The fabulous New York Fashion Week kicks off today, and for a fledgling designer, it's a costly venue in which to debut a collection, where according to USA Today, it can run upwards of $70,000 for a designer to show his wares.

With consumers now looking for the best value on pricey designer clothes, purses and shoes, is fashion week just a self-congratulatory pat on the back for the fashion community -- or is it great publicity for smart designers who can pony up the money to show?

Fashion Week organizers are tackling economic concerns by borrowing from Hollywood! There will be life-imitating-TV fashion moments; the label "Lorick" will show on "Gossip Girl" during Fashion Week -- Lorick's spring collection was used as the clothes Blair's mother Eleanor designs. Celebs will also rule the runways. Victoria Beckham, Christian Siriano and Justin Timberlake have all scheduled shows at what is still the most exciting and luxe event in American fashion... no matter what it costs!

Check out what's doing during Fashion Week here Fashionweekdaily.com.