sidewalk catwalk

‘Sidewalk Catwalk’ Slideshow: 32 Big-name Designers Turn Mannequins Into Art

Today saw the unveiling of Sidewalk Catwalk, a designer-centric public-art installation put together by the Fashion Center Business Improvement District. Thirty-two designers — including Michael Kors, Donna Karan, and Isabel Toledo — were handed one fiberglass mannequin each and instructed to fashion it as they saw fit. Fashion Center president Barbara Randall, who was on hand this morning at Herald Square to present the creations, said she saw the project as an opportunity “for the designers to present themselves artistically rather than commercially.” Some creatives took the advice to heart (Prabal Gurung turned his mannequin into an Alexander McQueen tribute); others — like Rebecca Taylor — put together the kind of garments that inspire RTW envy. The mannequins will be on display in the Garment District through September 3; after that, they’ll be auctioned off and proceeds will benefit Materials for the Arts. Click ahead to see a slideshow of all 32 magnificent creations.

‘Sidewalk Catwalk’ Slideshow: 32 Big-name Designers Turn Mannequins Into Art