L.A. Times Says IMG Could Return to L.A.? Discuss.
The fashion press was abuzz today with the news that IMG, producers of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, will move its biannual event from New York’s Bryant Park a few blocks north to Lincoln Center. The runway shows won’t make the move until next year, and those following the story knew IMG had been looking for a new home—still, there was plenty of Web chatter about the announcement.
The Los Angeles Times’ Booth Moore raised an intriguing possibility for the West Coast fashion community in the paper’s “All the Rage” blog. When Moore talked to IMG Fashion Senior V.P. Fern Mallis about the move, Mallis floated the possibility that IMG may return to Los Angeles. (As you recall, IMG announced last fall it was no longer hosting its Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif.)
According to the blog, Mallis said, “The location and format were not inspiring everyone to take it to the next level. But when the right opportunity is there and the timing is right, we’ll be back.”
Since IMG’s departure, the local fashion community has been wondering about the future of L.A. Fashion Week. In March, BOXEight will return with a roster that will presumably include indie and edgy labels. Gen Art will also showcase up-and-comers at its New Garde event. And Macworld producer IDG World could still make a splash with its Reveal L.A. event at L.A. Live and the California Market Center in the Fall.
What do you think? Should MBFW return to L.A. or should we go it alone?
