While New York Fashion Week ground to a halt a decade ago in respect to thetragic 9/11 attacks, the shows went ahead over the weekend amidst moments ofreflection and remembrance.
Victoria Beckham’s spring 2012 preview, which was held inside New YorkPublic Library, the show was stopped twice as guest were about to take theirseats for moments of silence–one for each tower–as the designer requested.
Bryant Park, where many New York Fashion Week shows were held in previousyears, honors those who died in the attacks with 2,753 empty chairs.
Meanwhile in Lincoln Center, where this year’s Fashion Week events wereheld, there is a conflicting mood on the tragedy’s anniversary.
“Today is a day that is very exciting, but there is also a certain calmness,you know? Everyone can sort of just look at each other and know exactly whateach other is thinking,” said Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Lincoln Center’sfashion director.
Several fashion designers, editors, and retailers reflected on the events.Oscar de la Renta said he watched the anniversary event on TV before heading tothe tents. “I was in tears. But I say this country is about the rebirth, allover again.”
Linda Fargo, senior vice president of fashion at Bergdorf Goodman, wore apatriotic combination of blue blouse and red trousers as she sat front row onthe Beckham show. “I didn’t expect to be so emotional today, but I am.”
Designers have also made donations to various organizations to commemoratethe event, like Derek Lam to the National September 11 Memorial Museum andDonna Karan to Action America.
“We remember that day 10 years ago that changed our city forever,” Karansaid. “We remember the courage, the inspiration, the compassion. How we cametogether, reaffirming our strength to the world. There truly is no placeanywhere like our beloved city, New York. Our inspiration.”