Old Money, New Couture
April 11th, 2007 by Katie
The hotel’s plush sitting nooks begged for socialite gossip. The lobby filled with whispers and left-right kiss salutations. The crowd was obviously heavy with anticipation for 2005 International Designer of the Year, Jamil Khansa’s, reveal. Men sporting fur coats over pressed tuxedos brandished their portfolios and dignitaries were greeted with acknowledging nods as models fitted in couture gowns scattered backstage. International Couture Fashion week brought the usual fashion dichotomy of diplomats and divas together at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in February.
Forty-five minutes into the show, sitting in tight rows of folding chairs and eavesdropping on one another’s conversations, the now-drunk audience cheered loudly as the Lebanese bass pounded and the models hit the runway. The models maneuvered in six-inch heels with tightly pursed lips to help them balance. A few close calls but no Carrie Bradshaw-style faceplants. The collection ranged from stunning floor-length sheer pleated gowns to overly designed and overly beaded mother-of-the-bride get-ups. Unlike Marc Jacobs and Luca Luca tent shows with puffy volumized dresses and massive sunglasses, this show was based on the principles of color and their ability to get noticed.
Until next years’ show, stop by the Waldorf lounge for happy hour and just pretend it’s Fashion Week — it’s not so hard to do with the old money atmosphere and the new couture in the lobby.
April 17th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Good article, Babe! How is your week going? It’s almost hump day . . . which might mean more to you than it might to me, if you know what I mean!!!!!! Call me?! Theresa