New York: DKNY, Diane von Furstenberg, Jeremy Laing and Miss Sixty Fall 2009

Judging from the colourful assortment of YSL bags, Marni necklaces and Louboutin ankle booties trotting around fashion week, the Bryant Park tents appear to be recession-proof. Whispers throughout the day said otherwise, with editors and buyers repeatedly asking “Where is everybody this season?” But it’s early, so I am decidedly optimistic (despite my NYC-approved all black ensemble).

Celeb spotting got off to a B-list start with J. Love, as in Jennifer Love Hewitt, front row at Mara Hoffman. The star wattage got a whole lot brighter when Hilary Duff sat down one row in front of moi at DKNY. Dressed in a red DKNY dress and looking quite fresh-faced (gotta love the early twenties) she said “excuse me” when she passed by. Oh, and she brought mommy dearest (who was carrying a Goyard tote).

Now on to the good stuff: the clothes! Lots of great city separates and suitings in houndstooths that mixed grey with red or green. The two-tone round-toe pumps definitely had a hot-child-in-the-city-goes-for-her-first-interview kind of vibe. Great slouchy trousers and fitted bombers. Wish list anyone? Bag you have to have for fall: the flapover clutch or a darling little chain-handled number. And no one does a camel coat quite like Ms. Karan. Wow! Standout look we dare you to try: the grey jersey jumpsuit. Super sexy. Overall feeling: pretty in the city.

Popped over to support fellow Canadian Jeremy Laing. He is such a master at drapey, fluid pieces, and anything with tucks and folds. O Jeremy, we stand on guard for thee…and also for your knee-length scuba jacket. Loved his mix of leather and mesh. And the gauntlet gloves? Drama with a capital D.

Back at the tents I said no to a comp Peroni but said yes to today’s WWD. Had just enough time before Diane von Furstenberg to digest the Eliot Spitzer call girl seating snafu at the Yigal Azrouël show. Overheard in line: “The swag is so sad this season. Who wants Altoids and a fanny pack?” The show packed in the celebs, the socials, oh and the eds too. Everyone from Diane Sawyer to Julia Stiles to Tim Gunn to Heidi Klum to Miss Diana Ross, who looked fab with her signature mop of hair, paired with electric red lips. DVF didn’t disappoint. Her collection spoke to the modern nomad, finding freedom in layers of knits, prints, cozy sweater capes, body hugging cashmere pants and mohair cocoon coats (love!). There was one very surprising blue-sequined shift dress and one liquid metallic gown ordered up with one shoulder. In a word? Gorgeous. (That same bon mot sums up DVF’s son, Alexandre, who we spied slipping backstage after the show.)

After dinner, we gave a little love to the Greta Constantine duo, Stephen Wong and Kirk Pickersgill, who veered away from their signature goddess gowns this season.

Miss Sixty rounded out the day lots of fizz, both in the front row–Mischa Barton! Kristin Bell! Minka Kelly! Coco Rocha!–and on the runway with acid wash denim, leopard graphics, faux fur and motorcycle hats.

Our new fave must have: leather pants in black…or silver metallic if you can be that girl.

Today’s addiction: DVF’s black Mongolian fuzzy coat and the scene at the tents. If only all Sundays were this inspiring.

Until my next jottings….

Check out our slideshows:

DKNY | DIANE VON FURSTENBERG | ALL FALL 2009

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