Polka-Dotted Suits, Parties, and Perry Ellis at NYC Fashion Week

September 10, 9:44 PMBaltimore Fashion ExaminerChristine Epps

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Last Friday I went to the opening day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. I had to leave town at 4 a.m. to arrive on time for the festivities. This being my first year attending the shows, I had no idea what to expect. Like everyone else who watches Project Runway and the Style channel, I thought the shows would be 30 minutes of high fashion and celebrities so close to me I could see the scars from their plastic surgery.

It turned out to be a little different. Here’s the gossip on everything but the fashion, of course.

After waiting 1 hour to receive my press credentials, I walked into the main tent at Bryant Park. A slew of sponsors, including Office Max and Havaiana were giving away free goods, but I was mostly interested in the 10 free Blackberry phones T-Mobile was gifting (unfortunately I didn’t get one).

9:00 a.m.- At the Michael Angel show I sat front row, and so close to the photographers that when I looked at photos and videos of the show, I could see my big head! While attending I met an MTV stylist who warned me about the VMAs that took place last Sunday (severe budget cutbacks at MTV made it not even worth watching) and a TV actor thought my dress was to die for.* My freebies from this show include shampoo, conditioner, and a complete styling set from Joico and a Swarovski crystal Maybelline Great Lash mascara bottle.

*BIG BIG thanks to Heidi and Nicole at Fresh! Baltimore for helping me find the perfect Sky dress at their Greenspring Station boutique. There’s a reason why I keep their website on my sidebar at all times- the clothes are amazing, funky, and sophisticated at the same time. Someone thought I was actually from NYC until I opened my mouth (I have a thick Balmer accent) which to me is the ultimate fashion compliment.

10:00 a.m.- Time for the show EVERYONE wanted to be at Friday morning, the BCBG Max Azria show. It was star studded. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine sat across from me and intimidated me beyond belief with her cropped bob and dark sunglasses (the Devil Wears Prada fans- she did have an entire row of clackers with her). After we left out the show there was an older couple dressed head to toe in polka dotted suits inside the tent. People will do anything to get noticed.

11:00 a.m.- Along with Nigel Barker from America’s Next Top Model, I attended the Perry Ellis runway show. Typical, boring, and expected, I didn’t know I found the show predictable because I was tired or running from tent to tent for 15 minute shows or because it looked like a Macy’s exploded. The nicest thing I can say is expect nothing new from Perry Ellis in the coming months. The only good thing that came from my trip to that show was a very expensive bottle of Perry Ellis cologne that my boyfriend has STILL yet to open!

After all three shows, and carrying four gift bags, I was tired, and through with fashion week. I definitely wished I could have gone for pleasure and not for business. It was fun and an experience to remember, but like so many things in life, it was just a lot of hype.