From February 11-18, 2010, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will celebrate its final season in Bryant Park, moving in September to its new home at Lincoln Center.

“Bryant Park became the beacon of what New York fashion stands for—an industry that’s fearless, tireless, and always moving forward,” said Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Gisele Bündchen said of her Bryant Park modeling experience: “I’ll always have fond memories of the Tents in Bryant Park, it was one of the earlier highlights of my career.”

Kevin Krier of Kevin Krier & Associates reminisced about his favorite Bryant Park experience: “Greatest supermodel opening ever: Todd Oldham with Christy, Linda, Naomi, Cindy, Amber, Shalom and Kate.”

To honor the occasion, memories will be shared in the now iconic Bryant Park Tents, which will be adorned with quotes from fashion industry insiders sharing their memories of how the event has impacted the world of fashion.

In September, the shows will take place for the first time at Lincoln Centers Damrosch Park, a move that puts the event squarely in its place as a cultural landmark, and that allows the event to adapt to a new century. Diane von Furstenberg said of the move, “Bryant Park became the heartbeat of fashion twice a year… we will miss it!”

Below are some excerpts of the memories, experiences and recollections from the Industry’s Finest to be included in the graphics for this season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and a first-look at The Daily’s Commemorative Issue.

Tim Gunn‘s suggestions on how to honor fashion’s holy site: “I propose that a plaque be mounted in the park as a legacy: ‘The Bryant Park Tents 1993-2010 branded New York as the indisputable Fashion Capital of the World.’”

And considering the recent snowy weather that has hit NYC, GQ’s Jim Moore statement on the move seemed very fitting: “Whether it’s raining or snowing or the most beautiful day in New York City, I always look forward to getting inside the Tents and settling into some good fashion.”

Angel Sanchez: “New York was my big Dream, Bryant Park my first challenge!”

Anna Sui: “We just rolled our racks over from our office like a big caravan… the simplicity of it will be missed.”

Betsey Johnson: “Bye bye to years of terrific Sixth Avenue tent tales… Hello hello to more fun shows at Lincoln Center.”

Hilary Rhoda: “My favorite memory was walking in my first Zac Posen show. It was also exciting as my family was there to watch me close the show!”

Joanna Coles, Marie Claire: “The cappuccinos, the tables, the sunlight, the models just hanging out… the fabulousity at Bryant Park is New York at its very best.”

Karolina Kurkova: “The Tents weren’t just a location, they were a place that symbolized fashion and community.”

Kelly Cutrone, People’s Revolution: “I remember walking into the Tents for the very first time, a dreamer and a stranger to this world.”

Lauren Hutton: “I began modeling in 1965 when there were only shows in Paris. When Bryant Park started, fashion became a world event. It was exhilarating.”

Michael Kors: “The Tents took New York fashion to another level—strength in numbers.”

Michelle Smith, Milly by Michelle Smith: “Nothing could match the thrill of my first runway show in 2004. I could not hold back the tears of joy when I walked out to take my bow and spotted my parents in the front row!”

Nina Garcia, Marie Claire: “Bryant Park put the term ‘The Tents’ on the map and gave them a whole new meaning—one of unparalleled glamour and prestige that will forever be an integral part of fashion history.”

Norma Kamali: “Style, fashion, and the Tents, now part of the folklore history of New York City.”

Phillip Lim: “I’ll never forget the first time I showed here… the energy, excitement and emotion underneath one roof was so immense. I was amazed that the Tents could contain it all.”

Rebecca Taylor: “Bryant Park is the heart of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. We have been showing our collection there for 13 seasons. I remember the very first time we showed at the Tents. We were beyond excited—there was this feeling of ‘having arrived.’”

Stefano Tonchi, T:The New York Times Style Magazine: “New York is the Democratic Capital of Fashion; everybody gets a chance to live the American Dream!”

Vanessa Williams: “New location, same excitement! Only in New York!”

Vivienne Tam: “The first season at Bryant Park was my first fashion show and the most memorable moment of my career.”