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Last night at Bergdorf Goodman, journalist/author, Eila Mell launched her fabulous new book, ‘New York Fashion Week’. It chronicles the “Golden Era” of Fashion Week, also known as the Bryant Park Years (1993-2009).
Prior to 2010, the event was held at Bryant Park rather than Lincoln Center, where it is currently taking place.The pictography features hundreds of unreleased photographs and stories from some of the industries greatest icons. Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch and designer Narciso Rodriguez were also appeared at the signing.

A journalistic phenom, Eila Mell has spent years writing about the world of fashion, theatre, and film. Social Vixen was lucky enough to learn first hand what it was like to craft such an exquisite book from Eila herself.

Read more after the jump…

 

1. Do you think Fashion Week has lost something since moving from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center? If so, why?

I think the move to Lincoln Center has brought changes, although I wouldn’t say it’s a loss. It’s just different. When the shows were at Bryant Park they were happening in the middle of the city. Crowds gathered outside to see who was coming and going. Lincoln Center is a cultural hub, and the overall mood is quieter; more serene.

2. You’ve worked as a journalist in the fashion, film, and television industries for some time. What compelled you to write about the history of Fashion Week in Bryant Park?

I was working on a project which brought me to Fashion Week. When my friends found out I was going everyone, including people with zero interest in fashion, wanted to come with me. I quickly realized that people wanted to know what was going on in the tents. This book paints a very clear picture of what it’s like to be at New York Fashion Week.

3. Describe the development process for the book. It must have been quite a journey collecting photos and stories that have never been released.

Every moment spent working on this book has been a complete joy. I was so fortunate to work with two of the best photographers in the industry, Roxanne Lowit and Randy Brooke. It was hard narrowing down the amount of photos I could use. The book could have easily been 600 pages!

The fabulous stories in the book came from interviews with so many of the industry’s top professionals. I had the privilege to speak with people such as Fern Mallis, Narciso Rodriguez, Kelly Cutrone, Tommy Hilfiger, Georgina Chapman, Betsey Johnson, Glenda Bailey, Andre Leon Talley…the list goes on and on.

4. What are you most looking forward to seeing during Fashion Week, Fall 2011?

I’m looking forward to seeing what some of my favorite designers like Narciso Rodriguez, Marc Jacobs, Thakoon, etc. are showing. I’m also really excited about a new line, Ivana Helsinki. I’ve been wearing them a lot lately, and am so looking forward to seeing the brand grow. Lastly, running into friends is something fun to look forward to during Fashion Week.