The September sultry hot weather of New York City carried through from the gorgeous summer where many were coming back from Europe or the Hamptons. People were not ready to get out of their beach wear and flowing skimpy summer garb. But the undeniable buzz of the Big Apple had ladies getting back into dramatic make-up and high heels to race around the city for NY Fashion week.
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
VICTOR dE SOUZA:
Victor De Souza runway show was staged at the Gansevoort Park Avenue ballroom. The excitement of seeing his Believe in dE Impossible show with cutting edge fashions for male and female and people who like to mix a little of both. Beautifully embroidered garments for both sexes floated down the runway. Unicorns, masked suits, embroidered kilts and billowing chiffon created the fantasy. The angel and vixen moment was personified by Amanda Lepore strutting in a wisp of chiffon and jeweled nipple covers and strappy bikini bottom, followed by a delicate blond in a dreamy red chiffon ball gown embroidered with a fanciful unicorn who closed the show. We gathered for the afterparty at the rooftop peppered with cross dressing guests. One stunner was decked in pumps who flashed muscular legs and topped the look with a blond mane and groomed mustache over cherry lips believing in dE Impossible.
DESIGUAL
Making my way to the Desigual show downtown at The Arc at Moynihan Station on the westside, the traffic was so packed bumper to bumper that I dashed in one minute before the show began to my front row seat. Fashion veteran, Deborah Hughes oversaw the fashion flurry and gave the signal for showtime! A parade of riotous color, pattern, fabric and textures ensued. It was a fresh juxtaposition of florals, stripes and color. The daring fierce look of tie dyed, crocheted with bare skin showing through was the order of the day. Dangling earrings, cool flat embellished shoes and embroidered bags accessorized the look. The cool and hip look made us want to head back to the beach and islands.
MALAN BRETON
From there I sauntered up the street to Malan Breton and his show, Sanxiantai, at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Inspired by a journey to Taiwan, brocade abounded for both women and men. The frothy fabric found manifestations topped by leather and slit up to the thigh. Printed chiffon dreamily swished down the runway. The beautifully tailored fringed jacket modeled by Frankie Grande, brother of Ariana Grande opened the show. The brocade, gold and fringed jackets flashed a sophisticated and masculine relaxed chill attitude. Gorgeous Conseulo Vanderbilt Costin glided in a metallic floral gown. Also on the catwalk was Mason Grammer, daughter of Kelsey Grammer. Malan took his bows on stage in an exquisite red brocade suit beaming at all his fans with NeNe Leakes in a sequined gown and dramatic cape. Dashing backstage to congratulate Consuelo and style guru, Montgomery Frazier, who co-produced and co-styled the show. We took an entourage photo with MTV legend, Downtown Julie Brown. We squeezed through the throng and made our way to the step and repeat where Malan was holding court with photographers, interviewer and well wishers and joined in for a photo and hug!
NICOLE MILLER
At the Skylight on Washington Street, NICOLE MILLER inspired by indigenous exotic patterns of Panama, she gave a stunning show that never disappoints. Flowing gowns with sheer chiffon and cut outs complimented the body’s curves and movements. The colorful graphic patterning and body skimming cuts gave a sensual air to the spring line. The embroidered and tiered details in a black and white gown, making it effortless to go looking stunning from beach to dinner party. Rushing backstage to congratulate Nicole, friends Janna and Zoe Bullock were there, and we raised our glasses of champagne to toast Nicole.
VIVIENNE TAM
Vivienne Tam drew from science and the stars in her NASA inspired runway show. She utilized the full spectrum of color in her Spring/Summer collection uniting earth and space and technology of Lenovo/Motorola. The show began with a broadcast message from International Space Station Mission Control followed by the models in metallic silver denim and techo-mesh designs sauntering in with the attitude of Space Cowboys. Houston rodeo inspiration was translated into ruffled fluid dresses offset by embellished denim jackets festooned with butterflies and NASA logos. In the front row with me were, Tracy Stern, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Margaret Luce, Laura Eastwood gave a standing ovation. Susan Shin who handled the PR, beaming from the excitement and assembling an A list crowd. The afterparty at Skylark was the perfect New York venue. Perched on the rooftop amid the skyscrapers we sipped wine on the terrace. Paola Bacchini pulled out her iphone and we took fun selfies and photos. Rose Billings, the photographer who gets everyone to smile for the camera, documented the glamorous guests. Everyone welcomed a luxurious setting to lounge after a day of fashion shows.
DENNIS BASSO
All the loyal fashionistas clamored to Dennis Basso, for his show at The Arc. Modern world voyager was his theme and everyone was coveting to own every piece. Flowing chiffon, suede cocktail dresses and pants, and unfussy exquisite details is made for the woman who goes effortlessly glamorous from one adventure to another. The minimal palette of dove gray, silver, champagne and camel and hints of black chiffon painted elegance to the maximum effect. From the standing ovation we rushed backstage to congratulate Dennis and Michael Cominotto glowed with pride. Celebrity and social photographer, Rob Rich was capturing pictures of the international celebrities and socialites grabbing a hug and kiss from Dennis. All making mental notes which dress from the Spring/Summer collection they are wearing to the next gala.
ZANG TOI
Elegance is always supreme at Zang Toi whose show at Pier 59 Studio was packed and people waiting in line for standing room. Jean Shafiroff, Chiu-ti Jansen and I posed in our seats while photographer, Eka Halim snapped pictures of Zang’s loyal clients, where I wore a classic Zang Toi red chiffon dress. A hush came over the crowd as the lights went down. Inspired by Monet’s gardens at Giverny, his wisteria patterned palette of violet and lavender streamed down the runway. Gorgeous black satin trench dress with violet wisteria lining was breathtakingly fresh, giving the classic shape an edge with cut and color. Zang’s architecturally topped the purple sheath dress with a jeweled collar transformed the look to a regal affair. Gowns flowing in lavender and purple with wisteria headpieces was romance with a capital R. Wisteria cascaded over the shoulders of beautifully tailored jackets and bodices of Loro Piana cashmere. Zang took his standing ovation walk with his model in purple and lavender hand embroidered gown floating down the runway like a Monet dream.
My dear friend, Lauren Day Roberts took me to Naeem Khan’s afterparty at another downtown club, Blond, along with Sheila Rosenblum who owns the first female racing syndicate of winning race horses. A cool fashion crowd assembled to sip tequila drinks to cap off another fabulous day of fashion. So here we are, three brunettes at Blond, celebrating the diverse fashion and creativity in New York!
