Despite these being the Autumn/Winter Collections, of note is the escalating direction towards all-weather wear — frequently sleeveless, in pastel tones and lighter fabric. Could this too be an effect of global warming?  Detail trends include portrait necklines, full blousoned sleeves, and waistlines actually positioned at the waist.  This season just about every designer presents evening wear — from the little cocktail dress through innovative tuxes, to spectacular gowns.

Highlighting all, were three important events/ shows:  First and foremost, the truly fabulous Red Dress Show and women’s heart health awareness campaign (Yes Kenneth Cole we are using the “F” = “fabulous” word, lampooned in his show’s opening film). The show featured 24 amazing women of music from the hip hop though the classic adorned in gorgeous, red designer gowns, strutting down the runway to the sounds of their own tunes, and the cheers of an audience of 3000.  From the iconic Eartha Kitt (in Kal Milla), through Debbie Harry (wearing Donna Karan), Michelle Phillips (for Tracy Reese), Sheryl Crow (in Ralph Lauren), LeAnne Rimes (in Zac Posen) Emmylou Harris (wearing Kenneth Cole), Bebe Neuwith (for Narciso Rodriguez), Jojo (in Nicole Miller), and Audra McDonald (for Richard Tyler). Then, a resounding finale in which legendary, Tony Award winning Broadway star, Elaine Stritch belted out “You’ve Got To Have Heart”.

Throughout the week, beneath the tents, The Red Dress booth, sponsored by Celestial Seasonings, reminded us that heart disease is the Number One killer of women, and advocated heart-healthier lifestyles. Wearing our red dress pins proudly we gathered together to celebrate a new consciousness at the magnificently staged, red rose encrusted, the New York Public Library’s Red Dress Cocktail Party, Chaired by Sigourney Weaver.

Even fatigued Fashionistas, weary editors, tuf wannabes, and jaded celebs had gleeful giggles at the delightful Child Magazine Fashion Show.  With genius styling by Gaye Morris Epson, wee ones, kiddy-poohs, and adolescents, sporting trendy styles, toddled, played, skipped, and danced their way into everyone hearts.  There were star kids, and kids with star parents.

The adorable Ming Lee and Aoki Simmons – the children of Kimora and Russell Simmons, but of course, modeled Baby Phat. Dakota and Allana Lohan – Lindsay’s brother and sister, modeled a Belle Of The Ball tiered illusion tulle dress with wrap sweater and a Gap Kids striped blazer over a zip hoodie, plaid shirt and paint-splattered jeans.  Kit Keenan, daughter of Cynthia Rowley modeled her knit coat over a jumper dress and Oscar Malandrino, son of Catherine, wore her Swarovski bejeweled denim jacket and pants.

Truly, all the children were stars, for they brought out that special child within each and every one of us.