First came bridal, then came eveningwear, then sportswear, then a Barbie and Royal Doulton fine china and now…handbags. It’s about time! What’s a celebrity (or a girl going to a party) supposed to wear with her Lhuillier outfit?
Try these on for size. The gold metallic python bag ($1695) which doubles as a clutch when you tuck the substantial chain inside, will not only last forever, it will look good with everything. Hey, who a fancy party when you could carry this sparkler to lunch at Salut?
If that’s not exclusive enough for you–try one of these ostrich bags ($2950 each) with jewel-encrusted clasp. They are very limited edition. The white one is the only one left of it’s kind.
See and purchase these handbags only in L.A. and Minneapolis. Lucky us, right?
Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Mpls, 612-920-0747.

From my perspective, the new Bill Blass collection was much improved by designer Peter Som. His take on the classics was bright, fresh and very American.

The critics didn’t so much agree with me. There wasn’t enough sportswear for the ladies-who-lunch set. Point taken!
Also, Peter Som’s own show (video here) was one of the best of the week.

You decide for yourself.

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Here’s John Slattery, who plays Roger Sterling on “Mad Men” and Lorraine Bracco who played Dr. Melfi on the “Sopranos” in the front row of Nanette Lepore. I also just found out that she has a recurring role on “Lipstick Jungle,” which premiers tomorrow night. More great scoop on how and why I know that later.
Other front rowers included Karen Duffy (next to Slattery) and Ana Ortiz of “Ugly Betty.” Her gray with yellow embroidery dress from Nanette Lepore was really, really cute.

Drum roll please…after a preview/tour by Monique Lhuillier in her showroom yesterday, here we photos from the actual show. Pretty good ones, might I add, from the third row.

As she described–the colors were peacock-inspired and the style was flapperesque. She delivered. Noted in this article, people are looking to Lhuillier as one of the up-and-comers with potential to be a next big American brand name. Some might say–with a line of Royal Doulton china, handbags, Barbies, and a fragrance in the works–she already is.

Anyway, the photos speak for themselves.

Oh–and I haven’t mentioned it recently here, but the only Monique Lhuillier flagship salon other than in Los Angeles is in Edina (3928 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-929-0747). So we’re amongst the privileged few who can visit and shop this collection close to home.

How many ways can you bandage a woman? Every which way and some–according to Max Azria who designed the Herve Leger collection.

The excitement was palpable as the line debuted in the tents. It was founded in 1985 by Herve Leger and bought by Azria ten years later.

While the dresses are (clearly) difficult to wear for most bodies, the designs were quite impressive. The construction that went into creating the horizontal and diagonal lines was gorgeous, making the dresses a combination of architectural and body conscious.

The color-blocking, a major trend for the season, worked perfectly with this dress. Could bandage dresses be the new wrap dresses? Probably not because they don’t work on every body type like the wrap does. But there is a lot of new design energy from Azria. He clearly kept BCBG very wearable and saved the serious sexy for this. He still has one more show–Max Azria–on Monday.

Also, while I didn’t get any celebrity photos–Mandy Moore, Ginnifer Goodwin, Emily Deschanel and Rose McGowan were there and all in the tight iconic dresses. I also got my first glimpse of Anna Wintour. Ah, now fashion week has begun!

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Since I last saw Vivica at the fall 2007 Baby Phat show, I’ve grown to appreciate her even more. Her role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” was brilliant. You can also not that the first time I met her was at “The Gathering LIVE!” in Minneapolis.
Now I understand why she was cast in a show that’s not completely scripted. Apparently she may be starting her own line, but she wanted to be clear that it shouldn’t detract from Kimora Lee Simmons. The fug girls reported that she said “I’m not a hater. I’m a congratulator.”

I know it seems excessive, but I brought four coats/jackets to fashion week. Hey, it’s 10 days and I wanted options. When the temperature dipped below 30 degrees, I only wore this brown Tory Burch puffer. I knew it wasn’t flattering. I knew it wasn’t as fashionable as it could be. However, thank you New York Times, for helping me remember that I was not alone.