by Jasmin Malik Chua
Cab it to New York Fashion Week? How gauche. The only way to roll is on two wheels. No need to tune-up your Schwinn for the long haul, however—you can borrow one of 30 bespoke bicycles customized by fashion’s finest, including Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore, Prabal Gurung, Elie Tahari, and Isaac Mizrahi, courtesy of the Fashion Center Business Improvement District. Hand-built in New York City by Bowery Bicycles, each spiffed-up cruiser gaily reflects the personality of its modder: a rice-paper parasol and rear doggy basket for Lela Rose, an explosion of pink roses for Betsey Johnson, splatters of graffiti for Carlos Falchi. Hit pedal to the asphalt with an exclusive look at Tour de Fashion’s hautest wheels.
TOUR DE FASHION
“During Fashion Week, all eyes are on New York City, and there is no more appropriate occasion to highlight the wealth of talent and history we have right here in this neighborhood,” says Barbara Randall, president of the Fashion Center BID. “Tour de Fashion is a spectacular and innovative celebration of the Fashion District as the home of American fashion.”
The haute rides are free to borrow for one hour, but fail to return the wheels and you’ll be slapped with a $1,000 fine.
The haute rides will be available at designated stations in the Fashion District and Meatpacking District. They’re free to borrow for one hour—you just need to surrender a valid credit card and driver’s license as collateral. Fail to return the wheels and you’ll be charged a cool grand.
As soon as the hullaballoo dies down, the bikes will go on auction, with proceeds going to the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Fashion Incubator, which helps launch emerging talent.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, September 8 –Thursday, September 15
Weekdays 10 a.m.–6p.m.
Weekends 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
POSSIBLE ROUTES
Station 1: The Fashion District (Broadway and 40th St.)
Station 2: The Meatpacking District (9th Avenue and 14th St.)
(Source: www.ecouterre.com )