Ostensibly the annual luncheon of the FIT Museum’s Couture Council is to honor the designer of the year, but in addition to the accolades, New York City’s women of style know that this is the place to show off their favorite garb of the season.
Among the notables crowding into the outdoor reception at Lincoln Center were Blaine Trump, Diana Taylor, Coco Kopelman, Martha Stewart (in Jodhpurs!), Dennis Basso, and fashion icon Iris Apfel.
Vogue Editor Anna Wintour hung in the background busy on her cell phone. Council members Eleanora Kennedy and Yaz Hernandez picked the same cross shoulder dress by Michael Kors. FIT President Joyce Brown subscribed to the popular outline style, as did Diana Taylor who arrived with FIT Museum Director Valerie Steele
Receiving his award from actress Hilary Swank who described the designer as “open, curious, enthusiastic, optimistic and real,” Kors accepted noting that American sportswear has evolved into a global concept of luxury.
Attendees enjoyed a “do it yourself” luncheon of pea tarragon soup with optional garnishes of shallots, croutons and radish slices, an unmixed Cobb salad laid out in stripes across the plate, and finally “make your own” ice cream sundaes with six choices of toppings. All were delicious and almost too tempting for people watching their figures.
Frocks by Kors were well represented as “Who are you wearing” was asked over and over. We spotted some repeated motifs as luncheon goers arrived in their latest fall outfits.
Leather and leather-look is an emerging theme, mostly in black, though Bergdorf’s Linda Fargo was in head-to-toe beige and Cheryl Schwartz showed how to wear the leather “cage” Francisco Costa designed for Calvin Klein.
Black and white was another prevalent theme both in graphic blocks and outline strips.
Clever slash seams shape daytime sheaths.
Zippers have come out from hiding and studs are used for accents.
Lace showed up in a variety of colors.
Bright colors stood out for both women and men.
And there are always some quirks:
Shorts
Shoulders
Cut-out
Obama-esque cardigan sweaters
Ruffles gone wild
Statement headgear
