Runway to Future Rocks at Times Square

I saw the future of fashion in “the fashion capital of the world”--so says Mayor Rudolph Giuliani--and I’ve got the 411 on fantasy millennium dressing: white and tight. Hold the black.

Times Square was closed Monday night for the mega-event dubbed the “NYC 2000 Fashion Show.” At the very spot where Dick Clark drops the giant disco ball every New Year’s Eve, there was an elevated runway. Models emerged from what looked like a futuristic ship with huge white sails that had docked under the Times Square giant television screen.

With spotlights mounted on skyscrapers and rock music blaring, the show was simultaneously broadcast on the screen so the crowd of thousands below could view the show.

Nearly 90 one-of-a-kind outfits were designed for the show, which was hosted by supermodel Vendela. It wasn’t all about New York; L.A. was represented by the designs of Richard Tyler, Mark Eisen and BCBG Max Azria.

Making appearances with the mayor were actor Ron Silver and real estate magnate Donald Trump, whose daughter Ivanka modeled in the show. In the audience were designers Shoshanna Lonstein, former flame of Jerry Seinfeld, Cynthia Rowley, Diane Von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera and Thierry Mugler.

“Welcome to the crossroads of the world,” Giuliani told fashion fans in the bleachers, as well as thousands of tourists and New Yorkers at the free event.

In welcoming the crowd, Giuliani said fashion is a $19-billion signature industry for New York. He then joked that in the “middle of the show I’m going to appear in a dress,” referring to his donning of women’s clothes at past charity and civic events.

Of course, the mayor broke his promise. But models strolled the runway in mostly white and tightly fitted creations laden with sequins or made of shiny, plastic or Mylar-type fabrics.

Vivienne Tam, Kevan Hall for Halston and Vera Wang favored silver floor-length creations.

Valentino broke the color mold with a bright red ball gown. Ditto for Gianfranco Ferre. Tommy Hilfiger also saw red in his future with red tartan-plaid pants for guys, skirts for women. Mugler presented a tight, plastic-like flesh-colored see-through sheath.

Marc Bouwer designed a gray dominatrix-type, rubber-looking gown slit up the front to reveal matching thigh-high boots. And Daryl K--perhaps the most futuristic of all--did a “Star Wars” turn with scrunched trousers and a dark bubble-coat that looked like garbage bags had been sewn together. Bustiers, pantaloons, see-through shirts for men and women and leather pants rounded out the show.

Actress Kristen Johnson modeled Randolph Duke’s beaded, white illusion gown with a sharkskin parka, and actress Lynn Whitfield was in an Anand Jon white sports bra top with a white chiffon, sequin-splashed ball gown skirt. Lauren Hutton drew applause in one of the few black ensembles: a velvet Armani pantsuit with lime-green sandals. The clothes shown at the show will be auctioned. Proceeds will go to charities benefiting New York City public schools.

Seeing how New York has its fashion act so together, why doesn’t L.A.? We’ve got award-winning designers and a vibrant ready-to-wear, sportswear and junior garment industry. L.A. is all about lifestyle fashion. Maybe Mayor Riordan could take a few design cues from Giuliani, but he can skip wearing a dress.

E-mail Michael Quintanilla at socalliving@latimes.com.