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AUDREY'S SOCIETY WHIRL: FASHION & BEAUTY BEAT

By Audrey J. Bernard, Fashion & Beauty Editor

(October 9, 2008)

b. michael’s Amazing Spring 2009 Show Was Drenched In Beauty; Color Illuminates Runway At 10th Anniversary Baby Phat Fashion Show; Tracy Reese 2009 Ready-To-Wear Show Is A ‘Spring Awakening’

*b. michael’s spring 2009 show was drenched in beauty, color and lots of dreamy material. Long considered a throwback to the Yves St. Laurent era where women wore garments and not the other way around, michael’s new line was ooh, aah, gorgeous and nothing like anything held under the tents at Bryant Park.

Michael -- whose collection was in a class by itself -- distinguished his show from the beginning by holding it off of the tent lot. Instead, he opted for the beauteous Arena which was the perfect place with its palatial columns, sweeping spiral staircases on either side of the stage and lots and lots of mirrors and plush seating.

Michael chose his colors and materials very meticulously resulting in a show filled with copious beauty. As each model walked the runway one was reminded of fashion imitating art as each design was elegant enough for framing.

The hot designer’s new line consists of soft shades of blue, yellow, orange and metallic as well as ethereal white. And no one does the little black dress like Michaels. The couture line consisted of a plethora of materials -- Chantilly lace, silk chiffon, silk satin crepe, brocade, silk wool and cotton seersucker. The show’s theme could very well have been Breakfast At Tiffany as each model was needle thin and wore her hair in an upsweep hairdo not too unlike Audrey Hepburn.

The designs were all standouts with special mention to the white classic 100% cotton Picot shirt over 100% cotton seersucker blue long trumpet skirt; strapless windowpane plaid strapless gown in natural colors; lemon multi-mermaid gown; silver draped gown; shades of white empire goddess dress with tiers of 100% silk chiffon; black overlay sage-balloon skirted dress, silk wool with dotted tulle overlay; and my all-time favorite, an 8-ply silk satin crepe orange with coral sweetheart neck with waterfall train gown.

The men’s fashions were just as smashing with special mention to the white and black paisley dinner jacket over tuxedo pants. All twenty-three pieces were created with a designer’s brush of genius leaving you to wonder how he could ever top this! But somehow he always manages to do so. (Photos courtesy Getty Images)

b. michael takes a bow

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As Djimon Honson, Ice T & wife Coco, LaLa Vasquez, Serena Williams and singer Maxwell looked on, Kimora Lee Simmons presented her Spring 2009 Baby Phat Ready-To-Wear line before a packed-to-the rafters crowd at Roseland on the last night of New York’s fashion week, Friday, September 12. The show is always the be all and always ends it all! She’s a closer!

The milestone show celebrated Baby Phat’s 10th anniversary and showcased how inspirational the line has been from its inception as Lee’s hot and stylish designs illuminated the runway and made you feel like you should go and book tickets for the Rivera without haste.

Lee’s line was filled with breezy, bold and beautiful designs -- scanty short-shorts, plunging necklines, whimsical long dresses, see through sheaths, pedal pushers, skin-tight pants and lots of metallics. The hip bags were to die for. Loud gasps could be heard throughout the exciting show – even above the deafening music.

Colors such as patriotic blue, khaki, purples and lots of pretty pastels -- such as dreamy peach, hot and sassy pink, lushful lavendar and tantalizing turquoise -- set fire to the runway to the pulsating beat of hip hop music. The fashions iluminated more from the bling accessories from Lee’s jewelry line. Women and men alike love them some bling! It’s such a fashion “must!”

Lastly I want to send mucho kudos to Lee for using women of color to exemplify her fabulosity. Ain’t nothing prettier than color on color in color! (Photo Credit: imaxfree.com)

Kimora Lee Simmons takes bow with daughters Ming Lee Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons

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Tracy Reese Spring 2009 Ready-To-Wear show was contagious! The infectious show illuminated the runway with a whiff of botanical freshness as witnessed by the young designer’s use of flowing flowery chiffon, outrageously gorgeous separates in pastel shades, to die for “Bond” girl trench coats and lots of perfect party dresses that become the talk of any party.

Special kudos to the silk tulip skirts with pretty petals and crystals giving it the right amount of walkin’ bling. Reese knocked it out of the park with a sneak peek of her Reese Black Label and, like the whiskey, it was a very strong show. Her new cuffed trousers were worthy of a second coming. (Photos: Marao Madeira)