The This Day/Arise Promise of Africa Collective Spring/Summer 2010 show and I got off to a rocky start. A sea of  fashionable but testy ladies and gents crowded the tents at Bryant Park — many with red and white invitations in hand. I was invited to the show, but never received a formal paper invitation. Praying I had an actual seat assignment, I approached a publicist with a clip board. She found my name.  Alas, I was in standing room (again).

It had been a long, rainy day.  I’d already stood for the Twinkle by Wenlan show (a fresh, feminine collection …read more

It’s a nice change of pace when the fashion world creates for a cause.  And Duckie Brown’s collaboration with McCafe is a special one.  In February 2009, McCafe (McDonald’s yummy coffee brand) partnered with the designer duo “to bring the latest in coffee couture to designers, models and tastemakers.” During this Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the menswear team has created a limited edition leather glove modeled after bike messengers that will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and celebrate the 35th anniversary of the first Ronald McDonald House.

 
During Mercedes Benz-Fashion Week I attended a press conference in Bryant Park’s temporary McCafe, where …read more

 
I’ve recently become a perfume-nista and the luxury brand Bond No. 9 is my favorite. I first discovered Bond’s “Bryant Park” ($45 – $198) fragrance during New York Fashion Week several seasons ago, and I’ve been jonesing for the subtle floral scent ever since.
The best way to find the Bond fragrance that’s right for you is to order a few colorfully-wrapped samples (six samples for $15 including shipping and handling at www.bondno9.com).  Since discovering “Bryant Park,” I’ve also become fond of the “Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue” ($135- $195) scent with hints of fennel, toasted almonds, sandalwood and pink peony, and the …read more