After 18 years in Bryant Park, New York Fashion Week has a new home: Beginning this Thursday, the Spring 2011 collections will be held in Damrosch Park at the historical Lincoln Center.

Before you get nostalgic for Bryant Park, take a look at all the improvements that come with the venue switch. Logistically, Lincoln Center simply has more room: 87,000 square feet compared to Bryant Park's 70,000, allowing for more more guests and expanded runways. Surrounding theatres will allow for additional fashion presentations. In addition to the three runways usually present at Fashion Week, a fourth venue has been added for designer presentations, panels, and press conferences.

The venue change also allows for spruced-up runways. Modular designer spaces "support advanced production capabilities," according to an event press release, which I can only hope means more theatricality during the shows. Enhanced lighting and digital design resources will allow for multimedia displays, and a new "gracious lobby" will be larger with a more modern decor. Lincoln Center also offers a much wider variety of food options, more open sitting areas, and easier access to public transportation.

One of the biggest changes beyond the new venue is the move towards paperless ticketing. Over 80% of participating designers have signed up to use the new Fashion GPS system. Invitations will be emailed to press, buyers, and stylists which will allow them to RSVP online. Upon arrival at the event, they can scan their confirmation code right off their smartphone, get their seating assignments, and head directly into the tent. Not only is this designed to be more green, it will save time and aggravation by eliminating long registration lines and even longer lines to get into the tents.

Size upgrades, tech upgrades and green upgrades are all at the forefront of New York Fashion Week's move to the Lincoln Center. Fashion Week is one of the biggest revenue-generating events in New York, so it only makes sense to make it accessible to even more people. And with all these major upgrades, venue costs for designers will remain the same as in previous seasons. Lincoln Center, you are Character Approved!

[Image Credit: LincolnCenter.org]
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