Text by Hillary Latos
Photography by Matt McAlpin

Twice a year New York City kicks off the Fashion Week circuit with the old and new guard unveiling their new collections. In the spirit of the Fashion Issue, SOMA catches up with attendees in and around the Bryant Park tents, the epicenter of the Fall 2009 défilés. Here we ask: 1) What shows are you looking forward to the most during Fashion Week? 2) Who are your favorite designers? 3) Do you think the economy has affected Fashion Week? 4) What are some of the top trends you’ve seen? 5) How do you feel about the change of venue from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center?

Hope Dworaczyk, 23, Model/TV Host, LA
1) Marc Jacobs, Barbie, Miss Sixty 2) Manoush, Robert Rodriguez, D&G, Elizabeth James 3) Less shows and more presentations, but people will still buy clothes. 4) Gloves— wrist and elbow lengths, sunglasses, wood clutches; people accessorize more 5) Bryant Park has a lot of history and is a great venue with the trees and park.

Nicolas Seraleyva, 20, Student, Washington DC
1) Y3, Herve Leger, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diesel Black Gold 2) Doo Ri, Elie Saab, Alexander McQueen, Phillip Lim, Dexter Wong 3) I think it has offered an unprecedented opportunity for lesser known designers to show their talent; otherwise no! 4) Tuxedo pleating, tiered metallics, zippered detailing 5) Bryant Park will always be the true home of NY fashion week.

Erica Lawrence, 22, Model, NY
1) Venexiana, Chado Ralph Rucci, Calvin Klein 2) Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Souchua Couture 3) The schedule is packed; maybe indirectly it is, but from the outside looking in, you don’t notice a difference. 4) I’ve seen a lot of sheer; it’s fun & sexy. 5) I’m surprised to hear that they are moving, because Bryant Park is known for Fashion Week, but if it needs to be bigger and better, then why not?

Pierre Macaigne, 21, PR, Paris
1) Herve Leger, Rodarte, Marc Jacobs 2) Rodarte, stella McCartney 3) Yes 4) Too early 5) Better

Roisin Murphy, 34, Musician, London/Ireland
1) Preen, Alexander Wang, Diesel, 2) Martin Margeila, Vivienne Westwood, Preen, Victor & Rolf, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy 3) Fewer parties 4) Sophisticated, restrained, intellectual; it’s beyond avant-garde, new aspirations, outward expressions 5) It has better access, but it doesn’t really matter.

Anthony Guillory, 21, Designer, Louisiana
1) Calvin Klein 2) YSL, Balenciaga, Marni 3) Most definitely 4) No comment 5) It’s the natural progression of things; people will get used to it.

Eugenia Kuzmina, 23, Model, Moscow
1) Vivienne Tam 2) Prada 3) Yes, less advertising. 4) Black 5) I’ll miss it.