With a line up of 70 designers in the official calendar alone, this season’s roster includes more emerging and international designers than ever before.

The week long event will kick off on September 9th at 9:00 AM with a “ribbon cutting” by Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell, whose forthcoming book, Lipstick Jungle, features a fashion designer and literally begins with the tents opening.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this seasons’ shows,” said Fern Mallis, Executive Director of 7th on Sixth and Vice-President of IMG in a statement.

“There are so many talented designers that are showing with us this season from the U.S. along with designers from India, Australia, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Brazil, France, Italy, Germany, Korea and Great Britain, truly reflecting the international diversity of New York City,” she added.

The line up is impressive, starting with Kenneth Cole who historically opens the New York Season. He is followed by Naeem Khan, Tomer, Perry Ellis Menswear, Gottex, Esteban Cortazar, Duckie Brown, Sandoval, Tommy Hilfiger and John Bartlett.

Continuing throughout the week will be collections by Gary Graham, Michael Wesetly, Rosa Cha by Amir Slama, Atil Kutoglu, Project Alabama, Holly Kristen, Lacoste, Sass & Bide, Strenesse, Y & Kei, Ashish N Soni, Twinkle, Tracy Reese, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Doo.Ri, The Academy of Art University, Tuleh, Luca Luca, Venexiana, Joanna Mastroianni, Carolina Herrera, Cynthia Steffe, Mathew Earnest, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, Betsey Johnson, Alice Roi, BCBG Max Azria Collection, Alice Temperley, Tibi, Minique L’huillier, Bill Blass, Chaiken, Zang Toi, Pamella Roland, Nanette Lepore, Abaete, Peter Som, Michael Kors, Richard Chai, Carlos Miele, Carmen Marc Valvo, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Vivienne Tam, Mary Ping, Douglas Hannant, Wunderkind by Wolfgang Joop, J Mendel, Vera Wang, Iisli, Linda Loudermilk, Custo Barcelona, Zac Posen, Vlassis Holevas, Willow, Libertine, Lela Rose, Heatherette and Chado Ralph Rucci.

In addition to the Olympus Fashion Week lineup are 19 Associate Member shows, which are included on the official Olympus Fashion Week calendar, materials, website and banners.

Bus service to and from the venues is also a benefit of Associate Membership and a convenience for guests. Associate Member shows this season are Yigal Azrouel, DKNY Men, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dana Buchman, Diesel, Mavrick by Rebecca Romero, DKNY, Multi by Bree, Mac Millan, Y-3, Kate Spade & Jack Spade, Rebecca Taylor, Yeohlee, Catherine Malandrino, Nguyen, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Michon Schur and Donna Karan.

The Spring 2006 seasons also features the UPS Hub, a fourth venue that has been generously underwritten by UPS for its construction and the venue rental fees for the ten selected designers.

The UPS Hub is an addition to the three traditional venues – The Tent, The Plaza and The Atelier.

In addition to the catwalk shows, 30 companies will be featured in the Accessory Exhibition in the historic Josephine Shaw Lowell Fountain in The Lobby of the tents.

Participating companies are: Alain Mikli, Amrita Singh Jewelry, Anthony Maxwell Metropolitan Milliner New York, Arena CPH for Fashioncamp, Bangle Bangle by Armita, BCBG Max Azria, Bharany, Born and Bolo Footwear, Bulga, Catherine Chung for White street, Clara Kasavina, Cuffz by Linz, Dooney & Bourke, Jacaranda, James Yick, Judith Ripka, Kara Ross, Kate Spade, Kipling, Kara Ross, Love and Pride, Luxury Accessories International, MAXX New York, Michele Watches, Olympus, Philippe Starck, PONO, Sazingg Co. and Silhouette.

Title sponsor Olympus is joined this season by UPS, MAC, Pantene, Aquafina, Bermuda Tourism, Judith Ripka, Kinerase, Michele Watches, Cotton Incorporated, Continental Airlines, Sprint, Silhouette, W Hotels, ELLE, WE Women’s Entertainment, Ultra HD/Full Frontal Fashion, Inside TV and The New York Times.

Each of these sponsors will be providing hospitality, services and amenities to make the packed week of shows as pleasurable as possible.

For more information, please log on: www.olympusfashionweek.com