By Maria Esteves - March 10, 2010

The snowy winter conditions, news of designer Alexander McQueen's death and recent Haiti's earthquake set the tone at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York Fall/Winter 2010 (MBFW/FW10) which celebrated its final season in the iconic Bryant Park Tents, February 11-18, 2010. Produced by IMG Fashion, this season included over 80 outstanding shows in the Tents hosted by designers from all over the world such as Custo Barcelona, Perry Ellis, Diane von Furstenberg, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Academy of Art University and many others. Over 30 magnificent off-site runway shows and presentations by independent designers ran concurrently during New York Fashion such as NCL Couture, Loris Diran, Norma Kamali, C. Marchuska, George McCracken, Rebecca Moses, Irina Shabayevh along with Japan Fashion Week and many others. Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits celebrated its yearlong 75th anniversary as the official sponsor of champagne and wine at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The fall/winter 2010 colors for men and women are bright colors from purple orchid, chocolate truffle, woodbine, oyster gray, lipstick red, golden glow, endive and liberty blue. The fall/winter 2010 collection included floral, metallic ruffle tops and sweater coats with the essence of a metamorphosis by Diane von Furstenberg; classic gowns and dresses with sheer elegance by Carolina Herrera; urban designs captivating folklore, Georgian and Armenian culture by Alexandre Herchcovitch; glamorous yet casual designs by Marc Jacobs; wool pea coats, velvet evening jacket and goat skin trench coats by Perry Ellis; and buckled paper bag waist trousers, knit turtleneck sweaters and cropped mohair pea coats by Tommy Hilfiger gave the classic American preppy collection a new look. 

MBFW/FW10 Opening Night Runway show "The Heart Truth'sannual Red Dress Behind the Seams Collection 2010," presented by Diet Coke commenced Thursday, February 11, 7:00 pm, in the Tent at Bryant Park. The show benefited the foundation for the National Institutes of Health in support of
women's heart health education and research. The celebrity models who walked the runway included The celebrity models who walked the runway included Paula Abdul, Amanda Beard, Joan Collins, Estelle, Bethenny Frankel, Nelly Furtado, Kim Kardashian, Marcia Gay Harden, Valerie Harper, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Felicity Huffman, Regina King, Heidi Klum, Kimora Lee, Susan Lucci, Camryn Manheim, Stephanie March, Dania Ramirez, Robin Roberts, Cybill Sheperd, Brittany Snow, Raven Symoné, Olympic Champion Figure Skater Kristi Yamaguchi and many others.

"Naomi Campbell's Fashion For Relief - Haiti NYC 2010," runway show in the Tent at Bryant Park paid tribute to her friend the late designer Alexander McQueen, on Friday, February 12, 7:00 pm. Sponsored by American Express with guest speakers Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Fran Lebowitz. Famous fashion designers contributed to the show. All proceeds went towards the CARE organization Haiti relief fund.  The celebrity models who walked the runway included Malin Ackerman, Chris Brown, Georgina Chapman, Alan Cumming, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Daphne Guinness, Cheyenne Jackson, David LaChappelle, Kelly Osbourne, Olivia Palermo and many others. Naomi Campbell walked the runway three times and joined other models wearing designs by Alexander McQueen.

MBFW/FW10 Final Runway show by famous American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger officially closed the legendary Tent at Bryant Park, Thursday, February 18, 8:00 pm. The outstanding event was most captivating and sentimental in the history of fashion. MBFW in New York twice a year collection preview runway shows new location will be in the cultural landmark of Damrosch Park, at Lincoln Center, in September 2010.

MBFW/FW10, under the tents at Bryant Park,
senior vice president Fern Mallis, IMG Fashion.

MBFW/FW10 under the tents at Bryant Park,
managing director Peter Levy, IMG Fashion.

MBFW/FW10 under the tents at Bryant Park,
wine consultant, and television host, Leslie
Sbrocco.

MBFW/FW10 backstage in the Tent at Bryant Park,
creative director John Crocco, PERRY ELLIS.

MBFW/FW10 backstage in the Tent at Bryant
Park, designer Alexandre Herchcovitch.

MBFW/FW10 backstage in the Tent at Bryant Park,
Academy of Art University designer Bethany Meuleners.

MBFW/FW10 backstage in the Tent at Bryant Park, designer
Carolina Herrera, right, with American socialite Lee Radziwill
(sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis).

MBFW/FW10 backstage in the Tent at Bryant Park,
designer Carolina Herrera with her husband
Reinaldo Herrera.

MBFW/FW10 backstage in the Tent at Bryant Park, designer
Tommy Hilfiger with senior vice president Fern Mallis, IMG Fashion.

MBFW/FW10 backstage in the Tent at Bryant Park, Dalia and Larry Leeds
with designer Tommy Hilfiger.

MBFW/FW10 backstage W Arrivals Lounge in the Tent at Bryant Park,
CEO Patrick Moxey, left, with artist Dan Black, Ultra Records.

MBFW/FW10 backstage W Arrivals Lounge in the Tent at Bryant
Park, Richie Rich AMUSE Fall/Winter 2010, left, with Alex Lux.