CFDA Adds 26 new members

The CFDA just added 26 new members, which gives them a grand total of 427.

Here's the list of the newbies:

Joseph Altuzarra
Coomi Bhasin
Vince Camuto
Jean-Michel Cazabat
Emily Current
Carly Cushnie
Rachel Dooley
Meritt Elliott
Judy Gelb
Nili Lotan
Pamela Love
Paul Marlow
Jana Matheson
Yvan Mispelaere
Lauren Moffatt
Jeffrey Monteiro
LeAnn Nealz
Kerry O'Brien
Michelle Ochs
Shimon Ovadia
Gabriela Perezutti
Lisa Perry
Tadashi Shoji
Tabitha Simmons
Rachel Zoe

Congratulations all!

Best Dressed- Week of 10/13/12

Who's your best dressed this week?

Alexa Chung

Carine Roitfeld

Leandra Medine

CR Fashion Book

I just saw the first issue of Carine Roitfeld's CR Fashion Book.  I had been looking forward to seeing this for a while now, not knowing what to expect.  The magazine differs from other fashion magazines in several ways, but the most obvious is that it has two covers.  Kate Upton, sweetly holding several ducklings,  appears on one side, and then you flip the book over and see the other cover which features Audrey Harrelson, a little girl holding a baby.  Not what I expected from Roitfeld, known for her sexy editorials in French Vogue, edgy fashion sense and her signature smoky eye.  I wonder if the recent birth of her first grandchild had anything to do with all this sweetness.  I liked the covers, which were shot by Bruce Weber.  I also appreciated that the covers had no copy on them.  You didn't know what to expect on the pages of the magazine, which was fine with me.

CR had contributions by Kirsten Dunst, Tom Ford, Anne Hathaway and Karl Lagerfeld.  Some articles were in foreign languages (but were translated to English).  For the most part the ads were in alphabetical order, which I loved.  What a great idea!  There was a wide range of models in the magazine including some of today's best like Lara Stone, Lindsey Wixson, Constance Jablonski, Jacquelyn Jablonski and Cara Delevingne.  Also included were new faces like Kati Nescher, Stef Van Der Laan, Marte Mei van Haaster, Magda Laguinge, Tilda Lindstam, Ava Smith and Grace Mahary.  But the editorial that thrilled me the most was the one that featured Linda Evangelista, Stephanie Seymour and Carolyn Murphy.

For me the best part about CR Fashion Book was that it was pretty much celebrity free.  It wasn't promoting anyone's new movie or album.  It's only agenda seemed to be to delve into fashion.  WHat a novel idea for a fashion magazine.

Julia Nobis

Once again Julia Nobis ruled the runways.  She walked in more shows than any other model for the Fall/Winter 2012 shows.  I don't have the numbers for this past month's shows (Spring/SUmmer 2013), but she opened/closed at least ten major shows.  She is a great combination of gorgeous and cool, and it's easy to see why designers love her.

Pretty Powerful

I recently attended the launch of Bobbi Brown's new book, Pretty Powerful.  I'm such a sucker for these makeup manuals.  I still have my old Kevyn Aucoin book, and will pull them out occasionally.  That said, the reason I went was to see Alexa Ray Joel perform.  Alexa and I met multiple times during this past fashion week, where we were both working as fashion correspondents; she for JuliB.com, and me for fashionWATCH.com.  Not only was Alexa a model for the book, but she was the entertainment for the launch party.  She sang two of her original songs (and also played the keyboard).  She's super talented, gorgeous, and so incredibly cool that even though she has so much going for her, you couldn't possibly hate her!

The book is really good.  It's a very simple guide that anyone can follow.  I've seen some makeup books that are so complicated you might as well call the artist to just do your makeup.  Bobbi Brown has also featured women and their stories throughout, so the book is not just about makeup.  Brown is emphasizing who a woman is, not just what she looks like.

Alexa Ray showing her photos in Pretty Powerful

The New F Word

Why is Lady Gaga's weight gain a top news story?  Even though she gained a bit of weight she is still far from obese.

I am so tired of this scrutiny about people's weight (primarily women).  I am not immune to the societal pressure to be thin.  But what are we striving for?  Because when I really examine it, it's not thin I'm chasing.  I am thin.  I wear a size 2-4, and yet every single day I feel like I need to lose weight, and am constantly aware of what I eat.  What I'm really chasing is being super skinny.  Underweight.  Stomach virus skinny.  I don't think I'm the only one either.  This is where we are now.  Women's bodies have downsized.  I recently saw Working Girl and was shocked at how fat Melanie Griffith was in it.  But she wasn't fat at all back then; she was thin.

 I don't know how fat became the new F word, but it really needs to stop.  I don't know how much thinner we can get.

New York Fashion Week--Final Day of S/S 2013

My final show of the week was a real treat.  Cynthia Rowley showed off site on Beekman St.  Her installation was lovely.  I adored the voluminous dresses and pants. 

 The collection was wearable, yet fashion forward at the same time; always a great combination.  I also liked her kitschy glasses with chain attached.  

Springtime will be sunny, as yellow was the clear color of the season.  

Other highlights this week included the debut of Marissa Webb, Marc Jacobs' (somewhat) restrained collection, Viktor Luna's line, DKNY, Calvin Klein Collection and Chado Ralph Rucci.  But the best pat of Fashion Week is running into friends you don't see often enough.  I was thrilled to spend time with Phillip Block, my Project Runway friends, the Edward and Eamon of fashionWATCH.com, Randy Brooke and James Aguiar.

James Aguiar and me at Jill Stuart

I also want to acknowledge my assistant, Mark A. Lyons, who made sure everything I needed was taken care of and made my week easy breezy.

I'm already looking forward to the fall collections in February!

New York Fashion Week--Day 7

Today seemed to be all about reality TV stars.  I covered the Whitney Eve show for fashionWATCH.com, so I spoke to Whitney Port (The Hills, The City).  Her show was really good.  Her clothing is girly, but not sweet.  If you like the way Whitney herself dresses, then you'll be a big fan of the line.  There was one top that, when it first came down the runway I thought it was fur.  As the model walked the fabric swung back and forth, and I realized I was wrong.  It was so striking and different from anything else I've seen this week.  I was happy to see that she used the same fabric for her final look; a white gown.  It was so gorgeous.  Whitney has absolutely made the transition from reality star to legit designer.

Running the show was PR legend Kelly Cutrone.  Kelly is now a full fledged TV star.  Her shows include True Life, The Hills, The City, Kell On Earth, Dr. Phil and America's Next Top Model.  Wow.  I had the pleasure of working with Kelly last year on my book, New York Fashion Week.  The help she gave me was transformative; she made the book 1000x better, and I am forever grateful.  Kelly is a rock star.

The crowd included Kelly Killoren Bensimon (The Real Housewives of New York) and actress Charlotte Ross.  Both women looked lovely wearing Whitney Eve.  I spoke with Caroline Manzo of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, who was so much fun.  Whitney's The City pal Joe Zee (Elle) was there to show support.  He was very proud of her.  Other recognizable faces in the crowd were Mya, Alexa Ray Joel, Nicole Trunfio and Jessica Hart.

This is a show I look forward to every season, and Whitney absolutely delivered.  I'm already looking forward to what she shows for Fall!

New York Fashion Week--Day 6

I arrived at Lincoln Center to find Fashion Police shooting inside.  It was so fun to see Joan Rivers and crew.  Kimora Lee Simmons was filling in for Giuliana Rancic.  You couldn't really hear what was going on, but every now and then you could hear the crowd cheer!

My favorite show of the day was Osklen.  I wasn't really familiar with the label before, but was impressed by the modern looks shown.  My favorite look is below.

Edward Norton at Osklen

New York Fashion Week--Day 5

The place to be on day 5 the Viktor Luna Spring 2013 presentation.  Viktor showed both women and men's clothing, and I'm not sure which was more impressive.  His prints are some of the best I've seen all week.  I especially loved the men's trench he did with a print he made from a photo he took.
What a fresh update to a traditional trench.  I hope he makes a version for women!!

There was a suit made of neoprene that was incredible.  What a smart idea!  This is great for men who don't like to wear suits, because while it looks completely polished, it's super comfortable.

Viktor's version of an LBD was simple, yet the cut and embellishment made it truly special.

I was knocked out by this black gown.   I don't think the picture communicates how absolutely stunning this dress is.  This is a red carpet gown.  Actresses call your stylists!  This will get the Fashion Police's stamp of approval.

I you want a bolder choice here's another jaw dropping look from the collection:

This was a fantastic collection styled by the incredible Nole Marin.  The models were so gorgeous, and they all were from Aim Model Management.

Many of Viktor's Project Runway friends showed, including the adorable Michael Costello, Casanova and Jason Troisi.  Also in the crowd was Manila Luzon from RuPaul's Drag Race.  Manila looked great in a custom Viktor Luna dress.  As for me, I felt like the belle of the ball in my Viktor Luna gown.  Thank you Viktor for such a great show.

Viktor and me

Michael Costello and his partner Richard with me and my son and Viktor

Manila Luzon

New York Fashion Week--Day 4

For me today was all about Chado Ralph Rucci.  I met Ralph about a year ago when I interviewed him for my book, New York Fashion Week.  I knew of his work before then, but not much about the man himself.  It is still one of my favorite interviews I've ever done, especially because we were surrounded by his stunningly beautiful clothing.  I found him to be humble, good humored and passionate about his work and the fashion industry. He is not one to follow the pack, and does things his own way.  I was amazed to learn that his clothes are produced in house.  He is a throwback in certain ways, yet his work is completely current.

Ralph Rucci is more than a designer; he is an artist.  He is actually a painter, and will hand paint some of his garments.  People may say his clothing is expensive, and it is, but buying a garment of his is truly like buying a work of fine art.  I'm spending the week reporting about Fashion Week for fashionWATCH Canada, and had the opportunity to interview many of his clients tonight including Martha Stewart, Carmen Dell'Orrefice (who was breathtaking in a long red Chado Ralph Rucci coat) and Deeda Blair.  They all spoke about Ralph's unmatched craftsmanship, and of their loyalty to him.  Other Chado Ralph Rucci fans I interviewed tonight include Paula Abdul, Hamish Bowles, Ken Downing, Fern Mallis, Linda Fargo, and Jay Manuel.

The show was stunning.  I absolutely loved his use of color.  When he showed pink dresses, and then yellow dresses I started to think I should clear my closet of my black dresses.  But then he sent out so many black dresses that were some of the most beautiful I have ever seen.  The models were so fortunate to wear them, even just for the show!  His standing ovation was well deserved, in fact it seemed like not enough of a thank you.  This is always one of my favorite shows of the season, but this one was even beyond what I could imagine.

I can't write about Ralph Rucci without mentioning his wonderful sister Rosina.  Rosina plays a major role at Chado Ralph Rucci, as I learned when she took care of everything I needed for Ralph's inclusion in my New York Fashion Week book.  She went above and beyond to make sure the section I wrote about him was perfect, and I continue to be impressed by her every time I see her.

Ladies, if you have the means, I highly recommend going to Berdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus as soon as this collection comes in!

New York Fashion Week--Day 3

This morning I had the pleasure of seeing the debut collection of Marissa Webb.  What a fantastic way to start the day.  Her clothes are effortless cool and I would be thrilled to have this entire collection in my wardrobe.

A look from Marissa Webb

Other notable shows today included Lacoste, Jill Stuart and Herve Leger.  I was quite surprised to see Kris Humphries in the front row at Lacoste.  Rose Byrne caused a stir at Jill Stuart, and Odette Yustman (or is it Annable?) was stunning at Herve Leger wearing a green dress from the label.  But there was one guest at Lincoln Center that caused more excitement than any other.  The one and only Miss Piggy.

New York Fashion Week-Day 2

Today was all about Project Runway for me.  Today was the big finale show at Lincoln Center.  So many past contestants were there, all the way back from Season 1 (Jay McCarroll).  I was very lucky to be wearing Season 9's Viktor Luna.  Viktor is such a great designer, and you feel so good wearing his clothes.  I highly recommend it.  It was fun to see fans come up to their favorite designers like Michael Costello, Bert Keeter, Nick Verreos, Andrae Gonzalo, Kimberly Goldson, Casanova, Anthony Ryan Auld, Nicolas D'Aurizio, Uli Herzner, Laura Kathleen, Seth Aaron Henderson, Joshua McKinley, Joshua Christensen, Mondo Guerra, Anya Ayoung-Chee, Christopher Straub, Olivier Green, Valerie Mayen, Peach Carr, etc.

The show itself was really fun.  The 8 designers left on the show all showed, so the audience doesn't know who the finalists are.  Christopher had a great collection.  He made this fabulous cropped snakeskin jacket that was a show stopper.  Ven's collection was really beautiful.  He did a lot of his signature rose pieces, which were stunning, but then there was this delicate black top with these incredible white pants.  The pants were embellished with what looked like crystals, maybe.  I know it sounds kind of tacky, but let me tell you they were possibly the most beautiful pants I've ever seen.  And listen people, Ven is a very nice guy.  I got the clear impression he felt pretty bad about the whole makeover episode controversy.  Other standout collections were Melissa and Elena.  Perhaps the biggest highlight of the show was Heidi Klum.  Wait until you see the finale.  She had on this great gold dress, and looked as beautiful as anyone could possibly look.  I'm keeping mum on who the guest judge was.  I'll just say it was someone fantastic, and you definitely won't be disappointed when you see who it is. Oh, and look for Debra Messing in the front row.

Speaking of Project Runway, Wednesday night was the wrap party at Lord & Taylor.  Project Runway is a family that adds new members every season, so the room was filled with former contestants.  It was fun to see Tim Gunn arrive with this season's cast all lined up (minus Andrea Katz).  They looked like they were on a school trip!  Some of the show's former guest judges were there too, including Tiki Barber and Carmen Marc Valvo.  Other fabulous guests were Kristi Yamaguchi, Coco Rocha and the incomparable Fern Mallis.  There was a mini runway set up where guests could have their picture taken.  When they received their photos they had the judges in their seats, so it looked like it was from the show.  How fun!!

I don't know if any other show this week will be able to top this one.  But it's only day 2!  I'll be back tomorrow to let you know.

New York Fashion Week-Day 1

New York Fashion Week officially started today.  As the author of the book New York Fashion Week, this event is dear to my heart.  My first show of the season was BCBG Max Azria.  I ran into the extremely lovely Constance White on the way in.  One of the best parts of the week is getting to catch up with people you don't get to see often enough.  Inside was crazy!  On the way to my seat I gt caught in a major crunch.  People were just stopped and photographers and camera crews were going nuts trying to get a shot of Whitney Port.  I have to say she looked really good.  She wore a black top with a long blue skirt and had a great red lipstick on.  The media was so caught up in their Whitney frenzy that they didn't even notice Estelle was also stuck in the crunch--and she was wearing a bright green turban!!  And right behind me was Daisy Fuentes.  I couldn't understand why she had sunglasses on inside, but she looked good anyway.  For me though, the real rock stars of the week are the editors.  They are always the best dressed, and can style themselves.  Joanna Coles, the brand new editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, had on a to die for leather top, and was stunning.  Elle's Kate Davidson Hudson looked fantastic in a white dress with a brown jacket.  Anne Slowey was lovely.  I had the pleasure of meeting her for the first time today.  The always charming Joe Zee was one of the best dressed men, as was InStyle's Ariel Foxman.  Ariel is so sweet, and super cute.  The show itself was my favorite of the day.  The was a lot of black and white, and harnesses.  At more than one show today I saw belts which closed on the side, which was pretty cool.  This was one of my favorite BCBG shows.  The clothes were sexy and so wearable at the same time.  The best part is that women of all shapes and sized can shop this collection.

BCBG Max Azria

The rest of the day was spent running around the city.  I stopped in to see Viktor Luna at his atelier.  I got a preview of his upcoming show (this Monday).  His collection is outstanding.  He is one of the most talented new designers around.  Viktor's menswear is every bit as good as his womenswear.  I don't want to give anything away, but I will have a detailed review on Tuesday.

I will be back tomorrow with notes from the Project Runway finale (and maybe a little gossip about the wrap party!).

Oscar de la Renta

Today was really cool.  I had the extreme pleasure of having a meeting with Oscar de la Renta.  He is really lovely.  It's pretty amazing to think about all the awards he's won, all the women he's dressed, including first ladies.  I can't imagine a designer with a more successful career.  His show is about two weeks away, and he was super busy with preparations.  I was able to glimpse a preview of what he's going to show, and it is just gorgeous.  I would have loved to try everything on, but I didn't think it would have gone over so well.  I am completely in love with his Fall 2012 collection and can't wait to see the Spring show.

September Issues

One of the best things about the month of August for me is the arrival of the September issues of the fashion magazines.  It is such a thrill finding these huge issues stuffed into my mailbox.  I love everything about them.  The ads are gorgeous, the editorials are exciting.  Just today I got both Harper's Bazaar and Vogue.  Both in one day is like Christmas morning for me.  Seeing who is on the cover is another bonus.  This September the major fashion mags have Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, Victoria Beckham, Penelope Cruz, Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry.  Some are great choices, some are pretty boring.  I actually miss models being on the covers.  I always thought that was more fun.  Then it was about enhancing the clothing, not the career of a celebrity.  Vogue has an especially fun September issue this year, as it's the 120th anniversary issue.  There are some fun old photos.  Vanity Fair's Style issue is also pretty great.  It's their annual best dressed list, and they have some fantastic picks this year, especially Poppy Delevingne.  That's all for now.  I have to go and check my mailbox.

Would You Wear This?

Okay ladies, Scottevest is trying to make our lives easier by designing a dress with three hidden pockets to hold your belongings.  What I want to know is, do we want this?  I personally don't mind carrying a bag.  In fact, I love my bags!  I think I would feel much more comfortable with my things tucked away in a Chanel 2.55 rather than in the seams of my dress.  But maybe that's just me.  Your thoughts please.

Aldrian Diaz

I met someone really special very recently.  Our paths crossed because of my Project Runway book (Project Runway: The Show That Changed Fashion).  Aldrian Diaz was the first person on line to have his book signed at Barnes & Noble.  He showed up four hours before the event and waited patiently.  During that time he was snapped by a photographer from WWD (Women's Wear Daily).  The two photos they ran of the event were one of Heidi Klum and one of Aldrian.  I decided to get to know him.  First thing you should know, Aldrian is 14.  We exchanged Facebook messages, and I suggested we meet up to chat.  I soon realized I might be coming off like a potential Chris Hanson predator, so I made sure to invite his mother too!  Let me tell you, this is one cool kid.  Not only is he a fan of Project Runway, but he has aspirations to be a designer.  And he really knows his stuff.  I asked him who he was inspired by, and he said Alexander McQueen,and John Galliano.  Aldrian loves their creativity and boldness.  He showed me some of his sketches, and I was really impressed.  His designs are so cool, and don't look like anyone else's.  What I especially like about him is that he goes after what he wants.  He made sure he got to the Project Runway signing first, he has done his research and gotten himself invited to shows during Fashion Week, he goes out and meets designers when they're making appearances.  Not bad for someone going into 10th grade.    

Day to NIght?

So today I was putting together an article and considered saying--"...this outfit can go from day to night." Then I realized that I have don't do this. I don't rework outfits. I might change between events (I have changed in a car several times), but that's it. Am I out of touch? Are you guys transforming outfits from day to night? I'm not putting it down; it just doesn't do it for me. I can't even imagine schlepping around a bag of "nighttime" jewelry, shoes, bag. Usually whatever I'm wearing will work for day or night, anyway. Okay people, set me straight on this one!!!


 An outfit I have worn for day and night:

Visit with Designer Viktor Luna

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Viktor Luna from Season 9 of Project Runway.  Viktor is having a fashion show in September and I got a sneak peek of his designs.  I am so looking forward to the finished collection, because what I did see was gorgeous.  So chic, but edgy and cool at the same.  Viktor is known for his incredible leather jackets, and the ones in this collection may be the best yet.  And get this--Viktor was generous enough to offer one reader plus a guest a ticket to the show during Fashion Week!  If you'd like to be entered in the giveaway email at nyfwrsvp@verizon.net with the header Viktor.

Watch the video for a glimpse of our visit:


 

Project Runway Season 10, Episode 2

Last night was Season 10's Innovation challenge.  This wasn't the first time the designers used candy to make a dress (remember Jillian's great Twizzler's dress?).  Dylan Lauren of Dylan's Candy Bar let the designers loose in her store.  What fun!  

Let's cut to the chase and discuss the top three and the bottom three.  But, wait a second.  I just have to say that I was completely flabbergasted that Andrea's dot candy apron dress with the crazy back was not in the bottom three.  Wow.

The top three were Ven, with his stained glass candy dress, Sonjia and her who did an ocean inspired dress and Christopher and his checkerboard design.  I am a huge fan of Ven, and was glad he won this challenge.  His dress was beautiful, and didn't look like candy.

Let's discuss the bottom.  Elena made a dress out of pina colada candy that looked like a macaroni dress.  I think the idea was good, but the execution was poor.  It could have been very interesting, especially if she had used another color.  Also in the bottom was Buffi.  She spent a lot of time weaving a top together that unfortunately didn't fit the model all that well.  Her skirt was one of those napkin skirts that the judges hate.  She styled her model a la SJP in Sex and the City (according to her), but instead she looked like a bipolar Barbie off her meds.  Finally there was Lantie.  Last week I said that I thought Lantie should have been eliminated instead of Beatrice, and I absolutely stand by that.  It seemed like Lantie really just gave up with this challenge.  In past seasons some very talented designers just didn't respond well to the Innovation challenge, so maybe that was the case with Lantie.  But anyone who's watched Project Runway before knows that the worst thing you can do in one of these challenges is to use a fabric like material.  Well, Lantie used and umbrella (Dylan Lauren called her on that right away).  Then she took a small amount of candy and embellished it.  She really did deserve to go home this week for two reasons.  The first, she didn't do what the challenge called for.  The second, she did nothing to sell her garment to the judges.  Had she been confident and made a case for herself she might have been in.  Instead she said she didn't have enough time and was argumentative.  That never goes well.

So, do you think the judges got it right?  

Lantie and her umbrella dress:

My newest obsession is chunky rings.  I love minimalism when it comes to my wardrobe, so for me there's nothing better than statement jewelry.  In these summer months when NYC is so hot and humid I don't want to wear a big, heavy necklace.  But a chunky ring always seems right.  My favorite statement ring that I own is this one by k2o by Karen Ko:

I've recently discovered another designer that I love--Rob Bacon.  He has these chunky rings that are sooooo lovely.   I want them all!

One for each finger, right?  And the best part?  They start at $75.


Your turn.  What's your favorite piece of jewelry to wear?

www.RobBacon.com
k2obykarenko.com/k2onew/

Tonight was the premiere of Season 10 of Project Runway! So, what did you think? Anybody have favorites yet? I think it was great to have Patricia Field back since she was the show's very first guest judge. Now, everyone wants to be on Project Runway, but back then it wasn't a known commodity, and judges were hard to come by. 

The most interesting contestant for me was Christopher, and why he irked Gunnar so much. It'll be fun to see how that develops. Oh, did anyone else notice that Elena looked like a completely different person with her hair down? I had no idea who she was when she had her to-camera interviews. 

But the most fun part is the fashion. Don't read on if you haven't seen it yet. The top three were Melissa, Christopher and Ven. My personal favorite was Ven. I think that Christopher's dress was probably much more dramatic in person. I wasn't wowed by watching it on TV. I really like Ven's bustier. I also liked the suit, although the pants bothered me. Simpler pants would have been a better with a top with so much detail. And the color was great. I didn't love his companion dress, but didn't mind it either.

The bottom three were Kooan, Beatrice and Lantie. I was glad that Kooan stayed. He was out there, but he certainly wasn't boring. He reminded me of Jeremy Scott, and I'm interested to see what he'll do next. The final two were Beatrice and Lantie. Beatrice had that awful, awful Aztec cape with a boring gray dress underneath. Her companion piece was also pretty dull. I really hated the snakeskin choker connected to the lace dress Lantie did. And then her second dress had that snakeskin flap in the front that really killed it. Well, it would have been on life support without the flap anyway. The whole thing was odd. I would have kept Beatrice over Lantie even though I hated the cape because I thought her second out, while boring, wasn't horrible. I didn't like either of Lantie's pieces. But what's so fun about the show is that next week Lantie could wow everyone. One thing I definitely learned from writing the Project Runway book is that even the best designers can have an off week.

My favorite part of the show this week? Nina's outfit. I thought she looked incredible.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch party for the coolest app the other night. Let me give you the inside scoop. The app is called Pick N' Tell. Here's how it works. The store has an interactive mirror. So when you try something on you can use the app and the mirror to take a photo of yourself which you can share with your friends. In addition the app will identify detailed product information about what you're trying on, including the barcode. This way if you're not sure you can decide later and purchase it through the app. The app can also connect you to a stylist who can help you put an outfit together. It's really so cool. I'm surprised no one has done it before.

Is this something you would use? I'd love to know.

Here I am with Anthony Haden Guest and Mike Cesarano at the launch:

Last night was the Project Runway 10th anniversary party. My date was the dashing and uber talented Emilio Sosa from Season 7. It was so much fun! The party was on the Highline, which meant it was outdoors. It was so hot and humid I thought my hair was going to look like Amy Irving's in Carrie by the end of the night. Heidi and Tim Gunn were there. Also Debbie Harry, Fern Mallis, Patricia Field and Francisco Costa. And so many designers from the show--Jay McCarroll, Austin Scarlett, Chris March, Michael Costello, Mondo Guerra, Joshua McKinley, Anthony Ryan Auld, Kimberly Goldson, Peach Carr, Althea Harper, Kenley Collins, Korto Momolu, Kara Janx, Bert Keeter, Viktor Luna, Casanova...the list goes on and on! I was thrilled to find out that my Project Runway book was included in the gift bag, so everyone got a copy! Another highlight of the night was the music by DJ Hesta Prynn. 

It was really fun to see everyone from all different season mingling. Project Runway is a big family that grows every season. Kimberly Goldson and Althea Harper are so tall and gorgeous that I wonder why they don't just model their own designs. The women all looked great, but I think the standouts were the men! Mondo was amazing in a fantastic red suit, while Austin Scarlett looked incredible in white. Emilio had on a great print, and Michael Costello looked very cool in black with a white jacket. 

If anyone wants to know anything else about the party ask away! 

Have you heard about the fall trend of wearing a dress over pants? Several designers have shown this look, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I remember on Season 1 of Project Runway Kara Saun put a dress over pants and I thought everyone there was going to vomit, they hated it so much. The idea sounds offensive, but then yesterday I was going through my closet, and I saw this T shirt dress I have. It's just above the knee, and it occurred to me that it might work with a pair of skinny jeans. I may try it. Will you?

FASHION EMERGENCY!!!! Well, not really. But the news is calling tight fitting clothing just that. Seems doctors are really a buzz kill, saying that shapewear can reduce oxygen intake and cause light headedness. I don't know, you'd think that would lead to more interesting behavior on the red carpet. Skinny jeans are another supposed culprit. Doctors warm they can cause meralgia paresthetica, which means a nerve running from the abdomen to the thigh is compressed. The result? Numbness and tingling. They also went on to dis bras, cinch belts and too tight ties and collars. 

But people, let's discuss...How do we really feel about shapewear? I have a drawer full of it which I hardly ever use. My first foray was a pair of briefs. After wearing them for about an hour I noticed this roll protruding on top of them WHICH HAD NEVER BEEN THERE BEFORE. Not the desired effect, let me tell you. Being female I assumed this was my fault, and I moved on to a Spanx tank. All this did for me was to flatten my boobs. So I graduated to a full bodysuit. This is really what one should wear to smooth out anything offensive. It didn't minimize my normal size 2-4 body to look as if I wore a size 00, but I didn't have to worry about any lines. But you know what? I never take it out of the drawer. I just never feel up t the commitment of spending hours at a time restricted. 

Turns out my goal of looking impossibly skinny was impossible.

Welcome to Not Without My Gucci! This blog is a forum to discuss all things fashion (and entertainment) related. But I don't want this to be a traditional blog (has enough time passed that I can actually use the word traditional to describe a blog?). Let's make this a conversation. So please comment often!

I want to jump in and give you give the inside scoop on my new book. It's called Project Runway: The Show That Changed Fashion. It comes out this week, so no one has seen it yet. It's the official guide to the show, which will celebrate it's tenth season next week.

I worked with the creators and producers of the show to put this together. So fun! Just about everyone from the show participated, which was very cool. I met with Heidi Klum at her hotel to discuss the Introduction she wrote for the book and interview her. Before I tell you what happened, I will say that yes, she is amazingly beautiful (I am asked that more than anything else). So, I was in the hotel room and I nonchalantly mentioned to her that many of the contestants thought of her as the mean judge, thinking this was something she was aware of. But she wasn't!!! So I'm sitting there with her and a group of people with her, and I'm regretting saying a thing. She's being a really good sport about it, but still I'm thinking that she must see this as my opinion, rather than a fair question (since it has come up on the show!!!!!). Then one of her group googled it and mentioned that Heidi had been called Klum of Doom. I told her, "See! I didn't make it up!! I was never so happy for Google.

I'm looking forward to the new episodes. Doing the book I had to rewatch every episode from all nine seasons. Yes, it was actually my job to spend over 8 hours a day watching the Project Runway DVDs. Here are some of my favorite moments:

-Santino singing the Daniel Franco song
-Tim and Andrae at Red Lobster

-Michael Kors calling a contestant's outfit a disco straightjacket
-Ivy accusing Michael Costello of cheating and telling him to watch out for karma, and then getting stuck in the eye with a needle
-The very first challenge where Nora made a fabulous blue dress out a lawn chair, and Austin made an incredible corn husk dress
-Anything Anthony Williams did was pretty classic
-Zulema yelling at Kara Janx to cry and cut!
-Jay delivering mail

How about you? I'd love to hear some of your favorite moments from the show.

Can't wait to chat again!

Eila

http://www.amazon.com/Project-Runway-Show-Changed-Fashion/dp/1602861781/ref=la_B001KHDN4W_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343070658&sr=1-1