While last year's fall Calvin Klein collection (shown) was invite-only, this year it's streaming live online.

We love New York City’s Fashion Week, when we spot other stylistas rushing from show to show, many in precariously high heels. But the shows are fraught with other dangers as well — arriving in the same dress, being splashed by chocolate fountains and becoming ensnared by a purse strap in a carefully constructed show set. (Only the latter has happened to us so far.)

So we’re pleased to report that an increasing number of designers are streaming their shows live on the Internet, giving access to what previously was only for the eyes of invitation-holders.

Ports 1961 kicked off Fashion Week with its streaming show Feb. 11, followed by  SHOWstudio.com‘s much-anticipated Alexander Wang show on Feb. 13. On Feb. 14, we caught the Calvin Klein men’s 2010 collection, viewable on the company’s website and Facebook page. (You don’t need a Facebook account to view the site, and you can leave comments.) Lacoste also used Facebook to stream its show Feb. 13.

Marc Jacobs will stream his show tonight at 8 pm EST, while company president Robert Duffy offers fans insight via his new Twitter account. “I want you to tweet me during the show,” he posted. “I’ll sit out front so you can see my reaction to your tweets. I’m the one with the gray hair.” Another of our favorites: “I’ll still be up at 1:00. Tweet me. I’ll be drunk. I hear you get the best stuff when someone is drunk. So tweet away. Let’s see what I say.”

Other upcoming streams include the Rodarte show Feb. 16 at noon and Calvin Klein’s women’s collection at 3 pm EST on Feb. 18. Will you be tuning in? Tell us if you applaud the trend toward streaming Fashion Week shows online, or if you think the shows should maintain their exclusivity.

Photo credit: Patrick McMullan

Tags: Alexander Wang, Blog hosting services, Calvin Klein, Facebook, Facebook Inc, Human Interest, Marc Jacobs, New York City, Online social networking, Patrick McMullan, president, Robert Duffy, SHOWstudio.com, social media, Tweet, Twitter, Twitter Inc., Web 2.0, World Wide Web