Is Men’s Fashion Week Coming To New York?

London. Milan. Paris. New York? The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is looking at adding NYC to the men's fashion week circuit.

“We have a lot of boxes we can check off as of now,” Steven Kolb, the CFDA's chief executive officer, told WWD. “We have enough designers who could be a collective of talent in both emerging and established that would make a strong statement for American designers. The Mayor, New York City and the New York City Economic Development Corp. are very supportive of our work around all the collections. And we have enough venues and locations around the city to hold it.”

Currently, many major American menswear designers present their collections abroad: Calvin Klein has become one of the most buzzed about shows in Milan, while labels like Thom Browne and Kenzo hold their presentations in Paris. Others, including Tommy Hilfiger and Marc by Marc Jacobs, integrate menswear pieces into the women's shows at New York Fashion Week.

Of course, nothing comes easy, and while Kolb highlights that there is strong interest and support, there are still many obstacles to tackle before New York is added to the men's fashion week calendar. Partnerships (he cites London Collections: Men's relationship with British GQ as a successful example), timing (the week would need to take place in July, when buyers are placing orders), and funding (according to the piece, "the CFDA [has] been 'actively engaged' in the last 18 months in securing sponsorship") would all need to be established.

Regardless of the hurdles, having a central hub for American designers to show their latest men's designs would be a major feat for the CFDA. “People have admired the tradition of American sportswear for years as it’s an important and vital part of the men’s wear fashion landscape,” Bruce Pask, men’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman, said.

Support for locally grown designers and a sea of male models flocking to New York? Let's just say we don't hate the idea. (WWD)