Only Oscar de la Renta would get me to 42nd Street on a rainy Monday night. At first, I missed his old venue at the church on Park Avenue a few blocks from my apartment, but there was a great juxtaposition to the raw runway space and the gorgeous clothes. It is the future home of the Oscar offices and meant that everyone had a great seat. Thanks to a few souls who either did not brave the weather or got caught in traffic, a few of us were even able to move to the front row. It was there that I sat two seats away from the still stunning model Carmen Dell'Orefice and close to Anna Wintour and the team from Vogue. Both left me a nervous wreck and wishing I had stopped eating carbs years ago. That's probably why some of my first photos were a little out of focus. (For all runway looks, please visit Style.com.) It's also very difficult to shoot moving models and my hat goes off to the professionals. Speaking of hats, I absolutely loved the paper hats that topped the resort looks that were inspired by Spain, Picasso, Cubism and perhaps a bit by pirate Captain Jack Sparrow. What I love most about attending fashion shows in person is the way the fabric wafts down the runway and the light catches the embroidery and beading. I say it every time but it really is a magical experience and in this case, very artistic. I think even Piscasso would have approved.
Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic
