Jenné Lombardo Hosts Fashion Next At Lilium At W Union Square

W Hotels Global Fashion Director Jenné Lombardo kicked off fashion week last night with Fashion Next at Lilium at the W Union Square. Fashion Next, which features up-and-coming designers, is currently in its fourth season. The 2012 designers included Bibhu Mohapatra, Nomia, and Rochabeau, who also participated in the event last year, as well as newcomers Haus Alkire and Suzanne Rae. W’s Director of Cocktail Culture Joseph Boroski created fashion-themed cocktails including the “Breath Mint,” a rum, mint leaves, and lime drink that was served in a small spray bottle for guests to spritz directly into their mouths.

[Photo: Chelsea Leyland DJing]

Athena Calderone, Ben Watts, Waris Ahluwalia, Julie Haus, Jason Alkire, Mazdack Rassi, Keith Baptista, Peter Levy, Yara Flinn, Joshua Cooper, and Laurence Chandler were among those who came out to support the designers last night. The W Hotel will also host four of the new designers’ presentations in the Box venue during Fashion Week.

[Tenzin Wild, Mazdack Rassi, Waris Ahluwalia]

[Athena Calderone, Chelsea Leyland]

[Carlos Becil, Suzanne Rae]

[Jason Alkire, Julie Haus]

[Ben Watts, Jenne Lombardo]

[All photos via BFA]