NBA Basketball Player - Ron Artest at bebe

The City - Louise Roe at bebe

NBA Basketball Player – Chris Bosh at bebe

Recording Artist - Moby at Alice + Olivia

Real Housewives of New York City – Kelly Killoren Bensimon at Alice + Olivia

Marie Claire/Project Runway – Nina Garcia outside the Tents at Lincoln Center

Fashion Week is where the fashion elite congregate to showcase their new collections.  It is also the place to spot the fashion celebrities who come into our homes on a weekly basis via television.  I spotted Rachel Zoe of the Rachel Zoe Project outside after Donna Karan New York’s Spring 2011 show.  Now I nearly died when I saw her; I had to get a picture.  Only moments prior, I had spotted Rachel’s Style Director, Brad Goreski leaving Donna Karan’s show venue.  Then later in the evening I went to Nigel Barker’s book launch, Nigel Barker’s Beauty Equation: Revealing a Better and More Beautiful You, in Barnes & Nobles across from Lincoln Center.  Today was the day for my fashion celebrity spotting; I exchanged greetings outside of the tents with Lloyd Boston, and earlier, I almost bumped into Robert Verdi as he was trying to get to, most likely, Carolina Herrera’s show.

Fashion’s Night Out 2010 was even more fun filled and exciting than last year.  The crowds were bigger, the lines were longer and the patrons were happier.  Bergdorf Goodman was my first stop and I was met by a line that was three rows deep.  I decided to stick around because I was already sold on the canine runway.  On the judging panel was fashion designer Monique Lhuillier and handbag designer Tinsley Mortimer.  Celebrity stylist Robert Verdi hosted the event. 

I did not get to see the entire canine runway unfold because I had to make press check-in at the I Heart Ronson event downtown.  The designer made her appearance with Gossip Girl’s Michelle Tractenberg.  The music was rocking upon entering the event, and I noticed that Ronson’s sister, Samantha, was the D.J.  It was a lovely cupcake and tea social, and a sweet way to end a long day at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

J. Mendel’s Fall 2010 collection was all about luxury, think luxurious mink stoles, jackets and vests.  The furs were divine, and the gowns breath taking with wonderful movement.  All the ruching on the dresses were done to perfection.  It was a youthful collection, and that point was reinforced by the hemlines that fell at mid-thigh.  J. Mendel was one of a few designers who deviated from the longer hemline trend for fall 2010. 

Sequins goes well with fur, just like champagne goes with strawberries, a delicious combination.  The colors ranged from black, brown, forest green, pewter, blue and red to a blue and black print so delicate that it did not overtake the design of the gown.  A presentation was the right setting for this collection because it gave you the ability to view it for an appreciable amount of time.  There was no stodginess in the styling, slouchy mid-calf boots and booties were paired nicely against the glamourous dresses and furs.  J. Mendel will appeal to young Hollywood, and the red dress was a show stopper that will likely be worn by a lucky starlet on Oscar night.

Fern Mallis, VP IMG Fashion, Fashion Week Spring 2010

I really hate break-ups, but I do believe that we’ve reached the end of the road.  The stylish and fashionable have left the building, um, the tents at Bryant Park.  The tents been removed, and we will never again assemble there for New York Fashion Week.  The next time this set gets together, it will be at Lincoln Center, the new home of fashion week.  Fern Mallis is the organizer of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and she scouted locations for years until they decided on the new venue.  While we had a great time at Bryant Park, I predict that we’ll make new and better memories at Lincoln Center.

Fashion's Night Out, Macy's

Fashion’s Night Out makes our Rollcall list this week because it included the average consumer in on a mostly industry event.  The shows were great; we were treated to a bevy of beautiful collections, but Fashion’s Night Out was undoubtly the most exciting part of New York Fashion Week Spring 2010.  It was so successful that CFDA President, Diane Von Furstenberg has plans to make it a regular part of Fashion Week.  The evening generated great buzz and excitement for the entire week.  It would not be surprising if that evening has created enough goodwill with the consumer that it could be recouped throughout the Holiday Season.  The consumer has a longer memory than they are often given credit for, and they are more loyal as well.  The fashion industry gave back to the community last Thursday evening, and it will be rewarded.

Related Posts: Fashion’s Night Out in the City; Rachel Roy Showcases Her ‘Rachel Rachel Roy’ Line.

Rachel Roy- Fashion's Night Out

Beautiful, gracious and kind, these are the words I would use to describe fashion designer Rachel Roy.  She came out last night to lend her support to Fashion’s Night Out at Macy’s in Herald Square.  Ms. Roy’s new lower priced line, Rachel Rachel Roy was on display.  There were several models on a stage showcasing the new affordable line.  The designer was surrounded by customers and fans wanting to get a glimpse, or to take her photograph.  She was wearing a belted one shoulder print top and black leggings from her high-end Rachel Roy collection.  Rachel was very friendly and relaxed considering that the Rachel Roy collection is scheduled to show on Sunday; I’m looking forward to seeing it.

Rachel Rachel Roy- Fashion's Night Out

Rachel Rachel Roy- Fashion's Night Out

The first wave of Matthew Williamson’s collection for H&M has all, but sold out in stores.  There was only one lonely rack left with a handful of items in the store on 34^th Street and 6^th Avenue.  The success of Williamson’s line at H&M proves once and for all that there is a market for high end designers at the mass market level.  That is good news for Matthew Williamson and H&M, and it is good news for the rest of us.  Now, who will be the next high end designer to take the path of Williamson and Lagerfeld?  I’m not sure, but my wish list includes Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, and Oscar de la Renta.  A girl can dream, right?

Related Post: Matthew Williamson for H&M.