BCBG

A model presents a creation at the BCBG Max Azria show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, the United States, Feb. 11, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

NEW YORK, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of fashion professionals from across the world have come together at the on- going Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which is run from Feb. 11 through Feb. 18 and held in Bryant Park of New York.

A press release obtained by Xinhua on Thursday says that starting off a New Year and new global fashion cycle, the retailers, reporters and editors are eager to see the collections from the world's established and up-and-coming designers, and how this creative community sets the tones and trends for what we will wear in fall and winter of 2010.

"As we close a chapter in the history of our event, IMG ( International Management Group, which manages the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week) is excited to be working with Lincoln Center, the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America ) and the City to create a new home for the fashion industry at Lincoln Center," said Peter Levy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. " We are looking forward with our partners to rolling out our plans in the coming months."

A model presents a creation at the BCBG Max Azria show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, the United States, Feb. 11, 2010. (Xinhua/Gu Xinrong)

"All of us at IMG Fashion are excited about the outstanding and stellar lineup which has come together from around the world to share in this historic Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week," said Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion. "This will be a significant season, as we reflect on 17 years, 31 seasons and close to 2,500 fashion shows in Bryant Park that have launched many careers...from designers to editors, models, producers, celebrities, TV commentators and reality shows. We all also look forward to the change and September's move to Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center."

Showing in Bryant Park this season, and Associate Member shows on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's schedule include such big names as Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hifiger, Vera Wang and dozens of others.

Over the course of eight days, the runway venues, lobby and backstage sponsor lounges are bustling from 9 a.m to 9. p.m. when approximately 100,000 people might come to attend shows, meet and greet the media, retailers and fashion professionals.

Naomi Campbell's Fashion For Relief, a spectacular charity fashion show and auction, is back for 2010, taking center stage at this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Friday evening. The star- studded runway show and auction will be held in aid of CARE ( Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere) to raise crucial funds towards rebuilding Haiti's health system for mothers and children.

Fashion For Relief will bring together, on the catwalk, top international faces of fashion, music, film, TV, sports and society. The show will feature glamorous clothes by the world's most renowned and respected fashion designers.

Campbell is cite as saying that "I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti. So many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake -- women and children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters. Fashion is universal, personal and touches everyone. Our aim is to use this season's catwalk shows in New York to reach people and help raise crucial funds to help save the lives of women and children."

Models present creations at the BCBG Max Azria show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, the United States, Feb. 11, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)