Olympus Fashion Week has kicked off yesterday in New York with Kenneth Cole, Perry Ellis and Tracy Reese showcasing their spring 2005 collections. Some 80 shows are slated to take place during one of the world’s most recognized fashion event which continues September 8 through 15. The likes of Carolina Herrera, Zac Pozen, Tommy Hilfiger and Vera Wang are set to present their creations.

Rainy weather was no obstacle to the fashion lovers, as fashion collection from Kenneth Cole gave the event its traditional kickstart. Cole offered spectators a more relaxed view of the 2005 spring fashion. Famous for his beige palette and leisurely fit the designer presented strapless dresses with flattering vertical panels for women and cotton canvas suits and white jeans for men. The show opened with the traditional video including excerpts from televised pop-culture events, such as Donald Trump’s NBC reality show The Apprentice and Janet Jackson’s notorious “wardrobe malfunction”. This year, the designer has used the video to encourage

The Fashion Week schedule includes today’s Hilfiger and Herrera shows, designer Vera Wang showcasing on September 10th , September 13th show by Donna Karan and will wrap up on September 15th with spring 2005 collection by Ralph Lauren.

The shows on Saturday, September 11th, will begin with one minute of silence, to commemorate the victims of terrorist attacks.