboration with actress Zendaya at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The '70s-inspired show - dubbed "TommyNow" - rolled out the "TommyxZendaya" fall 2019 collection, Hilfiger's second joint effort with the 23-year-old American singer and 'Euphoria' star. "The collection's bold tailored pieces are infused with a modern twist that celebrates the strength that comes from fearlessly being your true self," Hilfiger, 68, said in a statement. Their last collaboration in March served up bold fashion statements at the Comédie des Champs-Élysées in Paris. On Sunday, a diverse cast of models including Grace Bol, Halima, and Winnie Harlow rocked the runway donning high-waisted snake print pants and dresses, faux furs, velvet blazers and bootleg trousers, leather platform shoes and more. South African model Candice Swanepoel sparkled in a metallic halter neck jumpsuit and Ashley Graham, who last month announced that she was pregnant, wowed the audience with a polka dot dress and velvet platform heels. The front row, lined with celebrities including models Gigi and Bella Hadid and the design world's elite, joined other attendees in dancing along to Aretha Franklin's "Respect" and "Move on Up" by Curtis Mayfield. "It is a goosebump moment for us to become part of the Apollo's storied history tonight," said Hilfiger. His show was a "see now, buy now" event - a trend in the fashion industry that sees labels make outfits displayed in catwalk shows available to consumers to purchase immediately. Viewers watching the event live online were able to click on any outfit they chose and purchase the items right away. The Hilfiger brand, owned by fashion giant PVH Corp, is one of the best-known names in the US apparel business, with over 1,600 retail outlets in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The brand is the biggest contributor to PVH's sales. Nordstrom Inc will be the exclusive wholesale partner for the "TommyxZendaya" collection in the United States. New York Fashion Week's five-day schedule, which previously ran for a full week, was streamlined to give buyers and editors more time to attend London Fashion Week, which follows directly after the New York event ends on Wednesday.

Zendaya unveils latest ready-to-wear look of Tommy Hilfiger at New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is setting a new trend for September with a shorter more robust schedule. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has dropped the official calendar from six days to five days and nights under the leadership of new chairman, designer Tom Ford.

It's quality verses quantity as New York Fashion Week trims its official schedule

Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari kick off New York Fashion Week 2019

The glamour of both the American Ralph Lauren and the Israeli Elie Tahari inaugurated New York Fashion Week, which celebrated its first day on Thursday.

Ralph Lauren immersed himself in elegance and luxury with a Spring 2019 collection dominated by feminine and slender designs with luxurious and sophisticated materials in black and gold, and sometimes white.

The show took place in the new 'Ralph's Coffee'&nbsp;café located in the shop on the exclusive Madison Avenue, decorated with classic white marble tables, large mirrors and crystal lamps.

The models walked slowly, dressed in jackets, trousers, trench coats, flowing pleated dresses or large capes, all in gold.

Black was also very much present in the entire Ralph Lauren collection, which was decorated with gold elements.

The fashion designer, who as usual walked among the attendees at the end of the show to receive congratulations, had some of the most sought-after models of the moment, such as the Americans Joan Smalls, Taylor Hill and Bella Hadid.

Another one of the outstanding shows was that of Elie Tahari, who was celebrating 45 years in the fashion industry with a special show.

There was anticipation ahead of Tahari's collection at the Spring Studios, home of New York 'Fashion Week', where there were "influencers" from social networks and actresses like Laverne Cox and Bella Thorne.

His Autumn-Winter 2019 collection was sophisticated and daring, but very practical: gold and bronze colours were seen contrasted with purple jewels, and fabrics with different textures and volumes in garments such as wide-leg pants, capes or ponchos.

The most striking designs were skirts and fur jackets with lynx prints; coats, skirts and dresses with brocaded finishes; and sensual satin was used discreetly, in a pleated skirt or a draped dress.

Supermodel Christie Brinkley, 65, closed the show, appearing on the catwalk at the same event with her daughter Sailor, 20. Both got applause from the audience, although the mother had the limelight.

Meanwhile, the Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji, known for dressing a long list of celebrities on the red carpet, showed off a collection that was reminiscent of medieval royalty with sumptuous materials and intense colours.

Velvet was one of the main fabrics, which was present in long dresses in crimson red, night blue, moss green and jet black, some with wide sleeves and others leaving the shoulders exposed.

She also used delicate prints of plant motifs in silver or gold on black skirts both voluminous and tight, combined with gold shoes.

The Tadashi Shoji show also stood out for the important presence of plus-size models.

Noon by Noor loaded its autumn-winter collection with femininity and romanticism with colours very similar to those of other designers: the basic black, white and camel combined or with a garment in yellow and green tones typical of precious stones.

The pieces of the two Arab designers followed generally simple lines: long and flowing dresses with some draping at the waist or pleated at the skirt; pants adjusted to the hip and loose on the leg, with blouse or sweater; and for the cold, structured coats.

The glamour of both the American Ralph Lauren and the Israeli Elie Tahari inaugurated New York Fashion Week, which celebrated its first day on Thursday. Ralph Lauren immersed himself in elegance and luxury with a Spring 2019 collection dominated by feminine and slender designs with luxurious and sophisticated materials in black and gold, and sometimes white.

The glamour of both the American Ralph Lauren and the Israeli Elie Tahari inaugurated New York Fashion Week, which celebrated its first day on Thursday. Ralph Lauren immersed himself in elegance and luxury with a Spring 2019 collection dominated by feminine and slender designs with luxurious and sophisticated materials in black and gold, and sometimes white. The show took place in the new 'Ralph's Coffee' café located in the shop on the exclusive Madison Avenue, decorated with classic white marble tables, large mirrors and crystal lamps. The models walked slowly, dressed in jackets, trousers, trench coats, flowing pleated dresses or large capes, all in gold. Black was also very much present in the entire Ralph Lauren collection, which was decorated with gold elements. The fashion designer, who as usual walked among the attendees at the end of the show to receive congratulations, had some of the most sought-after models of the moment, such as the Americans Joan Smalls, Taylor Hill and Bella Hadid. Another one of the outstanding shows was that of Elie Tahari, who was celebrating 45 years in the fashion industry with a special show. There was anticipation ahead of Tahari's collection at the Spring Studios, home of New York 'Fashion Week', where there were "influencers" from social networks and actresses like Laverne Cox and Bella Thorne. His Autumn-Winter 2019 collection was sophisticated and daring, but very practical: gold and bronze colours were seen contrasted with purple jewels, and fabrics with different textures and volumes in garments such as wide-leg pants, capes or ponchos. The most striking designs were skirts and fur jackets with lynx prints; coats, skirts and dresses with brocaded finishes; and sensual satin was used discreetly, in a pleated skirt or a draped dress. Supermodel Christie Brinkley, 65, closed the show, appearing on the catwalk at the same event with her daughter Sailor, 20. Both got applause from the audience, although the mother had the limelight. Meanwhile, the Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji, known for dressing a long list of celebrities on the red carpet, showed off a collection that was reminiscent of medieval royalty with sumptuous materials and intense colours. Velvet was one of the main fabrics, which was present in long dresses in crimson red, night blue, moss green and jet black, some with wide sleeves and others leaving the shoulders exposed. She also used delicate prints of plant motifs in silver or gold on black skirts both voluminous and tight, combined with gold shoes. The Tadashi Shoji show also stood out for the important presence of plus-size models. Noon by Noor loaded its autumn-winter collection with femininity and romanticism with colours very similar to those of other designers: the basic black, white and camel combined or with a garment in yellow and green tones typical of precious stones. The pieces of the two Arab designers followed generally simple lines: long and flowing dresses with some draping at the waist or pleated at the skirt; pants adjusted to the hip and loose on the leg, with blouse or sweater; and for the cold, structured coats.

Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari bring glamour to New York Fashion Week 2019

Tom Ford kicks off New York Fashion Week with Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, Mariacarla Boscono

A-list stars Nicole Kidman, Lupita Nyong&#39;o and Margot Robbie were seen at&nbsp;Calvin Klein show on Tuesday, wading through popcorn to watch Raf Simons&#39;s latest meditation on Americana, where firefighter meets prairie.

The Belgian&#39;s stewardship of the iconic US label, now into a second year, is one of the few bright spots in a New York Fashion Week suffering from an identity crisis, thinning schedule and a glut between the passing of one generation and the search for another.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-metoo-on-ramp-models-as-angels-men-as-pigs-at-new-york-fashion-week-32558" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;#MeToo on-ramp: Models as angels, men as pigs at New York Fashion Week</a>

Ruby Sterling again designed the set. Barns evoked the pioneer spirit of the prairies, adorned with work by Andy Warhol -- also to be seen on Calvin Klein underwear -- and a room ankle-deep in popcorn.

While the model of the moment Kaia Gerber, 16, walked the runway, dressed in waders, watched by proud parents Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber.

Simons said the collection evolved his window-onto-America theme for his Calvin Klein, this time referencing the discovery of America, the 1960s space race and the 21st-century information age. He said that it was about freedom, democracy and no cultural hierarchy, listing 50 words in place of 50 states that included pioneer, firefighter, prairie, industrial and, of course, popcorn.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/tadashi-shoji-shows-unapologetic-sexy-collection-inspired-by-metoo-8271" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;Tadashi Shoji shows &#39;unapologetic&#39; sexy collection inspired by #MeToo</a>

Clothes ticked the modesty trend for 2018 fall/winter, full skirts practically to the ground and boxy outerwear, with models kitted out in knitted balaclavas or hijab-inspired hats shielding hair and neck. There was an emergency responder vibe in orange outerwear and pants, fluorescent strips on jackets, giant wader-style boots over the knee in both shiny black and white and baggy sweaters. Giant silver gloves tapped the oven mitten look, a space-age version of the Ralph Lauren&#39;s tasselled beige numbers that divided opinion for the US Winter Olympics team in Pyeongchang.

There was a utilitarian, workman-like feel, and clear odes to America -- patchwork quilts and red checked flannel. Yet however striking and original, it did not shriek wearable.

Simons&#39;s tenure at Calvin Klein has been applauded by critics and the label&#39;s recent underwear ad featuring the Kardashian sisters -- YouTube&#39;s most-watched commercial last month with 15.4 million hits. Considered one of the finest designers of his generation, the 50-year-old previously breathed new life into Dior after John Galliano was fired in 2012 for anti-Semitic insults in a Paris bar.

Fashion Week closes today with shows by Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs before the season flits to London, Milan and Paris. Here are the other standouts of the penultimate day in the Big Apple.

Selena Gomez, the current face of Coach, was guest of honour in the front row -- seen wearing a black leather jacket and long floral dress, capturing something of the gothic, city meets nature, romance of the collection. But if &quot;twisted, dark romance&quot; was one of the themes, there was no sign of off-again-on-again squeeze Justin Bieber, with whom she has reportedly recently reunited to the chagrin of her family.

Models paraded up and down a darkened woodland set, a kind of spooky movie vibe with puffs of dry ice at the end, fall leaves crunching underfoot and nude tree trunks with overhanging branches.

It was a blend of goth, the preference for all black dressing beloved by non-conforming English teenagers in the 1990s, with the supernatural, a juxtaposition of America&#39;s Southwest with New York.

Canadian designer Jason Wu presented his last collection for Hugo Boss, where he has been artistic director of womenswear since June 2013. Wu is leaving to concentrate on his own label. His last presentation for the German house was inspired by the work of US minimalist artist Robert Morris and focused on bold tailoring. Hugo Boss is yet to name a successor for Wu.

In a bizarre update, the runway of the designer's show was covered in popcorn

A-list stars Nicole Kidman, Lupita Nyong'o and Margot Robbie were seen at Calvin Klein show on Tuesday, wading through popcorn to watch Raf Simons's latest meditation on Americana, where firefighter meets prairie. The Belgian's stewardship of the iconic US label, now into a second year, is one of the few bright spots in a New York Fashion Week suffering from an identity crisis, thinning schedule and a glut between the passing of one generation and the search for another. Also Read: #MeToo on-ramp: Models as angels, men as pigs at New York Fashion Week Ruby Sterling again designed the set. Barns evoked the pioneer spirit of the prairies, adorned with work by Andy Warhol -- also to be seen on Calvin Klein underwear -- and a room ankle-deep in popcorn. While the model of the moment Kaia Gerber, 16, walked the runway, dressed in waders, watched by proud parents Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber. Simons said the collection evolved his window-onto-America theme for his Calvin Klein, this time referencing the discovery of America, the 1960s space race and the 21st-century information age. He said that it was about freedom, democracy and no cultural hierarchy, listing 50 words in place of 50 states that included pioneer, firefighter, prairie, industrial and, of course, popcorn. Also Watch: Tadashi Shoji shows 'unapologetic' sexy collection inspired by #MeToo Clothes ticked the modesty trend for 2018 fall/winter, full skirts practically to the ground and boxy outerwear, with models kitted out in knitted balaclavas or hijab-inspired hats shielding hair and neck. There was an emergency responder vibe in orange outerwear and pants, fluorescent strips on jackets, giant wader-style boots over the knee in both shiny black and white and baggy sweaters. Giant silver gloves tapped the oven mitten look, a space-age version of the Ralph Lauren's tasselled beige numbers that divided opinion for the US Winter Olympics team in Pyeongchang. There was a utilitarian, workman-like feel, and clear odes to America -- patchwork quilts and red checked flannel. Yet however striking and original, it did not shriek wearable. Simons's tenure at Calvin Klein has been applauded by critics and the label's recent underwear ad featuring the Kardashian sisters -- YouTube's most-watched commercial last month with 15.4 million hits. Considered one of the finest designers of his generation, the 50-year-old previously breathed new life into Dior after John Galliano was fired in 2012 for anti-Semitic insults in a Paris bar. Fashion Week closes today with shows by Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs before the season flits to London, Milan and Paris. Here are the other standouts of the penultimate day in the Big Apple. Selena Gomez, the current face of Coach, was guest of honour in the front row -- seen wearing a black leather jacket and long floral dress, capturing something of the gothic, city meets nature, romance of the collection. But if "twisted, dark romance" was one of the themes, there was no sign of off-again-on-again squeeze Justin Bieber, with whom she has reportedly recently reunited to the chagrin of her family. Models paraded up and down a darkened woodland set, a kind of spooky movie vibe with puffs of dry ice at the end, fall leaves crunching underfoot and nude tree trunks with overhanging branches. It was a blend of goth, the preference for all black dressing beloved by non-conforming English teenagers in the 1990s, with the supernatural, a juxtaposition of America's Southwest with New York. Canadian designer Jason Wu presented his last collection for Hugo Boss, where he has been artistic director of womenswear since June 2013. Wu is leaving to concentrate on his own label. His last presentation for the German house was inspired by the work of US minimalist artist Robert Morris and focused on bold tailoring. Hugo Boss is yet to name a successor for Wu.

New York Fashion Week: Nicole Kidman, Lupita Nyong'o, Margot Robbie at Calvin Klein

New York Fashion Week on Friday saw something never-seen-before when women models dressed as angels walked handcuffed to men with a pig-face mask on the catwalk.&nbsp;

Friday&#39;s fashion show was inspired by the #MeToo social media campaign aimed at exposing sexual misconduct and misdemeanour across the world, specially targetted at cities in the United States.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/tadashi-shoji-shows-unapologetic-sexy-collection-inspired-by-metoo-8271" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;Tadashi Shoji shows &#39;unapologetic&#39; sexy collection inspired by #MeToo</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue-honours-metoo-with-first-ever-nude-photo-series-32218" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;&#39;Sports Illustrated&#39; swimsuit issue honours #MeToo with first-ever nude photo series</a>

The catwalk grabbed the attention of all when to everyone&#39;s surprise, models sporting angel wings walked handcuffed to men in scary masks.&nbsp;Models could be seen dressed in floor-length black and white gown for some monochromatic expression through clothes and leather wings on their shoulders.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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Sexual abuse victims walk the runway and share their stories to raise awareness and defend the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#metoo</a> movement during New York Fashion Week <a href="https://t.co/BF8MgWoAyU">https://t.co/BF8MgWoAyU</a> <a href="https://t.co/qoVkQwGZOO">pic.twitter.com/qoVkQwGZOO</a>
&mdash; AFP news agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/962431314094850048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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At the end of the runway, a 22-year-old model Cheyenne Jacobs, declared herself as a survivor of sexual abuse while briefly explaining what happened to her at a tender age.&nbsp;

She said: &quot;I would like to take this moment as a stand of my healing, how far I&rsquo;ve grown and also to say that this is not only a movement, not just stories, but we&rsquo;re real people who have gone through real things.&quot;

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-saturday-night-live-jessica-chastain-brings-up-times-up-metoo-womens-march-30309" target="_blank"> #MeToo campaign</a> at New York Fashion Week was the product of&nbsp;Myriam Chalek, creative director of fashion website American Wardrobe.

Myriam, while talking about it to Reuters said,&nbsp;&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think this fashion show is going to change things overnight, but if it can be a step further then I guess I&rsquo;ve done my part. A woman who has been empowered is a woman who is unstoppable.&quot;

She went ahead to add that although the clothes are all a part of American Wardrobe fashions, the event in itself is nonprofit.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-i-was-flat-out-raped-amy-schumer-reveals-being-assaulted-as-a-teenager-31612" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;&#39;I was flat-out raped&#39;: Amy Schumer reveals being assaulted as a teenager</a>

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/metoo-time-magazine-announces-silence-breakers-as-person-of-the-year-26051" target="_blank"> #Metoo</a> social media campaign has exposed a number of men across the world who had allegedly harassed&nbsp;women. The campaign had gone viral with several women and men coming forward to narrate their stories. Since October last year, hundreds of women have accused powerful men in business, politics, media and entertainment of sex abuse, joining the #MeToo social media movement that has shone a light on sexual assault and harassment in US life. 
&nbsp;

A fashion show inspired by the #MeToo social media campaign aimed at exposing sexual misconduct across the United States

New York Fashion Week on Friday saw something never-seen-before when women models dressed as angels walked handcuffed to men with a pig-face mask on the catwalk. Friday's fashion show was inspired by the #MeToo social media campaign aimed at exposing sexual misconduct and misdemeanour across the world, specially targetted at cities in the United States. Also Watch: Tadashi Shoji shows 'unapologetic' sexy collection inspired by #MeToo Also Read: 'Sports Illustrated' swimsuit issue honours #MeToo with first-ever nude photo series The catwalk grabbed the attention of all when to everyone's surprise, models sporting angel wings walked handcuffed to men in scary masks. Models could be seen dressed in floor-length black and white gown for some monochromatic expression through clothes and leather wings on their shoulders. Watch the video here: Sexual abuse victims walk the runway and share their stories to raise awareness and defend the #metoo movement during New York Fashion Week https://t.co/BF8MgWoAyU pic.twitter.com/qoVkQwGZOO — AFP news agency (@AFP) February 10, 2018 × At the end of the runway, a 22-year-old model Cheyenne Jacobs, declared herself as a survivor of sexual abuse while briefly explaining what happened to her at a tender age. She said: "I would like to take this moment as a stand of my healing, how far I’ve grown and also to say that this is not only a movement, not just stories, but we’re real people who have gone through real things." The #MeToo campaign at New York Fashion Week was the product of Myriam Chalek, creative director of fashion website American Wardrobe. Myriam, while talking about it to Reuters said, “I don’t think this fashion show is going to change things overnight, but if it can be a step further then I guess I’ve done my part. A woman who has been empowered is a woman who is unstoppable." She went ahead to add that although the clothes are all a part of American Wardrobe fashions, the event in itself is nonprofit. Also Read: 'I was flat-out raped': Amy Schumer reveals being assaulted as a teenager The #Metoo social media campaign has exposed a number of men across the world who had allegedly harassed women. The campaign had gone viral with several women and men coming forward to narrate their stories. Since October last year, hundreds of women have accused powerful men in business, politics, media and entertainment of sex abuse, joining the #MeToo social media movement that has shone a light on sexual assault and harassment in US life.

#MeToo on-ramp: Models as angels, men as pigs at New York Fashion Week

The ongoing 2018 New York Fashion Week is not just about clothes but also about the faces that make their entry into the world of fashion in style.&nbsp;

One such name is that of Zola, a 5-month-old toddler who was carried by his model father on the ramp for the very first time.&nbsp;

Zola now becomes the youngest model to ever ramp walk (not quite literally though as he was carried).&nbsp;

Zola stole the show at&nbsp;Collina Strada Thursday afternoon. His father, model&nbsp;George Okeny wore an orange crushed-velvet suit while marking Zola&#39;s debut. His mother,&nbsp;Yanii Gough a model scout watched from backstage.&nbsp;

The last time a toddler was seen at a world-famous fashion event was when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-kim-kardashian-poses-topless-in-thong-and-body-glitter-25596" target="_blank">Kim Kardashian</a> got her&nbsp;20-month-old North West to father Kanye West&rsquo;s 2015 Yeezy show.

&nbsp;

Zola made his ramp debut in the arms of his model father on Thursday

The ongoing 2018 New York Fashion Week is not just about clothes but also about the faces that make their entry into the world of fashion in style. One such name is that of Zola, a 5-month-old toddler who was carried by his model father on the ramp for the very first time. Zola now becomes the youngest model to ever ramp walk (not quite literally though as he was carried). Zola stole the show at Collina Strada Thursday afternoon. His father, model George Okeny wore an orange crushed-velvet suit while marking Zola's debut. His mother, Yanii Gough a model scout watched from backstage. The last time a toddler was seen at a world-famous fashion event was when Kim Kardashian got her 20-month-old North West to father Kanye West’s 2015 Yeezy show.

New York Fashion Week: Youngest model is just 5 months old

Italy&#39;s premier fashion brand Gucci is the latest to join the fur-free campaign by banning the use of fur in its designs from next year.&nbsp;

This comes as part of a growing momentum for fashion houses to look at alternative products after coming under pressure from animal rights activists and changing consumer tastes.&nbsp;

The premier fashion house is part of Paris-based luxury group Kering which has on previous occasions, paraded models down the catwalk in luxurious fur coats. Two years ago, director Alessandro Michele brought in loafers and sling-backs lined with kangaroo-fur.&nbsp;

In a statement on Thursday, Gucci said it would now join an alliance of fur-free companies. It will become a part of Fur Free Alliance, an international group of more than 40 organisations which campaigns on animal welfare and promotes alternatives to fur in the fashion industry.

It also stated that all remaining accessories and clothing made of animal fur will be sold off in a charity auction.&nbsp;

Gucci has sold some of its mink fur coats for over&nbsp;$40,000.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/plus-size-models-and-social-media-influencers-new-york-fashion-week-2017-is-ready-to-woo-millennials-19927" target="_blank">Plus size models and social media influencers, New York Fashion Week 2017 is ready to woo millennials</a>

Gucci&rsquo;s chief executive,&nbsp;Marco Bizzarri said that the brand&nbsp;would drop fur starting from its spring and summer 2018 collection and that its new approach had been agreed on with director Michele.

Michele has been known for his eclectic style and is credited with reviving Gucci by fuelling sales over the past two years.&nbsp;

Taking such a move while enjoying success, Gucci has surprised animal rights campaigners and they see it as a welcome news. They hope that this would have a knock-off effect which would urge other labels to stop using fur.&nbsp;

Simone Pavesi, manager of animal-free fashion at Italian campaign group LAV said,&nbsp;&ldquo;Gucci&rsquo;s decision will radically change the future of fashion. As fashion becomes more and more ethical, supply chains that revolve around animals will be a thing of the past.&rdquo;

Among other labels&nbsp;who have stopped using fur,&nbsp;Yoox Net-A-Porter -- a multi-brand online luxury retailer, adopted a fur-free policy on accessories and clothing sold on the site.

Last year,&nbsp;Italy&rsquo;s Giorgio Armani committed to stop using fur, saying technological progress meant there was no longer any justification for cruelty to animals, while US brand Calvin Klein took the plunge in 1994.

Over the last couple of years, anti-fur protesters have been seen demonstrating&nbsp;outside catwalk shows at fashion weeks around the world to call for an end to animal cruelty. This has gained worldwide attention as more and more number of luxury buyers from the younger generations are sensitised to environmental issues.&nbsp;

In another news, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-luxury-fashion-giants-lvmh-and-kering-ban-ultra-thin-models-19931" target="_blank">luxury groups such as&nbsp;LVMH</a>, owner of Louis Vuitton - are tightening their policies on how leather is sourced from tanneries and how they obtain furs, after a series of scandals over how animals are treated in breeding farms.

France&rsquo;s Hermes was caught in a storm two years ago when a crocodile farm used to supply leather for one of its best-selling handbags was accused of cruel slaughter practices.

&nbsp;

All remaining accessories and clothing made of animal fur will be sold off in a charity auction, Gucci said in a statement

Italy's premier fashion brand Gucci is the latest to join the fur-free campaign by banning the use of fur in its designs from next year. This comes as part of a growing momentum for fashion houses to look at alternative products after coming under pressure from animal rights activists and changing consumer tastes. The premier fashion house is part of Paris-based luxury group Kering which has on previous occasions, paraded models down the catwalk in luxurious fur coats. Two years ago, director Alessandro Michele brought in loafers and sling-backs lined with kangaroo-fur. In a statement on Thursday, Gucci said it would now join an alliance of fur-free companies. It will become a part of Fur Free Alliance, an international group of more than 40 organisations which campaigns on animal welfare and promotes alternatives to fur in the fashion industry. It also stated that all remaining accessories and clothing made of animal fur will be sold off in a charity auction. Gucci has sold some of its mink fur coats for over $40,000. Also Read: Plus size models and social media influencers, New York Fashion Week 2017 is ready to woo millennials Gucci’s chief executive, Marco Bizzarri said that the brand would drop fur starting from its spring and summer 2018 collection and that its new approach had been agreed on with director Michele. Michele has been known for his eclectic style and is credited with reviving Gucci by fuelling sales over the past two years. Taking such a move while enjoying success, Gucci has surprised animal rights campaigners and they see it as a welcome news. They hope that this would have a knock-off effect which would urge other labels to stop using fur. Simone Pavesi, manager of animal-free fashion at Italian campaign group LAV said, “Gucci’s decision will radically change the future of fashion. As fashion becomes more and more ethical, supply chains that revolve around animals will be a thing of the past.” Among other labels who have stopped using fur, Yoox Net-A-Porter -- a multi-brand online luxury retailer, adopted a fur-free policy on accessories and clothing sold on the site. Last year, Italy’s Giorgio Armani committed to stop using fur, saying technological progress meant there was no longer any justification for cruelty to animals, while US brand Calvin Klein took the plunge in 1994. Over the last couple of years, anti-fur protesters have been seen demonstrating outside catwalk shows at fashion weeks around the world to call for an end to animal cruelty. This has gained worldwide attention as more and more number of luxury buyers from the younger generations are sensitised to environmental issues. In another news, luxury groups such as LVMH, owner of Louis Vuitton - are tightening their policies on how leather is sourced from tanneries and how they obtain furs, after a series of scandals over how animals are treated in breeding farms. France’s Hermes was caught in a storm two years ago when a crocodile farm used to supply leather for one of its best-selling handbags was accused of cruel slaughter practices.

Bid adieu to Gucci fur coats, Italian brand will go fur-free from 2018

New York Fashion Week kicked off today with quite a spectacle of celebrities, models, and designers in tow.&nbsp;

The semiannual event saw Tom Ford open the gala event on Wednesday evening with his latest collections for the Spring/Summer 2018.

Model Kendal Jenner was spotted walking the ramp for Tom Ford along with model Gigi Hadid.&nbsp;

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Gigi Hadid seen sporting a pixie cut for Tom Ford at New York Fashion Week (AFP)
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With a special emphasis on wooing the millennial generation, the New York Fashion Week collections on opening day were high on glamour yet comfortable in style. Models presenting his collections were all sporting a pixie cut along with the social media influencers Kendall and Gigi.&nbsp;

Kendall&#39;s striking hair cut was done by top&nbsp;Sydney-based hairstylist Anthony Nader, who was the only Australian on Ford&rsquo;s grooming team. He is also going to be seen working on models for Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta&rsquo;s upcoming shows.&nbsp;

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Kendall Jenner walking for Tom Ford at New York Fashion Week 2017 (AFP)
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Kendall will also be receiving the award for Fashion Icon of the Decade. She will receive the award on Friday which will be handed out by the fashion website Daily Front Row.&nbsp;

Supporting her step-sister Kendall, Kim Kardashian was seen in the front row of the Tom Ford show yesterday. She&nbsp;flaunted her body in a skin tight black latex dress with silver/blonde long locks.&nbsp;

 
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The semiannual fashion week starts from today

New York Fashion Week kicked off today with quite a spectacle of celebrities, models, and designers in tow. The semiannual event saw Tom Ford open the gala event on Wednesday evening with his latest collections for the Spring/Summer 2018. Model Kendal Jenner was spotted walking the ramp for Tom Ford along with model Gigi Hadid. Gigi Hadid seen sporting a pixie cut for Tom Ford at New York Fashion Week (AFP) × With a special emphasis on wooing the millennial generation, the New York Fashion Week collections on opening day were high on glamour yet comfortable in style. Models presenting his collections were all sporting a pixie cut along with the social media influencers Kendall and Gigi. Kendall's striking hair cut was done by top Sydney-based hairstylist Anthony Nader, who was the only Australian on Ford’s grooming team. He is also going to be seen working on models for Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta’s upcoming shows. Kendall Jenner walking for Tom Ford at New York Fashion Week 2017 (AFP) × Kendall will also be receiving the award for Fashion Icon of the Decade. She will receive the award on Friday which will be handed out by the fashion website Daily Front Row. Supporting her step-sister Kendall, Kim Kardashian was seen in the front row of the Tom Ford show yesterday. She flaunted her body in a skin tight black latex dress with silver/blonde long locks.

Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid sport a pixie cut for Tom Ford show at New York Fashion Week 2017

Designer Tom Ford and rapper&nbsp;Kanye West fired the start gun on New York Fashion Week Wednesday, unveiling intimate A-list shows that proffered starkly different visions of women&#39;s attire. 
 
For Ford, who premiered his second movie &quot;Nocturnal Animals&quot; at the Venice film festival only last week, it was a triumphant return to New York after showing more recently in London and Los Angeles. 
 
He laid on a sophisticated candle-lit dinner at Manhattan&#39;s swanky Four Seasons Restaurant for the likes of Tom Hanks, Julianne Moore, Alicia Keys, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. 
 
Under a new streamlined schedule that allows customers to buy the clothes almost instantly, he ditched the official spring/summer 2017 season to unveil a fall/winter 2016 collection for both men and women. 
 
&quot;In a world that has become increasingly immediate, the current way of showing a collection four months before it is available to customers, is an antiquated idea and one that no longer makes sense,&quot; Ford said ahead of the show. 
 
&quot;Showing the collection as it arrives in stores will remedy this, and allow the excitement... to drive sales and satisfy our customers&#39;&nbsp;increasing desire to have their clothes as they are ready to wear them.&quot; 
 
Guests were treated to a sit-down, champagne dinner that included smoked salmon and caviar on orchid-decorated tables. The masses could only gawp at the spectacle live streamed on his website. 
 
Strutting to a sultry soundtrack that included Keys&#39;&nbsp;hit &quot;Fallin&quot;, Ford sent down a short box runway in the middle of the tables a collection of pencil skirts with deep slits up the back, buckle belts and statement jewelry. 
 
A retro classic tweed look of impeccable tailoring was jazzed up with color-blocked fur jackets, fur-trimmed patchwork coats, animal print and camouflage. 
 
It was wearable, albeit very expensive sexy chic. For men there were suede, corduroy and silk jackets and evening jackets with retro disco detail. For evening wear there were sequin cocktail dresses paired with buckle belts, feathers, and flame-detail and column beaded dresses with cut-out backs that hugged the figure and flashed thigh through slits to the top of the leg. 
 
It was less timeless elegance and more sports basics and sky-high stilettos at West&#39;s show finally conducted under the blazing afternoon heat more than an hour and half behind schedule. 
 
It was another live streamed show watched in person by only the hand-picked few, who included West&#39;s reality star wife Kim Kardashian, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and British racing car drive Lewis Hamilton. 
 
Never one to hide his light under a bushel, he commandeered the presidential park Hillary Clinton used to kickstart her White House run last year and created in honor of one of World War II president, Franklin D&nbsp;Roosevelt. 
 
His Yeezy Season Four,&nbsp;dominated by body suits and stilettos,&nbsp;was his latest collaboration for Adidas and a meditation on ethnic diversity. 
 
At a time when America is gripped by debate about race the overwhelming majority of models were black,&nbsp;a rarity on Western catwalks,&nbsp;after West demanded that &quot;multiracial women only&quot; apply to his casting call. 
 
Models stood or sat barefoot on a lawn dressed in imitation speedos, skin-tight crop tops, bandeau strips, athletics knickers and cycling shorts. 
 
Others descended an outdoor triangular catwalk dressed in ribbed vest tops worn with oversized, over-the-knee stiletto boots -- the transparent plastic version of which Kardashian was recently photographed wearing. 
 
It was a body-hugging look of sports basics worn with oversized hooded parkas and puffers. But stilettos were so tall and seemingly fragile that at least two models slipped or stumbled. 
 
&quot;I want to make pieces that can be timeless,&quot; he told Vogue in an interview. &quot;Pieces that you can pick up out of a vintage store in 20 years and say, &#39;Wow, I&#39;m happy I have this.&#39;&quot; 
 
(AFP)

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Both Ford and West unveiled intimate A-list shows that proffered starkly different visions of women's attire

Designer Tom Ford and rapper Kanye West fired the start gun on New York Fashion Week Wednesday, unveiling intimate A-list shows that proffered starkly different visions of women's attire. For Ford, who premiered his second movie "Nocturnal Animals" at the Venice film festival only last week, it was a triumphant return to New York after showing more recently in London and Los Angeles. He laid on a sophisticated candle-lit dinner at Manhattan's swanky Four Seasons Restaurant for the likes of Tom Hanks, Julianne Moore, Alicia Keys, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. Under a new streamlined schedule that allows customers to buy the clothes almost instantly, he ditched the official spring/summer 2017 season to unveil a fall/winter 2016 collection for both men and women. "In a world that has become increasingly immediate, the current way of showing a collection four months before it is available to customers, is an antiquated idea and one that no longer makes sense," Ford said ahead of the show. "Showing the collection as it arrives in stores will remedy this, and allow the excitement... to drive sales and satisfy our customers' increasing desire to have their clothes as they are ready to wear them." Guests were treated to a sit-down, champagne dinner that included smoked salmon and caviar on orchid-decorated tables. The masses could only gawp at the spectacle live streamed on his website. Strutting to a sultry soundtrack that included Keys' hit "Fallin", Ford sent down a short box runway in the middle of the tables a collection of pencil skirts with deep slits up the back, buckle belts and statement jewelry. A retro classic tweed look of impeccable tailoring was jazzed up with color-blocked fur jackets, fur-trimmed patchwork coats, animal print and camouflage. It was wearable, albeit very expensive sexy chic. For men there were suede, corduroy and silk jackets and evening jackets with retro disco detail. For evening wear there were sequin cocktail dresses paired with buckle belts, feathers, and flame-detail and column beaded dresses with cut-out backs that hugged the figure and flashed thigh through slits to the top of the leg. It was less timeless elegance and more sports basics and sky-high stilettos at West's show finally conducted under the blazing afternoon heat more than an hour and half behind schedule. It was another live streamed show watched in person by only the hand-picked few, who included West's reality star wife Kim Kardashian, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and British racing car drive Lewis Hamilton. Never one to hide his light under a bushel, he commandeered the presidential park Hillary Clinton used to kickstart her White House run last year and created in honor of one of World War II president, Franklin D Roosevelt. His Yeezy Season Four, dominated by body suits and stilettos, was his latest collaboration for Adidas and a meditation on ethnic diversity. At a time when America is gripped by debate about race the overwhelming majority of models were black, a rarity on Western catwalks, after West demanded that "multiracial women only" apply to his casting call. Models stood or sat barefoot on a lawn dressed in imitation speedos, skin-tight crop tops, bandeau strips, athletics knickers and cycling shorts. Others descended an outdoor triangular catwalk dressed in ribbed vest tops worn with oversized, over-the-knee stiletto boots -- the transparent plastic version of which Kardashian was recently photographed wearing. It was a body-hugging look of sports basics worn with oversized hooded parkas and puffers. But stilettos were so tall and seemingly fragile that at least two models slipped or stumbled. "I want to make pieces that can be timeless," he told Vogue in an interview. "Pieces that you can pick up out of a vintage store in 20 years and say, 'Wow, I'm happy I have this.'" (AFP)

Tom Ford, Kanye West usher in New York Fashion Week

A 19-year-old acid attack survivor from India is all set to grace the New York Fashion Week catwalk next month in her first trip overseas. 
 
Reshma Qureshi, who lives in Mumbai, was attacked by her brother-in-law and pinned down by his friends who doused her face in acid in 2014. She lost sight in one eye and her face was horribly disfigured after the attack but Qureshi has been determined to build a life for herself. 
 
She has been invited to take part in the New York Fashion Week, the bi-annual style frenzy that brings together models, fashion editors, buyers and designers from across the world, by fashion production company FTL Moda.&nbsp; 
 
She is scheduled to walk the runway on September 8 in two shows during New York Fashion Week. 
 
The daughter of a taxi driver, she was filmed in a YouTube video wiping away tears and smiling when told by the charity Make Love Not Scars that she would be flying to New York. 
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<h5>The London-based charity Acid Survivors Trust International estimates there are 500 to 1,000 acid attacks each year in India.</h5>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The London-based charity Acid Survivors Trust International estimates there are 500 to 1,000 acid attacks each year in India.
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Qureshi is also the face of &#39;Make Love Not Scars&#39;,&nbsp;a campaign to end the open sale of acid in India. 
 
 
Acid attacks rarely kill but leave severe physical, psychological and social scars. They are a particular problem in Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the West Indies and the Middle East. 
 
The overwhelming number of victims are women and children. 
 
The London-based charity Acid Survivors Trust International estimates there are 500 to 1,000 acid attacks each year in India. 
 
FTL Moda is committed to challenging norms of beauty in the fashion world and last year invited Madeline Stuart, an Australian teenager with Down syndrome, to walk the runway, garnering rave reviews. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

Reshma Qureshi, who lives in Mumbai, was attacked by her brother-in-law and pinned down by his friends who doused her face in acid in 2014

A 19-year-old acid attack survivor from India is all set to grace the New York Fashion Week catwalk next month in her first trip overseas. Reshma Qureshi, who lives in Mumbai, was attacked by her brother-in-law and pinned down by his friends who doused her face in acid in 2014. She lost sight in one eye and her face was horribly disfigured after the attack but Qureshi has been determined to build a life for herself. She has been invited to take part in the New York Fashion Week, the bi-annual style frenzy that brings together models, fashion editors, buyers and designers from across the world, by fashion production company FTL Moda. She is scheduled to walk the runway on September 8 in two shows during New York Fashion Week. The daughter of a taxi driver, she was filmed in a YouTube video wiping away tears and smiling when told by the charity Make Love Not Scars that she would be flying to New York. The London-based charity Acid Survivors Trust International estimates there are 500 to 1,000 acid attacks each year in India. Qureshi is also the face of 'Make Love Not Scars', a campaign to end the open sale of acid in India. Acid attacks rarely kill but leave severe physical, psychological and social scars. They are a particular problem in Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the West Indies and the Middle East. The overwhelming number of victims are women and children. The London-based charity Acid Survivors Trust International estimates there are 500 to 1,000 acid attacks each year in India. FTL Moda is committed to challenging norms of beauty in the fashion world and last year invited Madeline Stuart, an Australian teenager with Down syndrome, to walk the runway, garnering rave reviews. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Indian acid attack survivor all set to grace New York Fashion Week catwalk

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