What's weird in NYC is most likely be accepted in Austin.

The other day we wrote an article about replacing tinted with correction lenses on the Chelsea glasses. (Let's say, many) People have been staring and even giggling and pointing at us in obvious intrusive ways (and we're talking SoHo!). Magically, those glasses seem to be very much welcomed in Austin, Texas. No one seemed 'amused' by either the rediculous size or the 'possible dorkiness' of the look. It is miraculous: since when Austin is a lot more 'progressive' or even open-minded than NYC, we wonder?

Could it just be that Austin is living up to its slogan 'Keep Austin Weird' and its expected hospitable Southernism while NYC is not necessarily about the acceptance of a dictated idea (that would include the weirdness) and more about proactive opinions and the obvious discrepancies between the cultured and the non? And above all, NYC is not at all linked to anything warm.

A pair of clear lens Chelsea glasses reflects more than the personality of the wearer.
It's neither to correct the vision of the wearer nor the society, doesn't matter what size it is. It's not only to create a balanced vision, but to fairly judge and compare different 'civilizations' and general regional aesthete and politics.
It is a tool of social measurement.

For a very long time, we've been planning to Lasik our poor eyes. Having been wearing correction glasses one after another since the third grade is just not at all fun and glamorous (not to mention those that were MiA). The last pair was a three-years worth of outlook disaster but we couldn't afford to look like million others out there and rather held on to that one-stem glasses for as long as we possibly could.

That period is officially over! We resoluted to a revolutionary way of 'creating' our own pair that's all about us: sharp, satirical, bold, creative, and everything fun, bubbly, and super cool. And it's as simple as replacing the tinted lenses on those bug-eyed oversized sunglasses (those big ones like the Oliver Peoples' Chelsea) with the clear correction lenses* (!)
And just to warn you in advance: you'll create tons of buzz (after all you are a trendsetter and you know those who don't get it aren't your crowd), but it's definitely worth the look!

* Please wear wisely and appropriately

POSH: Er, Karl... Karl, don't tell anyone, but... I'm having second thoughts.

KARL LAGERFELD: Thoughts are for the DULL, darling. BE AMAZING.

POSH: Fine, babes, but my problem is just that I don't think I should have worn this after all. I think I look a bit stupid, actually.

KARL: RIDICULOUS! You are a DIVINE dish served cold. I would eat you with caviar if I could and then polish my glove with the CRUMBS of your GLAMOUR.

POSH: See, David said this looks like a bad rug that the royal family rolled up and stuck in a closet in Windsor Castle. But my sister disagreed -- she thought this belonged in Camilla Parker-Bowles' nightie drawer.

KARL: David is a PRECOCIOUS flesh nugget INDEED. Dip him in mustard. HE IS A DELIGHT. But kill your sister.

POSH: Look, I just sort of feel like a 19th century prostitute, Karl. And I'm not sure it's the look I should be going for now.

KARL: It's like I told that delightful Lindsay Lohan -- "To look like a freak is to be ALIVE WITH FASHION, and also, WASH YOUR FACE IN CHAMPAGNE."

POSH: You're mad as pants, aren't you? You're more bonkers than a shed in a limousine.

KARL: I've grown tired of your complaining. You're just AFRAID TO BE FABULOUS. Now leave me unless your breasts make martinis.

----
Text: Heather | FUG

PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES (with or without panties):

* Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kickoff
Where: The Box, 189 Chrystie St., nr. Stanton St.
When: February 1, 9 p.m.
Who: Mena Suvari, Nick Cannon, and L.A. band Shiny Toy Guns.

* Vionnet launch
Where: Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., at 61st St.
When: February 2, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Who: Everyone. Victoria Bartlett, Gilles Bensimon, Phillip Lim, Olivia Chantecaille.

* Rock & Republic after-party
Where: Hiro Ballroom, the Maritime Hotel, 371 W. 16th St., at Ninth Ave.
When: February 2, 10 p.m.
Who: Mark Ronson, designer Mark Ball, and a gaggle of catwalkers. Lady Sovereign will perform at midnight.

* Marc Jacobs after-party
Where: Eugene 27. W. 24th. St., nr. Fifth Ave.
When: February 5, 9 p.m.
Who: The Olsens, Jessica Stam and every model worth looking at.

* Heatherette after-party
Where: Roseland Ballroom, 239 W. 52nd St., nr. Broadway
When: February 6, 10:30 p.m.
Who: Lydia Hearst, Tinsley Mortimer, Amanda Lepore, and Paris Hilton.

Reminder: Fashion Week 2007! Here's the general overview:

DATES
New York: February 2 - 9
London: February 12 - 16
Milan: February 17 - 24
Paris: February 25 - March 5
Los Angeles: TBA

GREAT COVERAGE
VOGUE

FAVE LOOKS
In Casa insider Alice Pringadi's New York Fashion Week Picks and Top Looks

WANT TO GET IN?
By invitation or be a volunteer.
How to be invited if you don't know anyone? hit fashion parties on Thursday (a day before the Fashion Week), network hard, and get invited by an insider.
How to apply as a volunteer? email Rhonda Erb at IMGNY_volunteers@imgworld.com

MISCELLANIOUS RESOURCES
- OLYMPUS/ MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK
- Cathy Horyn for The New York Times
- Craigslist, for example this
- Win NY Fashion Week Goodies
- Tyra, Giselle, Rosie, Vivica @ UNeQ Mag Launching/ Post Fashion Week 02.09
- NY Mag
- The Daily

SOME HOT SPOTS
Pre-Fashion Week: Spring St.'s Starbucks, SoHo
Fashion Week: at designated locations
Fashion Week Nights: Marquee, Bungalow 8, Rose Bar, SoHo Grand, Hudson, Maritime, Stereo, Plumm

COOLEST THING
(other than the soiree and the goodie bags)

Cotton Inc. VIP Cab Card: Cotton Cab complimentary taxis, all week in the city from the Tents.