Memo to celebrity publicists:
If you have a cute client who needs a little push, RSVP her to a fashion show.
We’ve been hearing from PR Blackberries around the city that so far, there are way less celeb confirmations than in the past - in part because MTV’s Video Music Awards happen at the exact same time, in Las Vegas, “and we’ve lost so many regulars because of it,” confided one fashion publicist.
Of course a few famous faces will show for the shows, but this trickle could be a continuation of last year, when Mary Kate’s arrival at Jenni Kayne was received like the gift of the Magi. Just look at New York’s backstage photos to see the star drought.
But why have celebs stopped mobbing the runways?
In part, because they’re scared of the press mobbing them. Fashion shows are notoriously open season, with the understanding that if a famous person comes to a catwalk, they want the exposure - and the constant paparazzi.
We’ll never forget the arrival of Paris Hilton at Nanette Lepore last year - the panic was like the apocalypse. And at Zaldy’s show, when we had the bizarre experience of sitting next to Hilary Duff (who was awesome, we should admit), we had to wear our sunglasses because of all the flashes.
We suspect the other reason celebs fear fashion week is this story from The New York Times. Called “Look at Me, Look at Me, Please Look at Me,” it mocks Mischa Barton’s front row occupation during Spring ‘07 showings.
By Fall ‘07, Mischa didn’t appear at all, and celebrities who did deigned to make multiple shows got called out on their needy flashbulb habits.
Note the sneer we heard from two fashion insiders this weekend, when each remarked separately, “At least Debra Messing will be there.”
And maybe Evan Rachel Wood, too, since she has 3 movies premiering…
posted by Brendastarlet
Aug 20, 2007 12:15PM
And maybe with the celebs' attention overshadowing the collections, the fashion houses aren't as much into paying them to come sit in the front row?