Getty Images: Mike Coppola

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

Much to the delight or dismay of the fashion set, New York Fashion Week has become as much about the parties as about the looks on the runways.  This season saw no shortage of over-the-top, celeb-studded occasions in which to show off wearable works of art, while rubbing elbows with designers, celebrities, stylists, socialites and those who love a great time. Check out some of our picks for the best events during this season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and check back next week for more social coverage and for some of our favorite runway shows.

 The House of Mercedes-Benz 

From September 5-13, Lincoln Center was abuzz with an exciting line-up of over 100 renowned designers showcasing their spring 2014 collections, and Mercedes-Benz was  no exception, spotlighting an icon of its own – the all-new 2014 S-Class- which was the main attraction within the House of Mercedes-Benz fashion boutique in the main lobby of Lincoln Center.  There the worlds of fashion and automotive design merged as the vehicle’s attributes came to life in a unique retail environment providing guests with a complete sensory experience.  The boutique hosted an official private opening party on Thursday, September 5, with supermodel Sui He and fashion staples, Carine Roitfeld and Stephen Gan, two visionaries behind the 2014 Mercedes-Benz fashion key visual. 

Also tucked away as an oasis in Lincoln Center was the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge- one of the happiest places in all of New York (if not on earth).  Celebrities including: the Jonas Brothers, Brittany Snow, Heidi Klum, Nikki Taylor, and Ciara joined VIPs and Mercedes-Benz execs in a gorgeous, relaxing environment, where premium cocktails, gourmet bites and Champagne flowed endlessly. 

Dior and Saks Fifth Avenue Party 

On Friday, September 6, as an unofficial kick-off to New York Fashion Week, Dior, Saks Fifth Avenue and Jessica Biel hosted a party to celebrate the arrival of Dior’s Fall/Winter 2013 prêt-à- porter collection at the iconic New York department store. Dior took over the front windows of the Saks Fifth Avenue NYC flagship displaying a visual installation custom-made for the store. For the party, Dior – transformed the 3rd floor of Saks into a surrealist atmosphere inspired by the brand’s Fall/Winter 2013 runway show in Paris, filled with larger-than-life silver balls, to mimic the Paris show.  Guests enjoyed passed dinner and cocktails, served by stunning male models, as well as music by DJ Nick Cohen, who played old-school favorites that kept the crowd dancing the whole evening.  In addition to the event’s host Jessica Biel, Dior wardrobed Christa B. Allen, Joy Bryant, Ashley Madekwe, Jena Malone, Nora Zehetner, Hannah Bronfman, Maryna Linchuk, Sasha Luss, Shala Monroque, Hanneli Mustaparta, Harley Viera Newton, Hilary Rhoda, Alexandra Richards, Charlotte Sarkozy, Maria Sharapova, Daria Strokous, Atlanta De Cadenet Taylor, Anne V, and Alana Zimmer for the event.  Also spotted at the party:  Dylan McDermott, Rachel Zoe, Fern Mallis,  Derek Blasberg and Bill Cunningham.

Photo Credit: BFANYC

DKNY’s 25th Birthday Bash  

On Monday, September 9, the DKNY 25th birthday celebration was THE party of the night- a downtown dance party in New York City’s Financial District. Celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike packed the one-time JP Morgan building to honor the woman of the hour, Donna Karan, who was spotted mingling on the dance floor, grinning ear to ear while taking videos on her personal iPhone. Maintaining a low profile amongst the masses was actor Jared Leto, looking much healthier after gaining back a few pounds following his dramatic weight loss for the upcoming film, Dallas Buyers Club. 

Partygoers sipped Belvedere Vodka cocktails and took in a dynamic live performance by adorable British singer, Rita Ora. Bombshell rapper-model Iggy Azalea joined Rita on stage for a surprise performance of her hit “Work” – pulling members of the crowd on stage for a no-holds-barred dance-off alongside models Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls and actress Emmy Rossum.  

Next up on stage was the epic rollout of a four-foot, 200 pound birthday cake in the shape of a yellow cab. Karlie Kloss, Joan Smalls, Emmy Rossum and Rita Ora dug in with bare hands (who knew they actually eat C A R B S?) after R&B artist Melanie Fiona sang “Happy Birthday” to DKNY. 

Before the night’s end, the crowd went wild when rapper A$AP Rocky appeared on stage with the A$AP Mob, bringing the house down with a surprise set. Other guests in attendance included: Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, A$AP Ferg, and Chanel Iman.

Generation W Party 

Also on Monday, September 9, Belvedere Vodka sponsored W magazine’s Generation W Party downtown at the chic 20 Exchange hall. Stylish attendees mingled as they took in the dramatic editorial shots that were projected throughout the space. Leading ladies in fashion such as Crystal Renn, Lily Aldridge and Leigh Lezark chatted while Rachel Zoe reunited with her former assistant Brad Goreski.  Guests sipped on cocktails while enjoying a celestial themed projection along the top of the ceiling. Fashion dominated the night as “best dressed” celebrities such as singer Ciara; actress, Allison Williams and supermodel Karen Elson drew admiring stares in high fashion looks. Kanye West took a quick break from “daddy duty,” arriving toward the end of the party to support his friend, W‘s Stefano Tonchi.  Guests in attendance included: Allison Williams, Zachary Quinto, Irina Shayk, Michelle Dockery, Emily Weiss, Kelly Rutherford, George Kotsiopoulos, Rose McGowan, Kat Graham and Erin Fetherston.