(Cover) - EN Fashion - New York Fashion Week was officially opened by Diane von Furstenberg and the citys mayor last night.

The first shows at the Spring/Summer 2011 event start this morning local time at the Lincoln Center. Fashion designer Diane and New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg opened the event yesterday, renaming the citys number one subway route the Fashion Line in honour of the occasion.

This is the first time fashion week will be held at its new venue in Damrosch Park within the Lincoln Center complex, after years at Bryant Park, near Times Square.

"Starting tomorrow, one of the worlds most eye-catching events comes to one of the worlds greatest cultural institutions, as we kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center," Bloomberg said.

"For years, the famed fashion tents have drawn people from all over the world to New York City, and the buzz is even greater this year with it debuting at its new home at Lincoln Center.

"Lincoln Center is an ideal location for the semi-annual events, with more outdoor space than was available at Bryant Park and terrific transit access, including the Number One subway line, or as it will be called this week: The Fashion Line.

Diane is the president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and will show her new collection during the event on Sunday.

New York Fashion Week runs from today until September 16. It will be followed by London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks. (C) Cover Media