Yet financially, fashion executives are bracing for a storm.

More than a dozen fashion executives declined to comment and many of those who did were not certain what the agreement meant.

"In this industry, it surrounds you," said a fashion executive.

Ms. Spindel, a former fashion executive, had long set up friends and acquaintances on dates.

He is nominated by friend Suzanne, a fashion executive.

Women, initially skeptical, seem to have widely adopted the style this year, fashion executives said.

For customers and fashion executives, SoHo is now a significant destination.

For fashion executives who worked late and went directly to the museum, it was a hard day's night.

Last week a fashion executive got a call from Ms. Churcher.

"It's a problem of personalities," said one fashion executive who has been following the partnership closely.