For the past few seasons, one of the best things that could happen to a young New York fashion designer has been getting a call from Bumble and Bumble. Yigal Azrouël, Alexander Wang, José Ramõn Réyes, Rebecca Taylor and Thakoon have all staged runway shows at the salon's multi-level Meatpacking District location, known as House of Bumble. The eighth floor, where the shows take place, has the requisite high ceilings, large windows and raw feel. And best of all, it is offered to lucky designers free of charge.
But designers shouldn't get too cozy with the gratis deal. Starting with the next round of shows, Bumble will begin capping the number of times most designers can show at the space at two. The company's president, Peter Lichtenthal, says the policy is meant to ensure a continuous rotation of new talent. So this February, designers Jeremy Laing and Ohne Titel (who have both shown at the space once), will send their collections down Bumble's runway for what will probably be the last time.
Photo by Giovanni Giannoni
