DALLAS, Jul 15, 2003/ FW/ --- On the last day of an invigorating Paris Haute Couture season, Women's Wear Daily dropped a bombshell. Chanel, one of the most venerated fashion houses in Paris 'may' move its haute couture collection from Paris to New York.

According to the WWD article, Françoise Montenay, the president of Chanel said, "Couture must remain very exceptional and exclusive. We are adaptable. If things are getting too sad, we might go [to New York]. We are always challenging ourselves."

Françoise Montenay was referring to the 'seeming pollution' of the Paris Haute Couture season, wherein some ready-to-wear labels, though not in the official calendar, show their collection during the season.

Bad news travel fast. Across the Atlantic, in the UK, 'The Guardian' published that, "If Chanel were to move, Dior has hinted that it would consider following suit."

If this were to happen, it will be a boost to New York's fashion industry and image in the international fashion scene.

New York has been 'accused' of being 'too commercial'. And the most hurtful accusation of all, 'there is no creativity nor talent in there.'

[Note: This writer disagrees with the accusations about New York. But that is another discussion].

And there is one sad fact about the New York fashion scene - the menswear season has totally disappeared. Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and DKNY already show their men's collection in Milan. And last June, two-time CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year awardee, John Varvatos debuted in Milan.

If (and this is a big if) Chanel moves it couture collection in New York, and if (another big if) Dior decides to follow, New York will hold the 'creme de la creme' of fashion, the gem of creativity called haute couture.

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