You are the keeper of the flame in fashion history. Has there ever been a storm like
this before?
"Yes, we’ve had many storms and many different horrible weather advisories through
the years. I think the worst, in comparison, was Hurricane Floyd. Women’s Wear Daily
actually ran an article that said Will Floyd Flatten Fern’s Tents? at Bryant Park.
The winds and the hurricane – people were sitting in the tents during the day. There was
a pole tent we had at that time in the park and you could see the whole thing moving. People
were terrified, but we said, 'It’s supposed to move in the wind — that’s how tents are
designed!' That was the season (spring '00) Alexander McQueen showed in New York, on a pier jutting
out in the Hudson River, at night. We wound up canceling our shows after 10 o’clock in
the morning because it was just too dangerous."
Did he show?
"He went on with his show at the Pier. People were terrified because there was water
everywhere, plus he had water in the show and people doing all sorts of acrobatics. I didn’t
go because we canceled all our shows and I couldn't be showing up at somebody else’s
show. People thought the tents would wind up in Philadelphia."
So, we really have nothing to worry about compared to Floyd?
"No, I don’t think we do. You know, it’s going to be a mess and it’s going to be
uncomfortable. I think people are more worried about what shoes they’re wearing and
how they’re going to get through it, or if there’s enough taxis. It’s bad with people flying
in and they can’t get in. There’s a lot of European and foreign press who are missing out, which is a shame. So, on the bright side, there may be more front row seats for people."
Photo: Erik Pendzich/Rex USA