Amazing, Artistic, Enjoyable, Anna Sui

I was one of the first in the ticket holders line to find my seat at the Anna Sui runway show, because I knew the tent would be literally, packed to to rafters to see what is always a popular and fantastic show by a unique designer. I will tell you right now that this show was definitely one of the most fun, and worth the wait -- and even the wait was enjoyable as oldies such as a modernized version of "It's My Party" (made famous by Lesley Gore) and the original version of "Arnold Layne" (the first single released by British Psychedelic rock group Pink Floyd) played in the background as the tent filled with lots of celebrities and invited guests and the media.


Russell Simmons has been at several shows I've attended this week. Here, he's bathed in the glow of lights from a swarm of videographers and photographers.


photos by Alison Blackman © 2008 all rights reserved The Advice Sisters®

The show began with the sounds of someone saying: "Love" "Love" Love." That was just the beginning of this 60's lovefest. The models began walking down the runway in folky, vintage-inspired clothes with a "back to the 60's" vibe and yet--with a totally modern mix. The enjoyable music the models strutted their stuff to included a mix of old and new (eg. the modmix of "It's My Party," and Arnold Layne and the Beatles "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds"). The clothes were also a mixture of eras and styles. Women who like the unusual, artistic and unique will really appreciate these clothes, as Anna Sui's designs are colorful, artful, sophisticated and (this season) bohemian/ethnic/hippie chic. Fabrics ranged from soft velvets and shimmery fabrics, to simple silks, ryhon, wool, and even some exotics such as a capelet created fromTibetan Goat. The collection was a colorful riot of ethnic styles, with embellishments galore: crochet, fringes, layers, embroidery and beads. These "summer of love" clothes may ake some confidence to pull off as a total look, but the "Age of Aquarius" pieces (worn on the runway with long, large strings of beads by Erickson Beamon), will win a coveted, favorite status in women's wardrobes this Fall on an individual basis. I personally loved the flowing, scarf-like peasant dresses with pointed, loose sleeves that would have been perfect on Michelle Phillips (from the Mommas and the Poppas), a funky, fringed handbag and a "Pocohatas-style" tunic, with references to Indians both American and from the East.

In keeping with the "LOVE" theme, hair, created by Garren, was parted in the middle and worn with a headband across the forehead (Itchycoo Park style). The long, loose, volumized style had

texture and bouncy waves in the back. Makeup was by Pat McGrath.

After Anna Sui's show, Television Personality and Actress Cognac Wellerlane, who is also the hostess and creator of Cognac's Corner TV interviewed me on camera about what I'd just seen. The interview was held near one of the gorgeous, Mercedes Benz cars inside the entrance of the Tent's main lobby. After the interview, Cognac (she's the glamorous one in the lynx coat and hat, of course) graciously posed with me and two talented men: Designer Count Vlad of VladiCoutoure on the left, and a charming young man who works in fashion marketing, on my right (doesn't he look like Clark Kent)? Cognac's fashion and celebrity coverage online and on You Tube is a must see!