A New York Fashion Week

IT's been a long time coming but finally, a relatively firmed-up version of the New York Fashion Week schedule has arrived - and it was worth the wait.

The fashion action will kick off a day before a collection even hits the catwalk with a gala event at Saks Fifth Avenue on the evening of September 4, in anticipation of the 70th anniversary of the The Wizard of Oz in 2009; but that'll prove no excuse for a late start the following morning, as designer Michael Angel gets things started show-wise at 9am.

"We couldn't be more enthusiastic about the fantastic schedule we have planned for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this season," says IMG fashion senior vice president Fern Mallis. "Once again we are showcasing both the most well-known and up and coming designers in the world."

Over eight days, count Calvin Klein, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors, Perry Ellis and Badgley Mischka among the list.

Add into the mix DKNY showing in the tents for the first time since 2002 to commemorate its upcoming 20-year anniversary and a confirmed front row appearance by Justin Timberlake at the catwalk outing of his label William Rast - and that's just for starters - and next season is already looking pretty spectacular.

TO VIEW THE SCHEDULE:

(see LONDON & PARIS schedules)
Click on the link below to go through to the VOGUE.COM calendar
Click the "shows" tab, click the right arrow to go through to the September page
SEE THE VOGUE.COM CALENDAR HERE