That the tents at Bryant Park is the main hub of the New York season is a given, and 7th on Sixth under the leadership of Fern Mallis is the official organizer of the event, the grassroots movement that had made New York an exciting fashion capital continues to flourish.

The official schedule listing of 92 shows alone makes Olympus Fashion Week as big as Milan Moda Donna and Paris Prêt-a-porter. Add to it the independent venues like the Altman Building and Metropolitan Pavilion, plus big names such as Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Diesel and Yohji Yamamoto, who unveil their collections independently from the official calendar, the New York season easily have over 120 names on the calendar.

Ruth Finley’s Fashion Calendar has become the ‘bible’ for journalists and retail buyers if they want to see a whole listing of the shows for the season. An independent entrepreneur, Ms. Finley is as much a part of New York fashion week as 7th on Sixth’s Executive Director Fern Mallis.

Every fashion capital, from New York, to London, to Milan and Paris, has its own beat. The fashion pulse is a derivative of the city where it is being held. Paris, Milan and London generate their own heat and excitement, unique and particular for their city.

For New York, the grassroots movement that has always been a part of the Big Apple is still the driving force that makes 7th Avenue thrive and flourish. Even Olympus Fashion Week, which was actually ‘New York Fashion Week’ in the beginning, started as a grassroots movement.

The brainchild of the CFDA, New York Fashion Week started 13 years ago when American designers were looking for an official venue to unveil their collections. CFDA created 7th on Sixth with the mandate of creating the ‘official New York fashion season.’

There was no government intervention, no funds given by Capitol Hill or the City of New York. Funds were raised the way New Yorkers, and the rest of America does it, by approaching civic-minded corporations and individuals. After a successful campaign, New York Fashion Week was born!

***Note: This schedule is subject to change.