1. Scene/Milieu
The next to the last day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and I feel both sad and glad that it’s almost over. It has been pretty nonstop since I touched down at LaGuardia. I spoke to Fern Mallis, head of IMG and the ringleader of the event, about the future at Lincoln Center. There will still be some tents in a park on the grounds as well as many venues to show in the building itself. Many people, designers especially, feel this validates fashion design as an art form. I couldn’t agree more. The way we dress should be a creative representation. Anyway, it stopped snowing and is just overcast and gray with a little sun peeking through the clouds now and then. You can tell that everyone is a little weary and bleary from the late nights and early mornings, myself included. I welcomed a lighter schedule with two shows in the tents and two off-site today.
2. Celebrity sightings/Who’s who?
Kelly Osborne and Robert Verdi at Nanette Lepore. Kelly looked stunning and slim in her bright ensemble with matching gloves. Retro glam suits her new “Marilyn” hairdo and perky persona. (See video.) At Milly by Michelle Smith, Elisabeth Hasselbeck of “The View” shared
the front row with celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and actress Julia Stiles. Later at Malan Breton, of “Project Runway” season three fame or infamy as it were (Remember the hideous brown log-like dress? He has since moved on and has been reviewed well by the fashion press.), I shared the front row with Constantine Maroulis from “American Idol” and Broadway’s “Rock of Ages.” (He sweetly asked me to plug the show.) Singing for the finale was Anoop Desai from season eight of “American Idol.” (See finale video.)
3. Itinerary
Nanette Lepore – Luxurious velvets, beaded tops and metallic accessories mingled with tweeds in this lovely collection. Versatile separates in hues of olive, copper, caramel and cerise, wowed the crowd of adoring fans, ending with bias-cut velvet gowns reminiscent of Jean Harlow. I LOVE Nanette!
EMU – Another Australian Ugg-esque boot, but these are a lot more fun and fashionable with details like buckles, belts and knit leggings built in. At least the models weren’t wearing them with sundresses and shorts! Perfect for the outdoorsman or woman.
Milly by Michelle Smith – A sort of traditional palette of navy, cream and red was brightened by jolts of Kelly green and Robin egg blue. Totally wearable and fun when paired with sweet berets. The taupe cocktail dresses were lovely. Once again, we saw turtlenecks under strapless dresses, a play on the pinafore, but it seems like a new trend, take my word for it.
Malan Breton – Inspired by a love of Indian culture, dupioni silk became well-tailored suits for men and pretty frocks for the ladies. Throw in a few corsets and minis, and you had an out-there collection. Hit and miss, but you can’t deny that he’s a good showman. (Drop crotch pants for men? See video.)
4. Must Haves
Bright accessories, like tights, gloves and scarves in blue, red and Kelly green. TREND ALERT!
Ethnic-inspired designs.
Berets.
Metallic shearling coats.
Subtle beading on tops and dresses.
Round medallion necklaces.
Sheer feminine tops with sleek skirts.
Panne velvet dresses, tops and scarves.
Fur. (Don’t tell PETA!)
Bias-cut eveningwear.
Capes and capelets in knits and woven textiles, long or short they are a definite TREND ALERT!
Silk and velvet suits for men.
