Scene/Milieu
Deciding to be a little funkier, I wore a punk rock tank top, black skinny jeans and black patent PF Flyers. I topped it off my with my newly acquired lilac cotton/ knit Italian bomber jacket and square white Proenza Schouler sunglasses. Upon entering the lobby at MBFW, I was immediately asked for a picture by some photojournalists and by my friend Katie from Getty Images. A few feet further, a TV crew approached me for my opinion on the week’s festivities and fashion so far. Afterward, at my first show, I couldn’t help but wonder how I got here simply by enjoying dressing up. It certainly boggles the mind, but I loved every minute of it. Who wouldn’t?
Celebrity sightings/Who’s who?
Not much on the celebrity scene today, but I did wave at my pal Ramona from “Real Housewives of NYC.” What a wacky and animated gal she is.
Later, I interviewd actor and musician Steven Van Zandt, who goes by the stage name of “Little Steven.” My chat with him about the influence music has on fashion will appear next week.
Itinerary
Nanette Lepore’s Spring 2011 collection was as charming as could be expected from this thoughtful designer. She’s always been about giving women options on how they want to look. She was also on trend with hot colors such as coral, sand, plum and platinum. The use of white net and eyelet was another nod to what we should look to add to our wardrobe in the warm weather months. The shell embellished wrap dress, drawstring coat and shirt dress stood out as her signature pieces to me. Whimsical without being too precious is how I would
describe them. Musician John Forte, who actually composed music especially for Ms. Lepore’s runway show, accompanied the presentation with a live performance. Each of us in attendance was presented with a CD of his swinging and soulful style of music. Sassy, classy and totally feminine without being too girly is the apt description for another great collection from one of my favorite designers.
Adrienne Vittadini Design Director Kristina Salminen used nature as her main influence for the presentation of the line’s Spring 2011 collection of separates. With an emphasis on easy silhouettes and luxury fabrics, she captured the simplicity that is identified with this brand. Colors ranged from deep ocean blues to natural desert tones with some fiery oranges and groovy prints thrown in for good measure. Although it’s not setting the design world on fire, it still remains an iconic go-to brand for the woman of a certain age. I liked the jaunty menswear hats that were paired with many of the designs.
Gottex swimwear always puts on an amazing show, featuring curvier girls than we’re used to seeing most of 
the week. In the main theatee, desi
gn director Molly Grad showed us stunning ensembles that bore little resemblance to anything that I’ve seen on Bradford Beach. But that’s the point here. She states in the program: “The collection celebrates women. It’s a fusion of technology and Luxury, created to accentuate the female form. Fabrics have been especially developed, ranging from ruched Lycra to foiled metal Lycra. Materials used for ornamentation include Lucite, rock crystals, hammered titanium metals, and resin rock-like formations. Color played a key role in defining the silhouettes.” I was fascinated by the ’70s-looking visors a lot of the models wore. The hair was a throwback as well, teased high and then smoothed back away from the face. It was a high-tech glam fest and very fun to see. I loved the white swim pieces the best, which were wrapped around to create the illusion of full coverage. Pam Anderson might have a hard time with some of those bandage-like coverings, but all in all, it came off as somewhat inspiring.
Milly by Michelle Smith is a young, fresh luxury brand that oozes sophistication in a mod way. The Spring 2011 line also featured the debut of her handbag and jewelry collections. Inspired by New York socialite and fashion legend Peggy Guggenheim, who was know for her stylishly eccentric ensembles, this collection combined unexpected pairings of pattern, texture and color. I loved the bright and colorful looks, which were both chic and funky at the same time. The 
models each had on a sort of turban headband which came across as very modern to me. The vintage vibe continued with the proportion of the statement coats and fitted sheath dresses. The play between full skirts and smaller, tighter bodices, cropped jackets with long skirts and sometimes trousers emphasized the interplay even more. The bold geometry of the prints and the wild combinations were standouts. I loved the very cool sunglasses worn by a lot of the models. This is a line that I am very enthusiastic about because it celebrates the individual, not the clothing itself.
Must Haves
Coral, tomato, persimmon, anything in these tones will be HOT, HOT, HOT! Take my word for it.
Statement coats with 3/4 sleeves.
Bold prints to mix and match with other prints.
Neutral separates to wear monochromatically or as a background to pop a color or a print.
Ladylike handbags with handles, no more slouchy hobo.
Unique bangle bracelets in wood, Lucite or braided rope.
Braided rope or macramé sandals.
Swimsuits that leave a lot more to the imagination.
Drawstring coats, seen at many a collection.
Travelogue
When I set out for my interview with SVZ at his office, I realized how much I love the West Village. This is definitely where I would want to live if I had the opportunity. His office was located on Sixth Avenue 
in the teens, and just about everywhere around there is a sidewalk café of some kind. Famished, my pal Crystal and I had a beet salad, cheese plate and 1/2 bottle of Chardonnay at the French Roast. Nothing beats people watching and being watched from a table street side. Along with the parade of people, pooches and prams, you get the energy and vibrancy of this area of the city. Celebrity’s own brownstones on small side streets and classy boutiques like Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney are just a few blocks away in the Meatpacking District. The easiest way to access all the West Village has to offer is simply to walk downtown from Times Square along Broadway, which changes into Sixth avenue somewhere around 14th Street. You will not be sorry, the architecture and the sidewalk scene there is not to be missed.
