NYFW diary: Kanye in hot pink, sophisticated beachwear at Michael Kors and red carpet lust at Marchesa

Wednesday’s packed schedule has me up and out of my hotel faster than you can say Tory Burch (which is where I was headed first). Burch’s spring presentation was like a healthy hit of vitamin C: Bright tangerine dresses, striped menswear-inspired suitings with a retro Carnaby Street vibe, white top-handle bags, below the knee skirts (the new length for spring!), and platforms with rope accents.

Kanye West made an appearance (he gets up before 9 a.m.?) wearing a hot pink blazer and his signature shades. The money shot of the morning occurred when Kanye crossed the room to greet Tory and Anna Wintour.

Michael Kors kept the Americana train going with his sunshine state of mind. If anyone can do sexy, sophisticated, relaxed beach looks, it’s Kors. PJs, robes, sarongs, tees and sweats were all done with a luxe twist–think crinkled linens, tissue cashmeres and hand smocking. A natural palette of hemp, white, midnight blue and cream mixed with an occasional bold stroke of yellow, green or walnut made for a somewhat rugged yet classic collection.

The item I am lusting after: The hemp silk tweed trench.

My lust continued over at the Marchesa presentation in Chelsea. Designer (and new mom) Georgina Chapman held court in one corner looking flawless as usual. Le bebe was nowhere in sight but Howard Stern’s wife Beth Ostrosky was hot on the topic, saying to Chapman’s hubby Harvey Weinstein as he made the rounds, “I bet you aren’t getting much sleep these days.”

Marchesa’s spring line-up (again red carpet-worthy in every way) narrated an Orientalist-inspired journey. Hand painted silk drapes, ornate jewelled accents, floral illustrations, all in an exotic palette of plum, midnight and peacock. Guests sipped on Moët, snapped pics, schmoozed and silently pondered their chances of ever stepping into one of these magnificent gowns.

Over at Gant by Michael Bastian, guests (meaning yours truly) were pondering something a little different. Like, when the blazes will Gant open a stand-alone store Canada?

Bastian has given us one more reason to love him. This spring, he debuts his first Gant womenswear collection, featuring adorable trenches, striped oxford shirts, madras scarves and seersucker dresses with lace overlays. The presentation was set up as individual vignettes, one of a young couple on their honeymoon at Niagara Falls. The line sheets refer to this duo as “The man who had all the luck.” Any girl who appreciates New England prep will fall in love with this entire line.

As for me?  Well, anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for seersucker. Bring it.

Click the images below to see pics from Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Marchesa and Gant and read our full coverage of New York Fashion Week»

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