Mirror Image

Okay, that just happened to be the best Super Bowl game ever, unless you are a Pats fan, and even though our team wasn't in it. Alicia Keyes is gorgeous. In the pregame show, her hair and makeup were perfect. But the pants? Instant thunder thighs, and the songthrush is slim.
Big mistake, with an emphasis on the big.

Do you know why the Pats lost? It wasn't because Tom Brady's seismic galpal Gisele Bundchen was swilling wine, though that seemed wrong.

No, it's because the Patriots coach Bill Belichick wore this horrendous sweatshirt, with the sleeves cut-off, more suited for the Vet's notorious 700 level (though in green, 'natch) than a man trying to claim his fourth Lombardi trophy.

The clothes at Fall 2008's New York Fashion Week are particularly striking this season. I'm not a fan of tulle, but this finale Oscar de la Renta gown was amazing. It's so fairy princessy. This collection brough the fantasy back to fashion with the exception of the dark eyeliner. We didn't like that.

We think the clear, jewel tones give these gowns Oscar potential. But don't think about how skinny you have to be to wear them - especially the forest green one with the rocking fishtail, underscored by the black crinoline. It will only depress you.

After 30 years, Betsey Johnson is still Betsey Johnson. But that's cool because a vintage Bestey Johnson can easily fit in her contemporary collection as we saw in a 30 year retrospective of her work following her fall 2008 presentation.
Talk about staying true to your audience.

And at Ports 1961, designer Tia Cibani made me fall in love with rowan, an interesting word for orange.

This morning I got up, hopped in a Taxi and made my way up to 56th and Fifth Avenue to the gleaming Gucci store. There, creative director Frida Giannini told us how the lovely bronze and glass luxury paradise was her vision of greatness. And that Gucci, probably the most well-known luxury brand in the country saw an 11 percent jump in revenue, or 2.2 million Euro. The building is beautiful. The plump bags are covered with glittering zippers and logos and the shoes, ah, the shoes make me wish I didn't totter in heels over three inches.

But I found it ironic that while the Italian-based company is celebrating a grand opening here, design studios in the garmet district just blocks south of here are on the verge of closing because rents are doubling and show room managers are afraid that dismal retail sales will stop them from maing the payments. Sometimes this fashion world doesn't make sense. Or is it that we don't.

So after I went to the Gucci store, I hightailed it back downtown to the tents to try to catch Tibi. I knew that Jimmy Contreras of Center City-based store Kimberly would be there, but a las, I missed the show. (I'll see him tomorrow at Milly!) While I watched the models in their pretty 1970s inspired florals on the T.V's outside the runways, I heard someone scream, "Elizabeth!" It was Amy Schaeffer from Saks in Bala Cynwyd with a couple of the Saks crew. We chit chatted while we waited for the show to start After a little tete a tete with the evil, black clad clippboard chicks (who I swear work to keep as many people out as they let people in, we walked in and watched a beautiful show!

Dress after dress after dress floated down the runway in jewel tones in gazzars, suedes and velvets. If Badgley Mischka is any indication of what fashion will bring, neat and classy is definitely on the horizon. We'll get to see more of Badgley Mischka in April when Mark Badgley and James Mischka come to town for Daisy Days.

As the day winds down, I literally run to Hells Kitchen to see Behnaz Sarafpour and then up to midtown to see Tory Burch. Both of these women have their roots in the Main Line, so they are a must see. After a few years of seeing these collections, they'd both come to be predictable. I liked to describe them as upscale Banana Republic. Not anymore! Both of these groupings, had a zing I hadn't seen in a while. Sarafpour, who designed a line for Target, used to put her models in flats and shapeless shifts. On Tuesday her collection was cooly loud boasting with embroidered leaf appliques and ivory tops gleaming in crepe de shine.

The normally quiet Burch - I like to think of her as the Queen of the Flats - tapped into her inner rock and roll self for a fun collection that featured three groupings (including one with eveningwear) that glittered. Long cardigans and the oversized bow (more on that trend later, maybe Sandra Oh was on to something with that hideous dress she wore to the SAGS) gave Burch's grouping a vintage and now feel.

As far as New York Fashion Week's go, this one isn't crazy celebrity. I mean Rihanna, who is clearly positioning herself as the next urban songstress, and fashionista was under the tents all week. I spotted Russell Simmons and Tyra Banks at Betsey Johnson.

But this morning's Michael Kors show was packed with not only great clothes, but A-listers out the wazoo! Where do I start? Pharrell Williams, Donald Trump, stylist Rachel Zoe, Debra Messing, Sigourney Weaver. Then there was the fashion celebs: including Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, Robert Verde and Robin Givhan.

The lights went down. They come back in. And in scurried Ellen Pompeo with her new hubby Chris Avery and Eric Dane and wife Rebecca Gayheart. All of this before we saw one stitch of clothing. Which, by the way, were awesome as the camel suiting and lilac floral print collection was one of Kors best.

While scurrying around backstage at the Bryant Park tents, one notices a lot of things. First, most of the models have tracks attaching their natural hair to long, fake hair. Interesting. Sometimes the stylists are more divafied than the models. And other times you see new products like dry shampoo (I have to investigate that) clips with new fangled fastening technology. But sometimes you meet nice people too. Joanne Martin is from Connecticut. She was hanging out backstage at the Malan Breton show because her daughter, Alexandra, was one of the models. (They are pictured above.) Joanne told me she schleped her daughter back and forth to shows all week. My bubble said, "Why?" Isn't her daughter a big girl? She's 15, Joanne said as if reading my mind. I know models are young, but what a wake up call. Bravo for her mom! Alexandra is beautiful, yes, but she's far from grown. No wonder some grown women say feel can't compete with models. Of course they can't; they are 15! Another real life, in-your-face example about how the fashion world is so disconnected from the rest of us.

Vera Wang must be sad as her Fall 2008 collection was completely solemn and totally shapeless. Instead of a serious, lady like grouping that emphasized the natural waistline - the trend at this season's shows. Wang's collection was full of outfits that would be appropriate for forest nymphs. Shapeless is so 2006! One fiery orange, short sleeved cardigan sweater rocked over a sequined T-shirt. Some of the embroidery, including a cloud grey washed chiffon dress covered with different sized rosettes was amazing. But the rest of the collection was dour. I wonder how this will translate to Kohl's Simply Vera line.

Gone are the frilly dresses and sequined polos at alice + olivia. This morning University of Pennsylvania graduate designer, Stacey Bendet, debuted a much more ediger collection in her boutique across from Bryant Park as well as a line of shoes she designed for Payless. Breakfast in Bed kicked off minutes after the Vera Wang show ended.

Basically, Bendet divided her store in four morning bedroom scenes: upper east side socialite, downtown rocker (I don't know why everyone wants to be a rocker girl this season.) Scarface glam and minimalist.

In between photographers incesantly snaping, waiters offering Vitamin Water and just being in awe in the way the store was totally revamped for this two-hour presentation - of which people floated in and out - I could hardly concentrate on the clothes. I will say that everything felt mod. All these pieces need tights and this is definitely for the YOUNG boutique shopper. Bendet herself looked rather rocker Greek Goddessy in a long gown with sequins along the hem. Take a look at the setup -pictured here are Scarface Glam and Minimalist. It reminded me of the swanky club, Bed, in Miami. Tell me what you think.

This was a big week for Peter Som. The young designer and Saks Favorite was the man behind two important womenswear collections: The Peter Som line as well as his inaugural collection for the venerable Bill Blass line.
Tyler Rose, 21, from Blue Bell was the assistant designer for the Bill Blass collection.
I caught up with the Wissahickon High School graduate shortly after the show at a nearby Starbucks. Under Som, Rose is in charge of sweaters. He deals with the factories in Italy. He works with the fur license in Montreal. He is in charge of belts - which were very important this year. Rose starting working for the Bill Blass line two years ago when Michael Vollbracht was at the helm.

Except for the bountiful use of ostrich feathers, this collection was beautiful and like many of this year's collections it was quite wearable. Som started the 47-piece show with a clean, black and white grouping that featured smoking jackets adorned with bows, and sequined shifts and shirts and gowns so covered with bouncing ruffles, they looked like they might blow away. Tyler's favorite was a white satin gazar strapless gown presented near the end. "It's smooth," he said, "and the waist was beautifully defined." Then he dashed back off to the Seventh Avenue Studio. There was still more work to be done...

It was nearly 4 p.m., I just wrapped up the Tyler Rose interview, turned around and saw Vogue magazine's most famous editor - second only to Anna Wintour - Andre Leon Talley was right behind me, wearing a pinstriped suit. (Much like this one, but I didn't take this pic.) Remember, how he dressed Jennifer Hudson in that Oscar de la Renta gown at the Oscars last year? Mr. Life with Andre... Ok, you get it?! Big fashion deal!
I nodded. He nodded. And then, he spoke:
"Does that young man work for Peter?" he asked very laissez-faire like.
"Yes," I said, like a school girl "He seems to be nice, he grew up in Blue Bell which is outside Philadelphia. I work for The Philadelphia Inquirer."
"Really?" he says.
We make idol chat. I ask him if he's waiting for the Calivin Klein show to start. He is. I tell him I don't have an invitation.
"You'll get in," he says. "The Philadelphia Inquirer is important."
Maybe he's forgotten what it's like to try to get into shows. Anyway, another reporter joins me from the Times Picayune. She doesn't have an invite either. Then, she, Andre and I saunter to the Calvin Klein show giggling at the oddities of Fashion Week. His fur stole swings behind him. "You'll get in," he says. He's positive.
Now I know this is really a long shot. I've only been invited to the show once and I've been covering Fashion Week for seven years. The line is carried darned near everywhere in the area. But, oh well. Hey, maybe if I come in with Andre, there is a chance I could slide in and stand to the back.
We get to the door.
The black clad clipboard banchees part and usher Andre in. But before he goes in, he stops and introduces me. "This is Elizabeth Wellington; She's from The Philadelphia Inquirer"
"We'll be glad to help her out. No problem," the list-keeper says.
Then she mumbles to me rather saltily, "You still will have to check-in. He doesn't decide who gets to go into the show."
Game over.
You know the rest, I get to the front. The clipboard women scan the list. I'm not on it.
"But I went last year," I said. "I got an invite. I'm sure it's at my desk and I didn't get it before I left."
Then came the brush off: Oh Well. Too Bad. Here is the fax number for you to request your ticket next time. No, we won't let you in standing. Have a nice day.
Andre has been inside for a minute.
What a diss.
Oh Well.
There is always Style.com

.... And the finalists are all five Project Runway contestants, who made it through Wednesday's episode: Sweet P, Chris, Rami, Jillian and of course, Chris. So basically, we are no closer to knowing who the top three are then we were when we turned off our TV sets two evenings ago. Good for Bravo for catching on to the internet spoiler factor.

The celebrity guest judge was none other than Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, who looked really good in a tangerine dresss.

Of all the collections, Christian - aka Mr. Fierce, had the strongest. It was the closest to couture as it echoed the stylings of Viktor & Rolf and Alexander McQueen. It was definitely the most theatrical. Chris' collection ranked next. Although it was impossible-to-wear Russian royalty and somewhat Gothic pieces, it had the strongest point of view. The navy blue silk gown with a silk screen image of George Washington's Mount Rushmore image drew applause. Rami tried too hard - there is, dear, such a thing as too much draping. Jillian's collection was the most wearable - although, I really wasn't feeling the gladiator hats. And you can see she is completely on the Twinkle by Wenlan Cha tip with the knits. Sweat P's started out with a strong color story and amazing ruffled detail, but the satin gowns totally fell flat in the end.

Sweet P is next to go. Christian will more than likely win it all.

Read Saturday Reviews tomorrow for the whole story. (There is no way you'd be able to see my pics from my sixth-row seat.) But I did get up close and personal with some celebs before the show started. Check it out:

Designers Marc Jacobs and Sean “Diddy” Combs ended the fashion week hoopla with major statements.
Jacobs, who is known industry-wide for his two-hour delays, was punctual. And all of Combs’ models were black.
Both of the buzz-heavy shows were presented to celebrity-packed audiences off-site from The Bryant Park tents. Arrivals included Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham, Kevin Federline and Ellen Pompeo. Friday’s Sean John collection was Combs' return to Fashion Week after a five-year hiatus. And no one ever knows what silhouette Jacobs, the temperamental designer that’s also at the helm of the luxury brand Louis Vuitton, will send down the runways. The first picture is from Sean John. The second is from the Marc Jacobs collection. For full story and more pictures read Monday's Inquirer in the Health and Science section.

See this stuff? This is purportedly "white chocolate," the worst development in culinary history. It is also aesthetically foul. Chocolate, already perfect, should not be white. Do not give it. Do not eat it. You will be rewarded for such wisdom.

Red ruled last night's Academy Award's ceremony. And what a beautiful fashion event it was! After all the brouhaha over the writer's strike, I'm so very happy that actresses hit the carpet fully glamoured-up.

Here are a few of my favorite looks. What are some of yours?

So So Fly
We think the best gown was Anne Hathaway's Marchesa fthat rosettes streaming down the shoulder. It was a soft, beautiful look.

Ick Award
What were Daniel Day-Lewis and his wife, Rebecca Miller, thinking? We don't know who designed it and we are glad for fear of fashion copy cats. His boots. Ugly. Her shoes. Ugly. Her dress. Hideous. What a mess.

Kidrageous!
Saoirse Ronan was adorable in her emerald green Alberta Ferretti dress with the capsleeves and appropripately placed embroidery along the bustline. What a cutie.

Fashion Turnaround.
Jennifer Hudson worked the white, goddess-style empire waist gown well. We think it was a choice for her full figure. The crystal, drop earrings are a nice touch too. But we aren't feeling the wig too much. Still we understand a girl has got to do what a girl has got to do.

Most Classy.
Ruby Dee wins hands down. We don't need to say much more.

Most Dramatic
The drama in Heidi Klum's John Galliano is only accentuated by her tightly coiled bun. How could you not love this cloaked look?

Best Burst of Color
The once-dreamy John Travolta looked rather Eddie Munsterish, but his wife, Kelly Preston, was radiant in this yellow-orange Roberto Cavalli.

Perhaps you saw my colleague Tirdad Derakhshani's SideShow this morning, where he reported on which celebrities should play the three presidential frontrunners, according to a ZogbySvedka poll.

For Barack Obama, voters chose Denzel Washington over Will Smith, two popular movie stars.

For John McCain, the choice was Tommy Lee Jones over Clint Eastwood, two popular movie stars.

For Hillary Clinton? Martha Stewart, a convicted perjurer and noted control freak, was chosen over Ellen DeGeneres, celebrity lesbian.

Neither one is a successful actress, on the screen or, in Stewart's case,the courtroom.

This plays precisely into the ongoing misanthropic view of female politicians, as brilliantly articularly by Tina Fey in her Saturday Night Live Weekened Update with Amy Poehler. Which you can view here: http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/#mea=221773

The irony? Hillary has been portrayed on the screen already, fictionally and rather effectively, by the wonderful Emma Thompson in Primary Colors.

Gives pause as to whether voters are really as tolerant of a female candidate as they say they are.

I arrived in Paris this morning to cover Paris Fashion Week.

I'm excited and very nervous. There is no time to fret, let alone search for the perfect crepes - I WILL FIND THEM. I'm here to figure out how relevant the sophisticated looks of Paris as we try to get back to better dressing. What better place than to see what modern day designers are trying to do than in the birthplace of modern day fashion.

Soaking wet and exhausted from lugging my overpacked bags to my hotel that is located on the very northern tip of the Champs Elysees, I hopped on the Metro and headed southwest to Glaciere where I met Joan Shepp and her daughter, Ellen, at a showing of the punky, yet high end Thomas Wylde collection. There, I shook hands with California-based designer Paula Thomas, who declared in no uncertain terms, "That Paris is where it's at." Her line is sort of punk rock for grown women and includes skinny jeans, knee-length boots and shiny, purple not-leather- but-looks-like leather pants. The boxy, yet-skinny-armed-cashmere sweaters are have metallic tarantulas on the back. Spiders, she says, are given a rough rap. Here is a pic of the designer in her line.

Joan says it's a pretty big deal. I'm not sold yet - although, I do like the jewelry and the handbags. It looks like Joan is set to buy a ton of the stuff, despite the fact dollar is at it's lowest in Europe. Tomorrow we are going to a big show where Joan will buy shoes for her store.

I haven't been to any shows yet, but I exited the train in front of Rue de Rovili, not far from where many of the shows are held. There were no lines held in check by overzealous security guards. I haven't seen a celeb yet. It's quiet and serious. It's serene and artistic. There is hope that we may get back to this in American fashion which has become so garrish and rude. Later in the evening, I dined on smoked salmon and enjoyed a delectable pistachio creme brulee. Near there is the concept store Collette. We dipped in there too. (More on that later.)

Now since I've been up since Wednesday morning, I'm exhausted. I'll work the rest of this out tomorrow.