1. Scene/Milieu
Today was bright and clear, which lent a new energy and magical air to the goings on in Bryant Park. After my first shows, I decided to take a break and do a little shopping at my faves in NYC. At Daffy’s, a discount retailer (ala T.J. Maxx), in Herald Square, I scored a Patrizia Pepe, Italian-knit, lightweight cardigan in techno purple for $30 and some awesome metallic plaid PF Flyers in black and pink for $23. On I headed to the garment district for a small showing in a space on the 16th floor of a professional building. After, I decided to walk the two miles or so to my last presentation at the Bowery Hotel Terrace. But as is my way, I stopped in at Loehmann’s on 17th and 7th avenues. I scored some Marc Jacobs pinstriped, gray, wool skinny pants, originally $720 for $63! Unbelievable. Later, after my last gig, because I was in the nabe, I went to the new John Varvatos Boutique at the very site of the old CBGB’s nightclub! Decorated with concert posters, it brought back memories of seeing Rufus Wainwright in concert and almost getting burned by Kirstie Alley’s cigarette while she was flailing her arms in front of me 12 or so years ago. Ah, the good old days. I ended the evening at DBGB’s, a cool, upscale hamburger joint next door.
2. Celebrity Sightings / Who’s Who?
It was a slow day in the tents for famous people sightings. People must be having work done or something. Just the usual, pardon my expression, “fame hogs,” who dress outrageously just to get their picture taken like the paintball guy and his lady friend. Oh well, there are still three more days left. I got up close and personal with MTV personality Alexa Chung’s collection for Madewell 1937. Although she wasn’t in sight, I did get to meet and greet Season 4 “Project Runway” winner Christian Siriano!
3. Itinerary
Home Shopping Network debuted its designer lines with a breakfast presentation at the Viceroy Diner in 
Chelsea. Badgley Mischka’s American Glamour line looks lovely as well as new shoe designs from Sam Edelman of Sam & Libby fame, which looked remarkably upscale. Jewelry lines from Iman and Molly Sims were fabulous, too.
Carlos Miele – Utilizing usually wasted remnant pieces, his sleek dresses and bright, abstract non-patchworky color combinations created winners with some of his pieces. Others were more pedestrian with black lace over nude fabric that has been seen time and again.
Yeohlee – Presented a collection off-site that wowed the crowd with hand-knit separates and parachute-like peplum jackets and dresses. Oversized scarves and funky hats completed the looks. Models walked the runway to the sounds of a woman playing the saw! (See video.)
Alexa Chung for Madewell 1937 – Salable commercial separates of short shorts, skirts, blouses, sweet denims and feminine but not fussy dresses for day. Plus, the party was outstanding!
4. Must Haves
Funky, knit hats.
Oversized cowls and humungous hand-knit scarves. TREND ALERT!
Brown menswear leather belts with skirts and dresses.
Cropped jackets. TREND ALERT!
Black-and-white prints done in subtle tones. TREND ALERT!
Socks worn with booties and shoes alike for daytime.
