As I ponder the opening weekend of Fashion Week, I can’t help but wonder how anyone survives! Such is the hoopla of and frenzied pace of the parties and the fashion people, seeing shows, and being seen, seeing shows! For the rest of us, we are observers of the most voyeuristic and fabulous kind. The following article is just a sampling of what I did during my few days in NYC.
Brooke and company looked photo op perfect in their sartorial splendor, all the while teetering on Christian Laboutin 5 inch heels! Work it girls!
Next up was an afternoon showing of BCBG Max Azria in the largest tent that seats around 1350 or so. I lucked out with second row seats with no one in front of me! Just to the right of me in the front row was none other that Nina Garcia from Elle magazine, and Project Runway fame. She seemed playful and nice to others around her. The show was elegant and sexy, yet subdued and classy. On one of the runs a model bit the dust, but managed to return for the finale in time to cheer on Mr. Azria himself. Sophia bush was in attendance even though I have never seen whatever show she is on; she is definitely a beautiful girl.
Back out to the lobby tent where I spied Nigel Barker, from America’s Next Top Model fame, which was kind enough to pose for me. Also seen were NY fashion mavens Lauren Esterhauzy who has a cable show there, and Patrick MacDonald who has crazy drawn on eyebrows! He’s always at the shows.
Tyson Beckford of Bravo’s Make Me a Supermodel, was crabby, and telling people to #$%@ off when they asked for a photo op. I found these unattractive actions, for such an attractive man. Where was Nikki Taylor?
Had an espresso at the M.A.C. Trendspot booth, chatted with Lesley who just happened to be a model on season 2 of Project Runway ( nerdy Diana’s model), who gave me some insight on the reality of that reality show. According to her the drama is manufactured by food deprivation, and replacing water with beer instead! With hungry models, and sassy designers doing take after take of their unscripted outbursts, one has to wonder how real the sewing is. She assured me that part is real. With that information filed away, I decided to go back to the hotel to rest before tonight’s mysterious Project Runway Designer show in Chelsea.
Rested up, I got a quick bite to eat on Union Square, and ventured down to West 18th street for the show. It was abuzz with genuine anticipation, and very little star power. The lights went down and the show began, tailored menswear inspired, separates started the show, with charming little dresses to follow, and, taking a bow at the end was SURPRISE Victorya Hong who had been eliminated a few weeks ago. I wondered aloud who footed the bill for her show, but it was well done, except for a few neon embellishments, green no less!, it was a tasteful lot. Out on the street I cornered Jay and asked him what he thought, his exact words were “wearable”, and “clean”. Then his companion, a very sweet Asian gal, took our picture! He couldn’t have been nicer. (FYI the Project Runway Finale will be shot on Friday February 8th in the Promenade tent at 9 am.) On that note I went to Beauty Bar to meet up with ex Milwaukeean’s, MKE’s Christine Taylor, and The Shepherd’s James Kloiber. We had a few drinks while listening to my best friend Crystal Gerard of Bumble & Bumble spin 60’s psychedelic, and garage. Then I was off to bed to rest, for the next day’s festivities.
Saturday morning dawned bright, sunny, and a lot warmer than the previous day. My first show was Lacoste in the big tent. After a few jolts of espresso, and waiting in line for an hour and a half I got in the show, and found a nice 3rd row seat. On each seat was a wool tote emblazoned with a letterman’s sweater initial “L”. Nice, I will give it to my dog sitter when I return I thought. Curiously the entire runway was covered in rabbit fur pelts, thankfully no PETA representatives were around! The lights dimmed and the backdrop of blue sky started to snow, ever so delicately. It was really beautiful as all the models trooped out en masse in their St. Moritz inspired get ups. The logo of the crocodile is done in silver, and the fabrics rich. For the girls, there are jump skirts with flared legs, sweet polo dresses, as well as sweaters in shades of white and grey. For the men there are fitted polos and mountain jackets, extra long scarves in strong stripes and blocks of black, gold, blood red, and green. Riding pants in sweatshirt fabrics continue the slim ski theme. Lastly all models appeared in more muted versions of the same in soft pastel blocks of pink, purple, grey and white. I really loved the re invention of this classic brand, it seemed modern and luxe.
Only one more show today worth mentioning and that was the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, graduates show, in the Promenade tent. I scored a 3rd row seat and watched a dizzying parade of textile and fashion designers collaborative work hit the runway. Everything from dreadlock inspired coats and dresses, to funky eelskin blazers for men. It was a really cool show, with great shoes in metallic gun metal for the men and the women. I especially loved the paper fabric coats and dresses that reminded me of origami. In all 11 students of this venerable school showed their skills equally on the catwalk.
On Sunday, my last day in NYC, I saw the great Herve Leger show as imagined by Max Azria. Herve is still with the fashion world, I think he just lost the license to use his name for this line. He now shows under the name Herve Leroux. He started what will always be called the “bandage dress” known for its use of strips of fabric that sewn together, create a tight fitting silhouette that leaves little to the imagination. Worn by Hollywood A listers on the red carpet, they are a staple of high fashion. Now, the prolific Max Azria has taken on this line and given it a feminine twist with organza evening gloves, and soft floral embellishments, flowing chiffon skirts, and feather trimmed evening gowns. All done in muted tones of black, navy, camel, ivory and palest pink, they reminded me of movie stars from decades past. The hair was simple with the most brilliant headbands that had feathers for “bangs”. I absolutely loved this and thought of it as my favorite show. As I left the tent with my goodie bag that included Herve Leger perfume and a lovely HL logo scarf, I ran into Gina from Valentina Boutique in Milwaukee with store manager Leigh Anne who were there to meet vendors and do some buying. They both looked great and it was fun to see some other Milwaukee fashion folk. A few more shows and it was time to head for Grand Central Station and my express bus to LaGuardia. Farewell Fashion Week, until we meet again next fall for the spring 2009! Shows!
Watch Bjorn's video clip of the Herve Leger fashion show
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Photo Credit: Bjorn Nasett
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Courtesy of Bjorn Nasett
Bjorn with Jay Mc Carrol
Jay was Project Runway's Winner in Season One
I lined up early Friday February 1 to see
Brooke Shields and the cast of NBC’s
“Lipstick Jungle” up close and personal as they helped the grande dame of Fashion Week herself Fern Mallis, who just happened to start this fashionista fest 15 years ago, cut the ribbon for the Fall 2008 presentations in the tents at Bryant Park. Luckily, I got right in and stood literally 10 feet away from the ceremony.
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