Michael Bloomberg wants the fashion people out of Bryant Park, but he's not ready to give them the boot just yet. The billionaire mayor, who's been gunning to relocate the twice-annual New York Fashion Week to make room for an expanded skating rink and more corporate events, just issued the event's organizers a temporary reprieve.
"While it is clear that due to its success, Fashion Week has outgrown the facilities available at Bryant Park ... we have determined that the search for a suitable home will require further analysis and planning," reads the proclamation, which also includes a bit of ego-stroking about how much money the shows bring to the city ($177 million) and how many jobs the rag trade generates (150,000).
The statement concludes, "The City will continue to work with IMG and the fashion industry to locate a permanent home for Fashion Week." Translation: You don't have to go to Lincoln Center, but you can't stay here.