Fashion Week Diary: Ogling Ralph Lauren's Bags, B Brian Atwood's Shoes, and Disco!
Photos: Imaxtree | Amina Akhtar
Looks from the 3.1 Phillip Lim (left) and Gap (right) Spring 2012 collections
Fashion Week Diary, Day 7
Oh, what a day! Is there anything better than starting the morning off by ogling gorgeous crocodile bags? Methinks not. I jumped out of bed, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, threw on a marvelous outfit, and just sauntered over to the Ralph Lauren store on Madison for an accessories preview. (Translation: I overslept, am still sick, but the outfit was kind of great—sheer black DVF dress and purple patent Miu Miu pumps.) The store was hosting a showing of not only the brand's resort offerings, but also a sneak peek at the accessories walking tomorrow morning's show. Resort's shoes and bags were a color explosion—I loved! I may wear all black but there has to be a pop of color—your bag, your shoes, your jewelry—something. A purple croc Ricky bag is just the ticket, don't you think?
For spring, the accessories are paler, but just as chic. Gives us a clue as to what to expect tomorrow. The clutch box with the lace pattern screamed my name. I love clutches, and if I could figure out how to carry one all the time, I so would. The shoes are lace-up platforms that I can't wait to see on the runway.
I sped downtown to the Plaza, where Douglas Hannant was holding his show. This is always a fun one to attend and the setting was gorgeous. Made me realize why people want to get married there. The chandeliers! Hannant's collection was themed around Shanghai in the '30s, though he didn't reference it overtly, which was nice. (For more on Douglas Hannant, read the review.)
After Hannant, I went to one of my favorite shows of the week: 3.1 Phillip Lim. Phillip makes the most amazingly wearable clothes that are still incredibly chic. I don't care what size you are, you can rock some Lim. His collection today was all about fluidity and movement. He sent out a loose silhouette but man, these clothes really hang well off the body. And the colors were so perfect for spring. On my list? The black asymmetrical top with black pants.
Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren
A bootie from the Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 collection
My day was only halfway done at this point. What, you think we take it easy during Fashion Week? Ha! Gap was holding its spring preview. The clothes were so perfectly seasonal and totally Gap. Pleated denim skirts, patchwork jeans, striped tops—it's going to be a very relaxed spring. And it was oh so kind of them to offer up champers while we editors flitted about.
I hitched a ride with a friend to go see a B Brian Atwood's resort and spring collections. I just can't say no to shoes, it's true. A girl has to have a vice right? The heels were all sexy, gorgeous, tall. But what I went gaga over were the flats! The man makes really cool flat sandals and pointed-toe flats. Ladies, options are everything! And I don't know about you, but I just can't wear heels everyday anymore.
My night ended at Anna Sui. I'll never get used to the crowd at this show. They're die-hard fans who just want to party. It's kind of amazing. But security was tight, so seat-stealers were booted, even the ones who tried to poach gift-bags. The show was a blast—Jessica Stam walked and I've adored her for ages. Love seeing her on the runway again. The soundtrack was disco, the clothes channeled the '40s by way of the '70s, and it was all good fun. (For more on Anna Sui, read the review.)
And that wrapped my penultimate day of Fashion Week. Tomorrow, Ralph Lauren walks in the morning, so off to bed.
For more on my Fashion Week adventures, read what happened yesterday!
