NEW YORK — Young children have become the latest accessory at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and I can't understand why. Surely Kim Kardashian can afford a baby sitter so her aspiring designer husband can enjoy his night in the spotlight.
But that's not the way it works in our celebrity driven, reality TV-based world.
Taylor Swift was invited, too, West told André Leon Talley, but skipped the event.
Probably fashion week's most stellar celebrity front row showed up for the unveiling of Yeezy Season 1, a collection of apparel and footwear designed by Kanye West for adidas Originals. It included Beyoncé and Jay Z, Rihanna, Justin Bieber and the entire Kardashian clan — minus Bruce Jenner and including year-and-a half old North West. (Taylor Swift was invited, too, West told André Leon Talley, but skipped the event.)
The toddler did what toddlers do — she got bored and screamed loudly. Vogue magazine uber-editor Anna Wintour, seated next to Kim Kardashian and baby, did not look amused. But then it's always hard to tell what Wintour is really thinking behind those dark sunglasses and pursed lips.
At least Beyoncé and Jay Z had the good sense to keep their daughter, Blue Ivy, at home. (And Kardashian does get a few props for whisking the baby away backstage after she wouldn't quit her crying fit.)
Kayne West described the collection as the world’s first “solutions-based” clothing line, with interchangeable pieces that can be mixed and matched, "like Legos," to be worn from the gym to the office and everywhere in between. Presented over nude body stockings designed by artist Vanessa Beecroft, items include distressed military sweaters, oversized sweats and billowing shirts — all unisex styles — and for women, high-waist, knee-length knit skirts, floor-grazing cotton tube dresses and crop tops made from Adidas socks.
Footwear styles include woven low-top sneakers for men and suede stilettos and platform snow boots for women.
The reaction was harsh, as some on Twitter likened the looks to attire worn in the Hunger Games movies and one critic proclaimed it was West's "2015 version of 'The Emperor's new clothes.' "
Beyoncé got better reviews for her ensemble — an embroidered crop top and pencil skirt, wool mosaic color-blocked coat and oversized pink and red fur clutch bag that looks like a furry muff — all from the Harbison spring 2015 collection.
The celebrity front row included Beyonce, Kim Kardashian holding baby North West before the crying jag, and Vogue's Anna Wintour and Virginia Smith.
