Interested in advertising?
Let answer your questions! sponsors_ads@curvygirlstyle.com

Oscar. In this society of style, the name is synonymous with classic sophistication. It is the epitome of elegance. In addition, followers of Oscar share his timeless grace. 

For me, an Oscar de la Renta show is a throwback to times when women would dress up to go shopping. I live to marvel at the Ladies Who Lunch. They have been doing the pearl thing way before it was a trend. It is all so Jackie O.

The society girls and the top cat fashion editors emerge from their slick black limousines with their perfectly fitted suits.  Their pumps complement their up-to-the-minute handbags. Their swift pace is halted only for the occasional “faux hello” to fellow fashionistas.  While some attempt to glide in the heels of “uptown girl” pumps, most cannot, this is noticeable as they hastily dash up to the check-in table.  Several of the Lobby Loungers have been known to place bets on which editor will be the first to trip in her high-priced, high-heeled shoes.

Watching this group of fashion elite is fascinating.  After all, a fashion show – like Bergdorf’s – is part of their natural habitat, and what better place to observe their behavior?

This fashion crowd never lingers in the lobby.  They approach the check-in table, flash their invites and filter into the venues like cattle.  They do not take their seats right away, as there is far too much air kissing and greeting going on.  Many just gather on the runway… chat, chat…kiss, kiss.

Volunteers in t-shirts are finally forced to usher guests to take seats. This, of course, takes at least 15 minutes and the show begins fashionably late.

The house goes completely black.  Two buff crew guys walk to the end of the runway and pull back the protective cover.  I hold my breath as my heart beats with anticipation. The whistle blows the stage lights up and the first model starts her prance down the runway.  

This Oscar show is styled by Andre Leon Talley, editor-at-large for American Vogue.  The hip urban fashion circle refers to him as The Godfather (and to the model Imam as The Godmother).  In fact, some fashion spectators will not clap for the collection until The Godfather does.

The models wear citrus-colored to-the-ankle circle skirts with pastel sweater twin sets.  The sweater is tied at the neck to form a cape-like look.  The models are not even halfway down the runway before a sea of movement takes over the audience.  Both men and women start tying their own twin sets a la The Godfather.  How quickly the fashion machine rolls!  However, this is by all means not a new way of wearing a sweater set.  Only Oscar can rejuvenate the traditional look.

21 minutes later, the models display their final looks, Oscar takes the ceremonial designer walk down the runway, and the show comes to an end. With no need to linger in the lobby, the guests leave the venue, bolting off to the next off-site show and grabbing the latest copy of The Daily on the way out.  The Daily makes great reading in the car.

After Oscar, there is Fusha, the signature line of Marie Claudinette, wife of musician Wyclef Jean.  Fusha’s fashion crowd is unique: downtown, uptown Harlem with elements of The Vill (a.k.a. The Village).  We are talking beyond hip.  The lobby takes on a warm amber hue as different people of color dress in rich tones to accent the glow of their skin.  However, if you really look, you will see cool society ladies from the Oscar show – the ones that get it.  Like Ann Slater who was once photographed dining with rap artist Foxy Brown.  Love that!

Creativity is key for Fusha fans.  Guests work ethnic printed skirts with a traditional English Burberry trench coat.  Denim appears everywhere, the more beat down, the better.  Chanel jackets are worn with jeans and a classic pump.  The guys, who are always worth checking out, don the well-tailored suits either with bold ties or traditional ethnic wear with Tims.  This is where mixy-matchy classic style meets urban chic. It’s all about urban renewal. 

Accessories make a huge statement from hoop earrings to armfuls of colorful bracelets. Hairdos are also a work of art with dreads, braids, ’fros, crops, you name it.  Then there are the shoes: boots, flats, sneakers – you will never see two pair alike.  Carrie Bradshaw would lose her mind. 

This stylish bunch likes to do the lobby linger.  They need to be seen and noticed.  It is all about saying, “Yeah, I was there. Didn’t you see me?”  It’s celebrating fashion and the fact that Wyclef Jean and his wife are so cool they design clothing.  Nevertheless, this crowd has priorities.  They pick up The Daily first, and then the cocktail.  Oh yes, you’re looking smooth when you’re in the middle of Bryant Park under a tent, checking out who’s who and having a cocktail.  That is NYC cool.

After lobby socializing has ended, the venue opens its doors.  Just like the Oscar show, the guests chat it up.  The crowd has their fashion buzz on.  One can just feel that this is going to be more than just models walking on a runway.  In addition, they are right.  Key light to the left of the runway hits Foxy Brown, and the guests are treated to a mini-concert.  What could be more excellent? Music meets fashion meets you.

The collection is skin-baring rapture.  Colors are vivid tones, earthy and urban.  You can feel the music beating through the clothes as this fashion experience is zealous in nature. Wyclef Jean and his wife take the stage and the crowd goes wild.  That is their way of saying thanks for making us proud.

Now it is time to hit the fashion cocktail bar again.  Not to mention chat the fashion flow.