I have a history with Burberry perfumes. Once I doused myself in so much Brit that traces of it lingered in a friend’s apartment for days. (It was also the night I learned to moderate application. Notes of pear and almond, while lovely to smell, are not nearly as lovely to taste on someone’s lips if those ingredients weren’t involved at dinner prior.) The Beat I wore one reckless summer when, over screenplays and water fights, I really got to know the man who became my husband. I still have trace drops left in the bottle, which automatically transports me to my unstable and very fun twentieth year.

Now the house of trench and plaid has a new scent, and I do believe I love this one most of all. The fact that a semi-naked Rosie Huntington-Whiteley figures prominently in their advertising only accounts for a slight percentage of my admiration…

…Perhaps a slightly higher percentage, now that I think about it. I believe any woman, on some level, would gladly go to bed with her. The line forms behind me.

Burberry describes their latest as “a warm and feminine fragrance enriched with an eclectic combination of sensual ingredients.” They wanted a fragrance with the classic appeal of their trench coats and the enveloping sexuality of bare skin, most likely seen by candlelight (how I’m choosing to see it, anyway). Sephora simplifies that into a “fruity chypre,” and Now Smell This categorizes it as “floral woody amber,” which strikes me as infinitely more accurate. Peach, freesia, rose, absinthe, sandalwood, and vanilla make up the majority of the notes.

My first impression, upon smelling the tester, was a cessation of brain activity replaced only by the desire to apply this all over my body. Even now, I am compulsively smelling my wrist. Just writing that sentence made me want to smell myself again. Et encore! It is indeed everything Burberry promised me: warm, sensual, luxurious. As soon as I clutch my addicted fingers ’round a bottle I plan to pull a Marilyn and wear it to bed, in fact. It smells exactly the way you wish your skin would smell naturally. Clean, soft, suggestively sweet. It invites you closer, whispers double entendres as if by accident, envelops you in a heady promise of tangled sheets, a trench coat torn free and tossed carelessly to the floor.

Burberry Body merits husband approval both after the initial test and later after the top notes subsided. He even asked what it was, which I thought a particularly positive sign. (The only other perfume he did this with was Chanel’s Chance, yeeears ago.)

Be warned: as with all perfume, personal chemistry will d r a s t i c a l l y (did I emphasize that enough? DRASTICALLY) affect the way this translates to your skin. Test it on a single pulse point before buying a bottle. As much as I think this is the greatest olfactory invention ever, there are scores of poor unfortunate (and infinitely misguided — kidding) people out there who did not care for this. Which is fine by me, because it means more bottles for me to hoard. And hoard I shall.

Most know I’m a fragrance geek.  In fact, there is currently a bottle of Thierry Mugler in my car’s centre console for that last minute pre-party spritz.  (It’s cold; I can get away with this.)  Ever since I was ten years old and utterly enchanted by Dior’s Hypnotic Poison, perfume has pulled viscerally on my emotions.

Ergo, you can imagine my delight to discover Penhaligon’s, a company that understands the raw emotional power behind fragrance.  It can make us feel clean, powerful, sexy, young, dangerous, or giddy.  When we find a signature scent, it’s like discovering a mirror into ourselves and we guard it jealously.  Their online fragrance profiling leads you through every olfactory memory you may have, from current fragrances to any scent in the world you enjoy such as old books, coffee, and saddle leather.  Two professional profilers analyse your answers and return a custom recommendation list to you within ten days.  (I won’t dare tell you my results, but one scent is described as “excessively decadent, sumptuous, with an elusiveness that steals your heart!“)

Their fragrances are not cheap, at $140 for a standard 3.5 ounce flask.  Part of the cost derives from its exclusivity, much of it is due to the exquisite quality of ingredients used.  Their jasmine must also be capable of bestowing three wishes — or something equally improbable — as they boast it’s cost at double that of gold.  But you truly do get what you pay for in the fragrance world, as quality ingredients cannot help but smell exquisite.  Take one English pedigree, throw in the finest ingredients in the world with a dash of rarity and the innate satisfaction of wearing something you will never smell on another girl at the party, and you have Penhaligon’s.

For your own couture fragrance recommendations from a Penhaligon’s expert, go here.  It’s loads of fun, especially after a few glasses of wine.

Well, the EXPRESS show at Mai was a night to remember for a multitude of reasons, from good to bad to ugly.  From scoring front row, to drunken idiots with an inflated opinion of their own wit spilling their drink on my tush (and later accosting the photographer beside me to the point I was scanning for a security detail), to an amazing concert by The Features and even more incredible show, it was an evening of extremes to be sure.  But the chance to support some of my fellow models — and the pictures thereof — made it all worthwhile.

Side note: I love my job. Wink, wink!

Please click on images to enlarge, or visit my blog.

Amy Winehouse

Audrey Hepburn / Holly Golightly

Kate Middleton

Anna Wintour

What will you be for Halloween this year?  I’m torn between:

1.  Lady Gaga’s Born This Way costume (complete with latex prosthetics),
2.  Christine Daae (left over from DragonCon),
3.  Or — I confess — Amy Winehouse (because I love big hair and self-destructive tendencies).

It really all boils down to my amount of spare time in the ensuing weeks.

What do you have in mind?

This holiday season, go ahead and run your traditional red dress/sweater/shoes through a meat grinder.  It’s an astounding cliche.  Come now: how many November-December functions have you attended, in red, and drowned in a sea of vermillion?  It’s like wearing black in New York, or identifying yourself as “the one with a Prada bag” a fashion event.  Sparkly is the new red.  It is also, apparently, a new noun.

Nine out of ten uptown girls, first ladies, and witches agree.  They also demonstrate the vast age range capable of wearing such a statement texture.  Granted, two-thirds of my examples can’t even legally run for the House of Representatives (and the other third sort of, you know, skipped right to the top), but you get the gist of my sentiment.  Cripes.

They’re fantastic, you can pair them with anything, and they light up your face like no tomorrow.  (Adieu, NARS highlighters!)  What’s not to love?!

Wear a little…

Buy the pumps.
Buy the clutch.

Or a lot…

Buy (me) the pricey dress.
Buy the fiscally responsible dress.

Or somewhere in between…

Buy the blazer.
Buy the skirt.

Or DIY…
Instructables: How to Make Glittered Heels
I really, really (REALLY) want to do this soon.

Instructables: Fitted Sequin Skirt
This girl is amazing.

That’s it for tonight!  I’m dabbling in flatiron steaks tonight, Alton Brown style.  Hopefully it’ll turn out well; cooking has never been my forte (except for roasted chicken — there I am a certified do-it-in-my-sleep CHAMP).  We’ll see!

1. Let’s Get It Out of the Way — Tights, Et Al.
Tights are the ubiquitous solution to colder temperatures when you haven’t yet shopped your fall look.  Unlike the depressive casings your mother forced on you for holiday fancy-dress (or maybe it was just mine), today’s incarnations are vastly superior both in terms of style and material.  One thing to note, however: if your legs aren’t necessarily your favourite feature, stick with black, navy, or dark gray.  Anything light or bright will only make them stand out and-or look larger.

Another fun alternative are over-the-knee socks.  They lend a delightfully Nabokovian charm to any outfit.  Keep the rest of the get-up smart, lest the truancy officers side-eye you.  For a more grown-up take, get a pair of quality thigh-highs (or the Suspend-se tights above!), but make sure the hem of your dress covers the lacy tops.  I can’t advocate the use of classic stockings and garter belts for anything but photographic situations, only because I’ve tried them and they’re a real pain to maintain.  Plus, my grandmother’s story of her garter belt breaking on the sidewalk during D.C. rush hour haunts me to this day.

2. Blazer + Scarf = Crisp Weather Chic
Trapped in a 9-5?  Slave to the corporation, but dying to work an iota of personal expression into the monkey suit?  Pair a structured summer shift dress with the blazer from said monkey suit.  Twine a scarf around your neck.  Make sure to keep the colours and patterns fairly classic.  Those in creative fields can, obviously, disregard this.  (Granted, those in creative fields probably don’t have to wear a suit anyway.)

3. Motorcycle Jackets!  (Can You Tell They’re My Favourite?!)
Really, I consider these appropriate for all seasons.  My love of the motorcycle jacket is all-consuming.  They smarten up the typical jeans-and-a-tee and add edge to a saccharine cocktail dress.  When you shrug into one, you’re putting on an attitude.  I’m really quite obsessed.  Do try to avoid wearing knee-high boots with them, lest you be mistaken for ‘the leader of the pack.’

I’ll try to put some pictures up of my summer-to-fall transition looks (and try — really try — to keep the motorcycle jacket out of it).

What’s your favourite way to stretch summer clothes into fall?

La Chique Boutique of Brentwood hosted a “girl’s night out” party to follow on the success of their fashion show last month at Division Nashville.

Erin Crosby was a gracious hostess, offering us champagne as soon as we set foot in the door.  (Yes, we always knew we loved her!)  Tapas were set out on a side bar between jewellery displays.

“We’ve had a good turn out,” she said.  “Most people got here early.”  She added that clients had arrived even before the event was scheduled to begin.  We predict this bodes well for La Chique, if current clientele is so devoted.  Word is sure to spread.

When asked about the response to the fashion show last month, she added, “We’ve had new people coming in.  I think it went really well.”

At this point a woman walked up, white vest in hand.  “Okay, tell me how I’m supposed to wear this.”  Crosby expertly guided her guest through a variety of ways to style it, saying, “It’s really the perfect fall piece.”  (Not surprisingly, it went home in a shopping bag.)

Visit La Chique Boutique for fancy frocks and Erin’s personal styling at:
330 Franklin Road
Brentwood, TN

Levy’s Clothier hosted their client appreciation party on Thursday, October 6, at their Green Hills boutique. The fête also celebrated those community luminaries featured in their fall magazine, including: Dr. Bill Gates, Jeff and Raymond Jacobs, Christian Horsnell, Pat Whelan and James and Amy Hobbs.

Click to browse the Levy's Fall 2011 Magazine

Never one to skimp on the details, Levy’s saw to everything, from live music to ensuring that the artist whose work decorated the space was present.  (Olga Alexeeva, a delightful woman.  You can explore her work at the O Gallery website.)  Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails were provided by the 1808 Grille at Hutton Hotel.  While their very well appreciated clients sipped and shopped, Levy’s associates stood on hand to offer suggestions and input, demonstrating a remarkable level of knowledge about each piece.  Most entertaining was the exchange concerning a deliciously soft fur vest — raccoon, apparently, as we were quite amused to learn.  Levy’s offers indubitable quality, a fact clients appreciate as one woman noted the lack of anything resembling plastic (or even bakelite) in their jewelry.

Levy’s offers sophisticated pieces for a discriminating clientele with an eye for detail.  Brands include Armani Collezioni, Gerard Darel (who I saw at Paris Fashion Days), Hugo Boss, and Versace.  Exclusive services include made-to-measure clothing, wardrobe analysis, and in-house tailoring.  Sizes are kept on file for your next visit.

You can visit Levy’s at:
3900 Hillsboro Road, Suite 36
Nashville, TN

Or call ahead to schedule an appointment for personalized consultations at (615) 383-2800.

I love drama.  I’ll try anything once if it will turn heads, provoke stares, or throw me a tall, dark, and handsome wink across the bar.  Teased-out hair, glossy aubergine lips — I’ve tried most of what’s out there at some point or another.

…Except my nails.  Possibly the only thing about me you could term ‘conservative,’ my nails are the Sarah Palin of my body (which waffles somewhere between what I like to think is French chic and Lady Gaga).  Sheer pink at all times, s’il vous plaît, unless disaster strikes and I’m forced to file them down.  In which case, an occasional dark berry will make an appearance so long as they’re no more than 1/8″ beyond the quick.  Militant, bland, and prone to cold, I’m sure if my fingers could talk they’d make comments about Joe Six-Pack at every irrelevant moment.

That metaphor was far too enjoyable.

In the interest of cosmetic liberalism, I dove fingers-first into this Refinery29 tutorial.  A classic pattern, it seemed a prime place to begin.

It took about three coats of OPI Passion, and two-ish coats of Essie’s Lady Godiva.  Passion is, by nature, a very sheer polish.  It looks like R29 used an opaque café au lait shade from the OPI range.  I’d advise that you skip the thin brush they recommend when doing this.  I tried it, and got nothing but sheer, streaky cross-hatches.  Who has time to perfect their cross-hatching?!  Not I.  Steady your hand on a book and go to town with the original polish brush.  (And, for the love of god, don’t drink coffee right beforehand, as I did.)  Oh, I also swept Passion over the entire nail, rather than keeping it to the lower third.  So the way to get these nails, in my book, is to completely disregard any and all directions.  (We’re mavericks! Heh, heh.  I couldn’t resist.)

Side note: it also takes f . . . o . . . r . . . e . . . v . . . e . . . r to dry.  I painted these up between 7:00 and 8:00, but when I passed out on a friend’s couch at 4:00AM, I still woke to smudges (and a hangover, to compound the insult).  Not to decry the design, because I had a lot of fun with it, but it’s something to keep in mind.  Do it in the morning, and have a lot of free time to lounge about nibbling on bonbons.

Who knows, this may be the gateway design for me, and I’ll develop an insatiable urge to decorate my fingers in all manner of acid-trip motifs.

Ever tried nail art?  Got a design that will change my life if I’d only try it?  Or, like me, do you prefer sheer shades that quietly enhance?

I was trolling around Style.Com, feeling particularly industrious, wanting to check out the Spring shows but unable to bring myself to it because it’s BARELY even fall (call me old-fashioned)… So I checked out this season’s couture collections and found this incredible look at Armani Privé.

Start with a blank canvas – foundation, concealer, and definitely powder the T-zone.

The clothing showcased covered everything from weekend lunch dates to formal affairs, though it was difficult to discern any overarching theme to La Chique’s fall season.  We credit this to their desire for broad appeal, and indeed the outfits were all remarkably wearable.  Favorites included a gorgeous plum wool sheath dress, and a champagne-hued cocktail number reminiscent of Betsey Johnson (sadly, our camera was being decidedly churlish, and we could not get a decent shot of either).

Located in Brentwood, La Chique Boutique caters to trend-driven sorority sisters and their mothers, offering everything from faddish shrunken bombers to classically demure dresses that wouldn’t be out of place at a garden party.  There’s even a small selection of evening gowns, though the cocktail dresses really steal the show.

All in all, we see this as an innovative starting point for La Chique Boutique, and look forward to watching their shows develop in the future.

Drawing on the January success of their A Touch of Blush – The Fashion Show at Mai, Blush Boutique presented yet another chic event for Nashville fashion scenesters’ delight.  Hosted at Cabana Nashville, the Basically Blush fashions show was presented to a packed house in the swanky back room.  Diners observed from their tables, while the rest of us were left to squeeze in around the bar.  (Vodka tonic and a fashion show!  How convenient!)

The collection showcased outfits from the Basically Me line currently carried in Blush boutiques.  This season drew definite inspiration from the vibrant colours and patterns of the American southwest and Mexico.  (And ponchos.)  Favorites included a brightly patterned one-shouldered top, and the pumpkin-orange day dress with belled sleeves and Native American border.  Bright patterns, vivid hues, and leather accents made for a very wearable, summery collection just perfect for late summer escapes and mid-winter migrations.

Olia Zavozina opened her flagship boutique, joining the roster of chic retailers in Edgehill Village near music row.

A red carpet – complete with velvet ropes – lead into the Russian-born designer’s new HQ, where warm light spilled out against nightfall.  The interior was light and airy, with exposed brick, high white ceilings, and crystal chandeliers.  Racks of gorgeous couture bridal gowns lined the walls, and a glass case held one-of-a-kind Zavozina accessories.  The designer was the consummate hostess, greeting guests as they arrived, offering silver-lined gift bags, and introducing people to each other.

Deeper inside the boutique guests lined the bar and gathered at tall tables over posh finger food and glasses of wine, discussing the latest Zavozina collection, who saw her at Nashville Fashion Week, and generally mingling with the happy chaos that befits only the best parties.

Gifts for attendees included a warmly-scented Zavozina votive and several gift offers from other Edgehill shoppes.  Free cupcakes, tapas, and discounted spa services were all part of the offerings.

All in all, we are very happy to see Olia Zavozina permanently installed in Nashville, and wait with bated breath for her next collection of gowns to take the bridal market by storm.

It's hard to differentiate between a party & an average day at Betsey's.

Betsey Johnson Nashville threw one stunner of a soiree at their latest hot pink headquarters in the Green Hills Mall.  The event was crafted to lure Betsey into one day making a personal appearance, but it also promoted breast cancer awareness, and attendees were encouraged to wear pink both for Betsey — a survivor — and the cause.  One adorable employette set the bar high with her mauve-toned wig (the better to match her floral hair bow, my dear).

She outdid us all with her adorable hair!

No slouch in the hosting department, an array of treats were laid out next to the jewellery for guests to nibble while they tried on any number of trinkets.  (Too many cupcakes will never affect your ability to wear the perfect chandelier earring.  Those frilly minidresses were another matter entirely.)  Miniature cupcakes had been decorated to spell out “We Love Betsey,” though they disappeared before our camera could capture them.  Ditto the pink champagne, though we swear it did exist at one point.

Sweet treats lured in shoppers with the promise of fashion & sugar highs.

Later in the evening, country crooner Sarah Darling – outfitted, of course, in a frothy Betsey frock and heels – performed a second time that night with a song she said was about the kind of guy every girl dates once and never forgets: He’s the first taste of something you shouldn’t have.  He’s the first lie you tell to your mom and dad, the lyrics ran.  “That sounds just like my ex,” one shopper remarked to nobody in particular.

One of Betsey's girls jumps in with me & Sarah Darling for a photo op.

All in all, it was a fantastic night, and we were just too pleased to be Betsey’s guests for the evening.  We’re looking forward to returning – next time hopefully to meet Ms. Johnson in the flesh!  (Or frills, as the case may be.)

Its August and The Birds Nest Salon Murfreesboro and Brow Boutique with Xtreme Lashes Murfreesboro has teamed up to bring Premium Feather Hair Extensions to Stones River Mall and you in Murfreesboro TN, making it convenient for you to get that added bit of unique flair added to your fresh back to school hair style.

Tax Free Weekend is coming up and you are going to be out shopping for the latest fashion trends. Why not come and check out the latest hair craze.

 Our Premium Feather Hair Extensions are customizable to make whatever look you want. They are managebale and come in all sizes and colors.

Come get your hair feathers all through the month of August or any other time at the Birds Nest Salon Murfreesboro.

I have teamed up with Fox 17′s www.MyMobideal.com to publish a couple of coupons!

Buy 3 Feather Hair Extensions & Get One Free!

Thank you Fox 17 for letting The Birds Nest Salon publish such an amazing coupon for my Clients!

Here is how you can get directly to the online Coupon : Get your Feathers today!  “Feather Hair Extension Coupon”

DRUM ROLL………

The Birds Nest Salon is now stocked & equipped to meet your feather hair extension needs. I present  Donna Bella Milan premium hair feathers in a variety of color, style & length.

• Customizable
• Bang Feathers
• Solids
• Striped

You can color, curl, wash & style your feather hair extensions.

Not only will you be able to get hair feathers at The Birds Nest Salon, I will be at Stones River Mall with Mileah Barton ”Brow Expert” from - August 1st – August 31st

CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU

Birdsnestsalon.com

MAC PACKED TO GO WARM EYESHADOW PALETTE

Image by Temptalia

With a trip to Belize in my immediate future, all things travel are on the brain!  This sweet little palette is the perfect thing to tote along, with some of MAC’s most popular colours.  You can keep it nicely nude for daytime excursions, or smoke it up with the darkest brown before heading off to heat up the dance floor.

TOO FACED CANDLELIGHT SHADOW INSURANCE

Image from Amazon

Too Faced Shadow Insurance has long been my favourite primer of all time, yet I would sometimes glance longingly at the novel, coloured Urban Decay potions.  My eyes need wander no more!  Too Faced took their original fabulous formula and ramped it up with a dose of yellowy champagne shimmer.  It is remarkably budge-proof and still grabs your shadows gorgeously as ever.  Or wear it alone for a fresh, crease-free look.  Must-have!

GUERLAIN AQUA ALLEGORIA PAMPLELUNE

Image from Amazon

This lush, spicy-citrus tonic is perfect for summer days and nights.  The entire Aqua Allegoria line is inspired by sharp, raw ingredients carefully blended to write a fairytale on your skin.  Sparkling grapefruit is tempered by self-indulgent vanilla and a suggestion of earthy patchouli.  Wear Pamplelune to surprise and intoxicate.

BLISS HOT SALT SCRUB

Image from Amazon

The cheeky Manhattan spa indulgence blasts away every last trace of dull skin with 70% dead sea minerals.  Heavenly rosemary and eucalyptus oils urge your body to kick out toxins and get its glow on.  The scrub heats up as you massage it in to kick-start the detoxification and melt its therapeutic emollients into your skin.  Crucial smoothing for anything exposed between your spaghetti straps and your sandal straps.  (Tip: the link above will take you to a site where you can score this baby for 20% off!)

Perhaps the most talked-about party at Nashville Fashion Week was held at Sleeveless Boutique in Edgehill following the Christian Siriano fashion show.  Titled Cirque de la Mode (‘Fashion Circus’ in French), the party brought in Sleeveless’ spring/summer 2010 Lookbook with a bang.

Parking was thin near the boutique, a testimony to how many tastemakers had already filled up the circus tents flanking a series of Edgehill shoppes.  A photobooth and an organ grinder (really!) greeted you along with the doorman.  Once inside, the crowd was thick, and navigation thereof was a hassle.  (Two drink tickets with admission made the effort worthwhile.)  Chandeliers hung from the tent ceiling, and vases of bright peonies studded the décor.  Plush Victorian sofas offered seating near the vintage-styled furnace, where a group of people churned to the music.

Designer for Union of Angels Cynthia Bapst (Photo from Nashville Fashion Events)

Inside Sleeveless itself was madness (a very fun, fashionable kind at that).  20% all cuffs and earrings had whipped many women into a jewelry high.  Glittering pieces passed back-and-forth across the glass cases as they were tried on and, often, purchased.

Photo from Nashville Fashion Events

Next door, an art gallery had opened its doors to a fortune teller from Center of Symmetry.  People curious to glimpse their future or understand their past could enjoy the art while waiting for a go with the reader, who demonstrated remarkable warmth and insight as she provided meaning to her tarot cards.

Photo from Nashville Fashion Events

Though not personally witnessed, legend has it that the Sleeveless party was so successful that friendly law enforcement turned up to recommend a noise reduction.  But nobody could turn down the volume on the partygoers’ spirits, as the celebrations were hashed and re-hashed for days after.

Photo from Nashville Fashion Events

Day three at Nashville Fashion Week garnered the most notoriety, as it’s headliner was no less than Project Runway’s pint-sized prodigy Christian Siriano.  The shows were hosted at the Crystal Fountain Church in artsy east Nashville.  Skeptical as I was about a fashion show in a house of worship, the venue worked out beautifully with two runways and ample seating (though thanks to the publicity, it was standing room only well before the first show).  Clever, modern lighting design and two screens announcing each designer.

OLIA ZAVOZINA, the Russian-born, Nashville-based bridal designer opened the series of shows with her latest collection.  At once elegant and modern with early-60s flair, her gowns stood out with their clean, tailored lines and classic feminine details.  She also showcased her first menswear collection, a dapper assortment of shirts and suits perfect for a morning or casual afternoon wedding.  For once-in-a-lifetime gowns that last a lifetime, let Olia Zavozina walk you to the altar.  (P.S. Her flagship store opens this month!)

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Image by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

COOPER BY COURTNEY WARREN followed next.  Based out of Dallas, Texas, Courtney names her pieces for those special friends and family who supported her dream of creating her own fashion line.  Cooper is a sweet, colorful collection for the quintessential girl’s girl.  Bright colorblocks, short hemlines, and ruffles made for an effervescent presentation.  Pull Cooper by Courtney Warren out of your closet for the perfect first date or stylish picnic ensemble.

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

WHITE RABBIT by Shea Steele was born as a line of belts and made-over vintage accessories at her store Local Honey, which has grown into a full-fledged clothing line that was the darling amongst fashion bloggers this night.  The collection was slick and arty, with a minimalist color palette and graphic prints.  Favorites included a jumpsuit in delicate gray-and-white African print and a graphic black-white-red color block pullover with knee-length black men’s-style trousers.

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

UNION OF ANGELS by Cynthia Bapst was the penultimate show.  Bapst describes her aesthetic as bohemian equestrian, which shone through her entire collection.  In black and white, Bapst offered up western-styled jackets, leather fringe shawls, and retooled thigh-high English style riding boots with ruffled poet shirts, crochet, and off-the-shoulder dresses.  Her line finished with the lovely surprise of a gorgeous 50s-style off-the-shoulder evening dress.

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO – the moment everyone had gossiped about and waited for – came on.  I’m sure those who weren’t initial fans became Christian converts as his collection strode down the aisle on Nashville’s tallest models.  His pieces demonstrated the level of detail and craftsmanship that make him a regular at the prestigious New York Fashion Week.  The star of the show was definitely his massive ballgown skirt fashioned from millions of chiffon flowers, though other pieces – a black cocktail dress with a long, fanned-out ruffle or a mauve goddess gown expertly pleated with chiffon ruffles at the bust – did not dim in comparison.  The celebrity designer even made an appearance at the end of his collection, at which point the entire ‘congregation’ leapt to its feet with a roar, cameras flashing hysterically.  A finale well-deserved.

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events

Photo by Ernie Passwaters for Nashville Fashion Events