The Uniform du Jour, photo Instagram

In France, the transition from summer to fall is celebrated. They even have a word for it: “la rentree,” which literally translates to “the return”. It describes the nationwide return to work, school, and normal routines in September after the long summer holiday,

Indeed, September feels like the start of a brand-new year; there’s a magical sense of new beginnings and fresh starts. My idea of a perfect transitional uniform also has a French accent. Pairing a tailored jacket with well-worn jeans is a classic hallmark of effortless French style, known as chic décontracté.

Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear, photo courtesy of Celine

It serves as a versatile transitional outfit for the shift from summer to fall, adapting easily to changing temperatures and various daily activities. By mixing the formal and the casual, nothing appears too strict or overly contrived. This was exemplified by Michael Rider, who prominently featured tailored pieces and denim/jeans in his debut Celine collection.

The Universal Uniform, photo Instagram

The world is practically in blue jeans, as denim has become a universal, global wardrobe staple. A tailored black or navy blazer (or tweed jacket) and blue jeans are a fail-safe, reliable uniform, a smart-casual staple relied upon worldwide for its effortless balance of polish and comfort.

Christian Dior Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Giovanni Giannoni for WWD

Since taking over the creative helm at Christian Dior, Jonathan Anderson has repeatedly relied on well-worn, faded denim to counterbalance his luxurious, couture-like jackets for guys and gals. Of course, nothing is more French than Chanel.

Chanel jackets and jeans, photo Instagram

Pairing a Chanel jacket with jeans is more popular than wearing the full suit because it balances high-end luxury with everyday comfort, avoids looking too formal or dated, and creates a high-low fashion contrast. It’s the oldest styling trick in the book, but as the world becomes increasingly casual, this way of dressing resonates with many people.

Vogue November, 1998

Speaking of styling tricks, you can get away with anything over-the-top and extravagantly embroidered or gilded when it’s downplayed with jeans. Case in point: Anna Wintour’s inaugural cover for Vogue, November, 1998, featuring an elaborate Christian Lacroix jacket with Guess stone-washed jeans.

Marc Jacobs wearing a Chanel leopard-printed jacket and bag, Celine jeans, photo on Instagram

Many women and men on both sides of the Atlantic have been sharing images of themselves wearing their favorite Chanel tweed jackets with denim; the paler and the wider, the better. Marc Jacobs frequently posts photos of himself on Instagram wearing one of his beloved Chanel tweed jackets, often paired with jeans. Marc’s latest acquisition is the much-sought-after leopard-print jacket with a matching bag from the New York-inspired Métiers d’Art collection.

Prices range from $8,450 to $14,800 for jackets and $8,400 to $9,200 for leopard-motif or pony-hair flap bags, depending on the exact style and fabric.

The ever-chic fashion Icon Ines de la Fressange, photo on Instagram

French model and Karl Lagerfeld muse Ines de la Fressange started the trend of wearing Chanel jackets with jeans in the mid-1980s. The iconic face and first exclusive muse for Chanel, starting in 1983 (she now serves as Global Ambassador for Roger Vivier), Ines shocked high society by pairing luxury tweed jackets with casual blue jeans and white T-shirts. Lagerfeld supported this high-low mix on the runway and in real life, pairing the jacket with denim in his mid-1980s collections.

Polo Ralph Lauren Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear, photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren famously pioneered and popularized the rugged, preppy blending of tweed blazers or tuxedo jackets with worn-in denim. That said, Giorgio Armani is widely credited as the first major designer to systematically pair well-tailored jackets with jeans. Armani remains the absolute pioneer for fundamentally restructuring the tailored jacket to make that subversion possible in high fashion.

When Armani launched his namesake brand in 1975, his new tailored jackets were as lightweight and comfortable as a shirt; they possessed a natural nonchalance. Armani deliberately styled these luxurious jackets with casual T-shirts and denim jeans. This styling choice challenged conventional dress codes and essentially invented the modern “smart-casual” look.

Thom Browne jacket paired with denim selvage jeans from the new collection, photo courtesy thombrowne.com

As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them. Thom Browne recently introduced the brand’s first-ever collection of signature tailoring crafted from raw and stone-washed indigo selvage denim. Woven in Japan, the pieces blend workwear durability with high-end structural design.

A first for Thom Browne, signature tailoring crafted in raw selvage denim, photo courtesy thombrowne.com

The denim brings a new ease to Thom Browne’s precise tailoring without losing the house codes. That tension between structure and casualness makes the collection feel especially fresh. It’s a look that is very sporty and very all-American. Since we are celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary, I suspect we will see a lot of it during New York Fashion Week in September.

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A design by Stella Jean features a silk scarf from her new scarf collection, Instagram

A shared love of soccer unified billions, but the World Cup’s true cultural impact is its massive global opportunity for cross-cultural exchange. Fans are encouraged to celebrate their differences, share human experiences, and foster cultural humility by challenging stereotypes.

When cultures merge, clothing becomes a medium for cultural dialogue and a way for wearers to celebrate heritage, community affiliation, and evolving global identities. Beyond streetwear, “arrival fashion” has turned airport tarmacs into runways for cultural expression.

“I desired to change the image and perception of my country through my art, to showcase and promote Congolese culture [and] artisanal skills.” – Alvin Mak, the Paris-based Congolese designer who created the leopard-embellished suits and leopard bags worn by the Congolese national team for its arrival in Houston.

Fashion helps us find beauty in other cultures by serving as a wearable, visual language. Because clothing transcends simple utility, it acts as a bridge for cultural diplomacy, allowing us to appreciate the craftsmanship, history, and values of a society without needing words.

DR Congo national soccer team outfit designed by Alvin J Mak, photo by JmakxParis

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) national soccer team, nicknamed “Les Léopards,” made headlines by arriving in Houston, Texas, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup wearing custom leopard-print suits. The team did not win the World Cup, but they won the World Cup of Fashion!

To celebrate Haiti’s return to the World Cup after 52 years, Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean launched the “L’Haitiana” collection, shop-stellajean.com

To celebrate Haiti’s historic return to the FIFA World Cup after 52 years, Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean launched the “L’Haitiana” collection. This capsule reimagines the Haitian national soccer jersey as luxury streetwear, featuring vibrant polo jerseys, T-shirts, and contemporary silhouettes.

The collection blends Caribbean identity with athletic utility, incorporating the number 26 in honor of the 2026 World Cup. These pieces are more than sportswear; they support educational initiatives in Haiti through the nonprofit Prodev Foundation.

A Stella Jean design featuring a scarf from her new silk scarf capsule collection, photo stellajean.it

I have always admired Stella Jean’s work and her ability to blend classic Italian tailoring with vibrant, multicultural aesthetics. Moreover, Stella is a vocal advocate for ethical fashion and diversity, widely known as the first Black Afro-descendant member of the prestigious Italian Fashion Chamber (Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana).

The jacket from resort 2026, made of recycled coffee sacks, was first shown in 2013, photo on Instagram

Among the standouts from recent Stella Jean collections are a jacket made of recycled coffee sacks from the resort 2026 collection that was first shown on the 2013 runway, a hand-painted and embroidered structured bodice made of repurposed material, and an organic jute piece that is hand-painted and embroidered.

Stella Jean hand-woven Bhutanese skirt, photo by stellajean.it

Stella, who created the striking, hand-painted opening ceremony uniforms for Haiti’s delegation at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, recently launched a signature silk scarf collection known as Étendards de Soie (Silk Standards). It is the designer’s first curated line of silk foulards. The collection acts as “cartography, tracing a tapestry of nations,” entirely crafted in Italy.

Cross-cultural influences are the lifeblood of fashion. By fusing different textile techniques, silhouettes, and historical narratives, the industry breaks geographical barriers to create fresh, hybrid aesthetics that reflect our increasingly interconnected global society.

Designers constantly borrow from traditional craftsmanship- such as African prints, Japanese kimono cuts, or Indian embroidery- to invent modern silhouettes. Without this exchange, trends would quickly become repetitive and lack depth. By pulling inspiration from distant geographies, historical eras, or subcultures, designers and wearers transform clothing into a narrative tool that breaks free from everyday monotony. Think of it as a psychological vacation.

YSL 1976 Ballet Russes Collection, photo YSL

In the 1960’s and 70s, Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized high fashion by frequently drawing inspiration from global, multicultural, and indigenous aesthetics. His most famous ethnically and culturally inspired collections masterfully blended traditional folkloric techniques—such as raffia beadwork, elaborate patchwork, and traditional silk brocades—with modern Parisian haute couture.

Dries Van Noten, Getty Images

Ethnic touches and global folklore are foundational to the aesthetic of Dries Van Noten. Rather than directly appropriating a single traditional aesthetic, Dries Van Noten wove diverse cultural elements—like African beadwork, Indian embroidery, Japanese kimonos, and Indonesian batiks—together with Western tailoring.

Dries Van Noten Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear, photo by Daniele Oberrauch for gorunway.com

Since taking the design helm in 2025, Julian Klausner has maintained the brand’s heritage of meticulous embroidery and bold color palettes while modernizing the aesthetic.

Gabriela Hearst Jemme color block leather coat, gabrielahearst

Gabriela Hearst frequently incorporates ethnic and cultural touches into her collections. Drawing deeply on her Uruguayan heritage, her designs regularly feature Latin American-inspired elements, Andean craftsmanship, and indigenous motifs.

Altuzarra Resort 2018 Photo courtesy of Altuzarra

Raised in Paris to a Chinese-American mother and a French-Basque father, Joseph Altuzarra’s design vocabulary is heavily influenced by this multicultural upbringing. Altuzarra extensively incorporates cross-cultural mixes into his work, often blending the traditional structured artisanal history of French fashion with the pragmatism and effortless ease of American sportswear.

Altuzarra Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Isadore Montag courtesy of Altuzarra

For fall 2026, Altuzarra channels a charged Spanish sensibility through a wardrobe built on tension, emotion, and precision, looking at the stark realism of Diego Velázquez and the heightened cinematic intensity of Pedro Almodóvar.

Look for Spain to be a growing fashion influence in 2026, driven by major global conglomerates, high-profile cultural runway shows, and a massive surge in sports-marketing visibility thanks in large part to Spain becoming the first-ever nation to hold the men’s and women’s World Cup titles simultaneously.

Ole!

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Ralph Lauren 50th Anniversary Show, Fall 2018 ready-to-wear, photo by Yannis Vlamos for Indigital.tv

The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT typically announces its annual honoree for the Artistry in Fashion Award in late spring or summer. Their 2026 honoree has not yet been announced. Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing (just named creative director of Paco Rabanne) received the award on September 3, 2025.

In 2006, Ralph Rucci became the first designer to receive this prestigious accolade, and only 7 other Americans have been so honored: Isabel Toledo, Narcisco Rodriguez, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Thom Browne, Michael Kors, and Wes Gordon.

“I am the product of the American dream, and the flag is its symbol. Its preservation is imperative so that those who succeed us will understand the ideals on which the United States was founded. The Star-Spangled Banner was an inspiration to Francis Scott Key, for me, and now—for future generations.” — Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren, Photo by Instagram

As 2026 marks the United States’ Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s only fitting that the 2026 honoree be an American designer. In my opinion, Ralph Lauren is the most deserving recipient of this award because he stands as an unmatched visionary who redefined the modern American lifestyle.

The World of Ralph Lauren Instagram

Ralph has consistently elevated classic silhouettes through expert tailoring and cinematic world-building, cementing his enduring influence on global style. He doesn’t just design clothes; he weaves together the aesthetics of the Ivy League, the rugged American West, and Hollywood glamour into a single cohesive brand. Over nearly six decades, Ralph’s impact in shaping the global perception of American style remains unparalleled.

Rick Owens, Photo by Danielle Levitt for Owensport

If not Ralph, who else? The Couture Council Award for Artistry in Fashion honors designers whose creativity, vision, and couture-level craftsmanship align with the preservation of fashion as an art. Among the strongest contenders are Rick Owens, Daniel Roseberry, Norma Kamali, Zac Posen and Rachel Scott.

Rick Owens Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear Photo by Acielle for Style du Monde

Today’s most artistic American designers blend traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde sculpture. Leading the pack is Rick Owens, the California-born, Paris-based director of the eponymous brand, known for monumental, futuristic, architectural garments.

Schiaparelli Fall 2026 Couture Photo by Acielle for Style Du Monde

Texas-born Daniel Roseberry spent 11 years at Thom Browne, ultimately serving as the brand’s design director for men’s and women’s collections. In 2019, Daniel left to become the artistic director at Schiaparelli, where he’s taken the fashion world by storm with his surrealist designs.

Norma Kamali Resort 2027 Photo courtesy of Norma Kamali

Let’s not forget about Norma Kamali. As an FIT alumna (Class of 1965), Norma fundamentally shaped and revolutionized American fashion and fashion history. Her transformative contributions raised fashion to an art form by treating the human body as a canvas and sculpting garments to celebrate its movement.

Zac Posen working on his custom Gap Studio look inspired by the Wing Victory of Samothrace, worn by Kendall Jenner at the 2026 Met Gala

I can’t leave out Zac Posen. Zac has influenced American fashion by resurrecting Old Hollywood glamour, elevating structural craftsmanship through his eponymous label, and pioneering “fashiontainment”. Today, as Creative Director of Gap Inc., he is applying his couture eye to everyday heritage brands, democratizing high-end design for the mass market.

There are many ways to define American fashion. In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, the Costume Institute’s landmark 2021–2022 exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, describes it as an ever-evolving, democratic, and deeply pluralistic expression. Rather than relying on a single aesthetic, it operates on a “quilt” analogy—weaving together diverse individual voices, functional sportswear, and cultural moments to reflect the American lived experience.

Diotima Fall 2025 Photo by @zorasicher

The emerging New York-based label Diotima, founded by Jamaican-born designer Rachel Scott, elevates fashion to an art form by treating garments as wearable archives. Her collections elevate centuries-old Caribbean craft into high luxury and serve as a medium for cultural storytelling, diasporic history, and political resistance.

There’s no question that it would be both cool and appropriate for this award to go to a fashion designer who is a self-described Black, queer immigrant woman, born and raised in Jamaica, who later relocated to the United States to build her career.

Bonnie Cashin in 1966, www.shutterstock.com

If it were up to me, I would give the award posthumously to Bonnie Cashin (September 28, 1908 – February 3, 2000). Known as one of the “Mothers of American Sportswear”, Bonnie was a pioneering force whose genius lay in an anti-fashion, problem-solving approach, creating modular, comfortable, and movement-friendly clothing that abandoned the restrictive European silhouettes of the mid-20th century.

Mannequin wearing Bonnie Cashin’s green mohair poncho and dogleash skirt designed for Sills and Co. Photo Instagram

By blending utilitarian design, fine art principles, and cultural history, she treated clothing as a refined, functional art form. Her masterpieces are preserved in museum collections, including those of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Dr. Stephanie Lake and daughter Odette at home with her Bonnie Cashin Archives, Photo courtesy of Dr. Stephanie Lake

I can never get over the modern brilliance of Bonnie, whose treasured archives rest solely in Dr. Stephanie Lake’s hands. Dr. Lake is at once the foremost scholar on Bonnie Cashin’s life and career, her appointed biographer, heir, and the steward of the Cashin legacy she inherited upon the designer’s death in 2000. That stewardship makes her the rightful guardian of Bonnie’s enduring legacy.

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Pucci Summer 2026, Photo by @timelkaim

Whimsy serves as a much-needed emotional antidote to hustle culture, burnout, and an increasingly heavy news cycle. By embracing intentional optimism and curiosity, people are using playfulness to romanticize their daily routines, boost everyday resilience, and rediscover the joy of simply being.

MME. FRENCH Necktie Garden Dress, $425, mmemink.com

Trompe l’oeil is inherently whimsical. By using optical illusions to create playful fictions—this art form invites viewers into a fun, imaginative world where reality and fantasy blur. Witty and whimsical accessories perfectly capture summer’s carefree, playful spirit. They combat the monotony of warm-weather minimalism by injecting instant personality, vibrant color, and joyful nostalgia into basic outfits.

MME. GIGI Fringe Clutch Grand in Clementine, $500, mmemink.com

Just looking at the MME. Gigi Fringe Clutch puts a smile on my face. It’s like summer in a handbag! What’s there not to love? The playful fringe, the capacious size, the cool shape, and that color! Even before the NY Knicks won, orange, Frank Sinatra’s favorite hue, was dubbed, the color of the moment. I’ve always adored it.

“Too much good taste can be boring. A little bit of bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika: healthy, hearty and something we all need.” – Diana Vreeland

Rahya Jewelry Lone Star, Lucky Horseshoe, Marlin Bolos, $68, Rahyajewelrydesign.com

Rahya Blackwell launched her namesake line, Rahya Jewelry Design, an ode to dopamine dressing, in 2011 after earning her BFA in Metals and Jewelry from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Rahya Jewelry Eagle, Goldfish Bolos, $68, rahyajewelrydesign.com

Originally from New Orleans, Blackwell works from her home studio, deeply drawing on the organic and vintage aesthetics to create her imaginative, deliciously colorful collections—everything from statement earrings and clever renditions of the iconic squash blossom necklace to her signature bolo ties adorned with goldfish, marlins, crawfish, tigers, elephants, alligators, stars, pirates, crowns, clovers, bows, lotus flowers, orchids, horned frogs (I kid you not) and more.

Chanel Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear Photo Courtesy of Chanel

Oh, and yes, ranging from $86 – $148, the price is right! “Betcha you can’t have just one!”    You certainly cannot have just one button down shirt, the most versatile, essential item of clothing one can own. It’s hardly surprising that the humble (and not so humble) button down, is making news again with the announcement that Chanel has purchased Charvet, the historic French shirt maker.

“Shirting can be the centerpiece to an entire look and also the most elegant and trustworthy supporter of a look” – Sarah Clary, New York City-based stylist and creative director.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2027 Ready-to-Wear Photo by Huy Luong

I’ve always thought that a button down shirt, regardless of the color or fabric, when paired with well-cut trousers, creates a modern, polished alternative to a suit or a cocktail dress. Marc Jacobs proved this point with his spring 2027 ready-to-wear collection. Marc’s versions, made of colorful PVC, vinyl, and cellophane like synthetics, are anything but garden variety.

Backstage at the Marc Jacobs Spring 2027 Ready-to-Wear Collection Photo by Nina Westervelt for WWDCapture

Marc’s show also touched on another theme that I personally love and one that is hard to ignore: Fashion is getting all choked up! The neck is a crucial focal point in fashion because it acts as the immediate visual bridge between your face and your outfit. Neck scarves and chokers are surging in popularity because they provide a high-impact, low-effort way to instantly elevate basic outfits.

Dylanlex Hadley 11 crystal choker, $625, dylanlex.com

By drawing the eye upward, these accessories frame the face, offering a touch of sophisticated drama without the bulk of traditional, oversized jewelry or heavy winter layering.

Emilio Pucci designed by Camille Miceli, Photo by @jonathanfrantini

Marc Jacobs and Emilio Pucci have more in common than meets the eye. They share a deep historical connection through the luxury conglomerate LVMH (WHP Global acquired Marc Jacobs earlier this year), as well as a mutual influence on the career of fashion designer Camille Miceli, Pucci’s artistic director. Miceli spent a foundational decade of her career working directly under Marc Jacobs as his muse and a key creative collaborator at Louis Vuitton.

Lot 166, two Pucci 60’s printed jersey dresses, thefashionauctioneer.com

There is almost nothing that says summer better than Pucci. Inspired by global travel and nature, Emilio Pucci’s prints borrowed heavily from mid-century modern art. Their bold, joyful color blocking feels perfectly aligned with today’s dopamine dressing trends.

Pucci button-down shirts, made of silk or cotton (especially the ones from the 60’s and 70’s), are highly coveted as part of an effortless, glamorous holiday wardrobe and they continue to be highly collectible.

Lot 131 1960’s Pucci silk shirt and matching handbag, thefashionauctioneer.com

One exceptional version, printed in shades of pink and offered with a matching handbag, is part of an online auction mounted by Lucy Bishop, The Fashion Auctioneer. “Exceptional Fashion: Featuring the Pucci Collection of Fiona Spear”, June 25 – July 14th, Spear was dubbed “Pucci’s biggest fan” by Vogue.

Lot 141 Emilio Pucci by Julio Espada, thefashionauctioneer.com

Included are jersey dresses, cotton and velvet separates, printed bikinis, sunglasses, a rare umbrella, scarves, sleepwear, and several terry cloth cover-ups including one especially fabulous maxi version designed by Julio Espada for spring 2002.

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Rachel Crespin, photo by Avedon, back cover Sam Shahid’s tribute book.

Legendary fashion editor Rachel Crespin passed away at 100 on April 4. On Wednesday evening, about 30 guests gathered to honor Rachel and her long life at a memorial masterminded and organized by John Calcagno. John met Ray at Calvin Klein, then worked with her when she became a consultant for Ralph Lauren, and they became great friends.

Sara Diorazio on the terrace, 23 Beekman Place

The memorial was held at Rachel’s fabulous apartment, complete with a stunning garden within the Paul Rudolph Townhouse at 23 Beekman Place. The building is an architectural masterpiece and a designated New York City landmark. It is designed by fabled modernist architect Paul Rudolph, who transformed the 1860s townhouse by adding a remarkable steel-and-glass cantilevered penthouse that serves as a highly personal masterpiece of spatial complexity, light, and modern design.

Jeffrey Banks, Sam Shahid, Jeannette Chang, Andrea Quinn Robinson, Marilyn Kirschner

Considering Rachel’s enormous influence, it is not surprising that the guest list felt like a “Who’s Who” of fashion and design. Among the notable attendees, all with a deeply personal connection to Ray, were longtime cosmetics industry executive and former Vogue beauty editor Andrea Quinn Robinson, couturier Ralph Rucci, designer and author Jeffrey Banks, Vogue legend Tonne Goodman, and entrepreneur Gigi Mortimer, CEO of EyeJust and Ray’s assistant at Vogue in the 80s.

John Calcagno, Tonne Goodman, Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Also in attendance were Sara Diorazio, an artist and former assistant to Ray; Taki Wise, co-founder of the renowned Staley-Wise Gallery in New York City; and renowned art director Sam Shahid, who created a beautiful keepsake book for every guest at the celebration.

Inside Sam Shahid’s tribute to Ray Crespin

When Sam became the creative director of Calvin Klein’s in-house advertising agency in the early 1980s, he helped turn the brand into the internationally recognized name it remains today, with campaigns remembered for their clean yet sensational visuals.

Ralph Rucci, Wendy Goodman, Jeanette Chang, Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

For me, the gathering was a reunion with my Harper’s Bazaar family. There was Wendy Goodman, now Design Editor of New York Magazine, who arrived at Bazaar in 1973 under Carrie Donovan and served as Anna Wintour’s assistant.

John Calcagno speaking to guests, photo by Marilyn Kirschner

It was great to see former Bazaar editor Dorothy Schefer Faux, who was also a senior editor at Vogue and co-founder of gloss.com. And then there’s Jeanette Chang, who has the distinction of being Harper’s Bazaar’s first female publisher and vice president and now serves as International Editions Publisher at CR Book.  

“Ray was a great, loyal friend with a wonderful sense of humor. She was always full of brilliant ideas, really creative, and incredibly funny up until her last days. She was unstoppable!” – John Calcagno.

From left, Gigi Mortimer, Ralph Rucci, Wendy Goodman, photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Guests toasted Rachel with a glass or two of champagne in the glorious garden before moving inside to hear short personal remembrances from John Calcagno, Jeffrey Banks, and Andrea Quinn Robinson. Gigi Mortimer credited Ray with her sense of style and taste and joked that while her maiden name was Newhard, Ray called her Newhouse; hence, she was treated very well at Vogue. I recollect my time as Ray’s assistant at Bazaar in 1971.

Rachel’s Men, inside Sam Shahid’s tribute book

Perhaps most touching was Andrea reciting favorite passages from Ray’s books, with white notepaper marking the spot. Ray was a voracious reader, surrounded by her beloved books until the end.

Rachel Crespin portrait by Scavullo, in Sam Shahid’s tribute book

In addition to Sam’s beautiful tribute, all guests could take a departing gift: one of Rachel’s books, left in a pile on the townhouse’s doorstep. I walked away with “Great American Short Stories… from Hawthorne to Hemingway,” which I plan to sink my teeth into during the summer!

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   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

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Fashion Lesson 201: As a woman, you have to wear many hats. Why not literally wear many hats! All photos courtesy @lafanceenancee

“Fancy Nancy” is a 2005 children’s picture book series and animated franchise about Nancy Margaret Clancy, a 6-year-old girl who loves extravagant outfits, fancy vocabulary, and all things fabulous and French.

“During Covid, my family was trapped together. In an effort to avoid pushing one another off the balcony, my daughter (who still photographs all my looks) and I started @lafanceenancee. The face-covering began out of necessity when masks became part of everyday life, but I soon preferred it. I like the anonymity. It keeps the focus where I want it: on the fashion.” – @lafanceenancee

Fashion Lesson 139: Don’t drink and dress at the same time, or you will end up wearing two different shoes.

@lafanceenancee is a popular Instagram account that launched in April 2020. It’s the brainchild of an American-born, Paris-based digital creator who identifies herself only as “Faceless Fashion Curator, 70 Years Young.” The anonymity is intentional and central to the account’s concept, which emphasizes the joy of dressing up and the thrill of recycling and rediscovering treasures from past seasons.

Fashion Lesson 200: I’ve had these accessories longer than I’ve had my daughter. Now that I have my daughter, I don’t have my accessories

The faceless woman with sensational gams has culled one of the most enviable personal wardrobes I’ve seen. She’s even found a way to use her extraordinary accessories—hats, handbags, scarves, and more—as a fashionably clever disguise.

Fashion Lesson 283

We are so inundated with fashion content on social media that it’s becoming tougher to find something as visually arresting, entertaining, and unique. @lafanceenancee makes great use of Paris’s iconic streets, shops, architecture, and interiors, including her enviable Haussmann building and fabulous apartment.

Fashion Lesson 116

Each post is a philosophical, witty, often self-deprecating numbered fashion lesson that ends with “Stay Fancee, love Nancee.” For example, in Fashion Lesson 116, as you age and your eyesight deteriorates, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between one shoe and another. Nobody will notice”.

Fashion Lesson 310.

More often than not, it’s a treatise on aging, motherhood, and the trials and tribulations of living with a similarly fashion-obsessed daughter who often raids her closets. Fashion Lesson 310, “Never argue with a handbag that speaks French, or your smart-mouthed 34-year-old daughter. One way or another, they will get the last word.”

Fashion Lesson 265

“My daughter keeps saying I look like confetti in this jacket, but I know she’s just sweet-talking me so she can borrow it. If those butterfingers even touch it, she’ll be the one turning into confetti.”

Fashion Lesson 251

Sometimes, it’s a way to show how adept she is at DIY and to prove she can be her best designer. Fashion Lesson 251, “When your daughter leaves behind a golden mask, you turn it into a molten masterpiece. Never underestimate a mother with a glue gun and a vision.”

I wanted to know more about @lafanceenancee, so I emailed her a list of questions, and she responded. The American-born only child always had a vivid imagination and an early obsession with clothes. When she began modeling as a teenager, the treasure-hunting instincts kicked in. @lafanceenancee was constantly searching for unusual pieces nobody else had. It was that desire to unearth something special—the thrill of the hunt.

Fashion Lesson 174

In her late twenties, @fanceenancee entered the fashion industry on the wholesale side and began traveling regularly to Paris and London to scout trends. She moved to Paris after meeting her husband and, through countless European sojourns, amassed an extraordinary collection that she has fortunately been able to keep.

“I will always have a soft spot for the magic that Karl Lagerfeld brought to Chanel. He understood that fashion should be a fantasy. Maybe that’s really why I don’t show my face: it forces people to use their imagination.” – @lafanceenancee

Fashion Lesson 311: Never put all your eggs in one basket unless the basket in Chanel

@lafanceenancee is an avowed maximalist, drawn to pieces with an architectural quality, dramatic silhouettes, feathers, fringe, and embellishment. She has a soft spot for Chanel, especially Karl Lagerfeld’s designs.

Fashion Lesson 286

Among the other labels she gravitates to are Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Lanvin, Dior, Giambattista Valli, Mugler, Gucci, Proenza Schouler, Rick Owens, and Balmain, primarily vintage pieces. @lafanceenancee will only buy something new if it’s truly exceptional; something she feels no one else has.

Fashion Lesson 287

@lafanceenancee never throws anything out in her 40+ years of collecting, so I wondered where she stores all her clothes. “The kitchen, the oven, and the refrigerator, which now stores knitwear,” admits the self-professed hoarder and terrible cook!

But if it’s good enough for @krisjenner…never say never.

As for what’s next, @lafanceenancee says she would love to stitch all her fashion lessons into a coffee-table book, proving that style doesn’t retire just because you’re over the age of seventy. Touche!

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Gavi Ramirez, Founder & President, Fashion Public Library, photo by Island Photography

Gavriela (Gavi) Ramirez’s academic focus explores how fashion knowledge is produced, preserved, and shared through public institutions. Long involved in fashion but uncertain how to create positive change, she ultimately found her path.

Gavi Ramirez, photo by @twotimestheshooter

On May 15th, Gavi received her MPS (Master of Professional Studies) in Fashion Management from the Parsons School of Design. This rigorous one-year graduate program is designed for those eager to lead innovation in business and management within the fashion industry. Many students in this program are fashion designers seeking to start their own brands, which sets the stage for Gavi’s unique academic focus.

“Some great icons graduated from Parsons, and hopefully I will be one of them!” – Gavriela Ramirez, Founder & President, Fashion Public Library.

Gavi, photo courtesy of Gavi Ramirez

Since the Parsons program runs through August, Gavi has the entire summer to work on her thesis: How can a public, fashion-specific library serve as a hybrid civic institution to address gaps in preservation, access, and community engagement in fashion?

Gavi is hard at work, photo courtesy of Gavi Ramirez

Gavi’s research led her to transform her thesis into creating the Fashion Public Library, a physical hybrid civic institution that addresses fashion research, preservation, access, and community engagement.

“I am not a fashion designer but an academic. I don’t make clothes, but I love the fashion industry, and I love to wear clothes, so this is me finding my place in the fashion universe!” – Gavriela Ramirez.

Gavi began developing her idea in her Entrepreneurship class at the start of the fall semester. Driven by ambition, she is thinking big. In a recent phone interview, she impressed with her clarity and drive, embracing adult decisions at 30. Gavi is already recognized in New York City’s fashion scene, working as a stylist, model, and runway creative director.

Jeffrey Banks autographs his book for Gavi

She has been featured engaging with industry leaders, including a live “Ask Me Anything” session with The Business of Fashion to discuss global industry trends. “My favorite form of archive preservation is storytelling; specifically, the histories of Black voices in the fashion industry. Those who succeeded, led, and reshaped the narrative deserve to be documented”.

While there are a few fashion museums, Gavi notes that none are set up for the public to visit, sit down, research, and study. The closest comparison is the International Fashion Research Library in Oslo, Sweden, where the public can find documents unavailable online. However, it is research-specific and lacks the community engagement feature she envisions for her library.

The rendering of a research room surrounded by displayed fashion pieces

Gavi’s vision for the Fashion Public Library is to create a nonprofit organization operating as an academic and community institution. Its primary goal is to provide the public with access to a multidisciplinary collection of fashion materials (books, magazines, and multimedia), while fostering community engagement and education about fashion.

Gavi wants to provide articles, magazines, and books, but she also aims to create a welcoming space. She has created conceptual library images using AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney.

The rendering of a Fashion Watch Party with an academic twist

Gavi hopes to get consumers to come into the building by making it more tech- forward. She would love to have a room with augmented reality goggles for people who want to immerse themselves in a specific fashion runway show, including those held outside major cities.

The rendering of a WhoWroteWhat event featuring authors to discuss the book they wrote and offer signings.

Another idea is the “Who Wrote What” segment. They would invite authors of books or case studies to speak to an audience about their findings, which they would share with the fashion industry. She would also love to host a fashion runway watch party with an academic twist, where the library invites guests from the fashion house to give a mini-lecture on the garments on display.

Gavi imagines a 10,000 -15,000-square-foot space, with one large auditorium and a smaller flexible event room. She envisions rooms lined with bookshelves holding fashion books and multimedia.

Gavi vacationing in Samana, Dominican Republic, photo courtesy of Gavi Ramirez

The ideal location is the Garment District, giving the library historical significance since fashion has its roots there, says Gavi, who was born in Orlando, Florida, and is a citizen of both the U.S. and the Dominican Republic (“everyone in the Dominican Republic loves Oscar de la Renta”).

Gavi in Little Italy, photo by Tom Gomes

Gavi earned a BA in Marketing from Florida International University. Before Parsons, she worked in data analytics and is also a full-time model. Represented by Next Management in Florida, she did commercial and swimwear modeling but prefers not to pose in bikinis.

Gavi Ramirez, photo by @kristenweaverstudio

In New York, Gavi is represented by Unite Unite, a boutique agency founded in 2013 by Claudette Martin, a former makeup artist. Many assignments are for makeup brands, but Gavi does not focus on this area.

Gavi is working with lawyers from The Fashion Law Institute to provide pro bono support to protect her name and concept. They are also assisting with finding space and real estate contracts.

Gavi, photo by @momentumstudioswp

Gavi doesn’t see herself accepting funding and donations for at least a year and a half. Once the filing is complete, it takes about 6 or 7 months to receive approval from the Department of Education and the Secretary of State, since it’s a nonprofit.

It will be a long, complicated process, but Gavi is prepared.

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Georgia Jacob, Sharon Jacob, Stella Jacob; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

On the first Wednesday in May, approximately 1400 guests (mainly women but there was a smattering of men and one 8-month-old) almost all wearing some form of headgear, descended upon the glorious Central Park Conservatory Gardens in celebration of the 44th Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon.

“Rain or shine, we will sparkle!” – Sharon Jacob, attendee who sits on the Board of Directors, Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy

Fe Fendi center with daughters; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Money raised supports the Central Park Conservancy’s mission to maintain, restore, and enhance Central Park. As a major fundraiser hosted by the Women’s Committee, this wildly popular event raises millions annually—often over $4 million—for essential care, including landscape restoration, tree pruning, and public programs like Adopt-a-Bench.

Central Park Conservancy President Betsy Smith (right); photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Over $5 million was raised this year, exceeding last year’s total. This year’s honorees were Judy Hart Angelo and Janet Ross. Speeches and awards were given out during a lunch of chicken salad in the tent. Harry Winston was the Presenting Sponsor. JP Morgan was the Corporate Sponsor and Tuckernuck acted as the Premier Sponsor.

Subway hat: Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Event Co-Chairs were Darice Fadeyi, Stephanie Hessler and Erin Isikoff Klatskin. FYI, the subject of a 2023 profile, Dr. Fadeyi, who always looks smashing, is a board-certified dermatologist in NY. Back in January, following an accident that required stitches above my eyebrow, Darice made time to see me on a day she is not normally in the office!

Marisol Deluna & Marilyn Kirschner

The Kentucky Derby is said to be the most exciting 2 minutes in sports. IMHO, the Central Park Hat Luncheon is the most fun-filled two or three hours on New York’s social calendar. In a week jam-packed with sensory overload, this event manages to hold its own.

Colorful pair: Stephanie Hessler (right), photo by Marilyn Kirschner

The Kentucky Derby, which took place on Saturday, has nothing over the Central Park hat luncheon when it comes to hats and ensembles. Ascot, Shmascot! You literally don’t know where to look.

Jamee Gregory; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Among the well turned out guests were Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Betsy Smith, Sharon Jacob with daughters Georgia and Stella, Fe Fendi with her two daughters in tow, Jamee Gregory and Marisol Deluna, who both put their own unique joyful spin on fashion, Jane DiFlorio, Christopher Mason wearing a towering orange feathered creation, and Stacey Bendet who looked marvelous in a floral printed creation of her own design accessorized with a vintage Dior chapeau.

Emmy Award winning reporter Magee Hickey; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

It was hard not to spot Magee Hickey, the Emmy Award-winning reporter and WPIX News reporter. Magee looked adorable in the same ensemble she recently wore for the Inner Circle show, a reporters’ musical lampooning of the mayor, the governor and the president. Magee played a sunflower in a skit about the Elizabeth Street garden, and she had her picture taken with Mayor Mandami.

Susan Magrino and Kokin; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Among the milliners at the event were Gigi Burris and Kokin. Kokin was minus a hat, but his headwear was well represented today as it was at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Among the guests wearing a KOKIN design were Sharon Jacob and publicist Susan Magrino.

Group picture: photo by Marilyn Kirschner

The Central Park Hat luncheon, which has become more popular each year, put the exclamation mark on a week already filled with an abundance of sensory overload, and it’s not over yet. There’s a reason they call it the Merry Month of May. Even the weather gods cooperated, well, sort of.

Lunch under the tent; photograph by Marilyn Kirschner

While they say, “It never rains on the Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon”, the predication was for rain throughout the day but luckily, the precipitation held off for almost all of the hour-long cocktail hour- the key time for arrivals. Naturally, a tent was erected just in case, and it was needed.

Rain or Shine: Photograph by Marilyn Kirschner

While most guests seemed unfazed by the unfortunate weather prediction (after all, hats and outfits are generally planned way in advance), a few actually made it work to their advantage, using matching umbrellas as a colorful statement accessory. It’s called turning lemons into lemonade!

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Photo courtesy of Distinctive Assets

On Mother’s Day, we give moms the time and attention they deserve all year. Twenty-five celebrity moms will be getting some special recognition from Lash Fary and his team at Distinctive Assets with their annual “Mother’s Day in Hollywood” Gift Bag. This year’s list includes Millie Bobby Brown, Elisabeth Moss, and Mandy Moore, to name a few.

“Mother’s Day is our chance to celebrate some of our favorite powerhouse moms with a thoughtfully curated mix of products and experiences we’re obsessed with and are confident they will love just as much,” says Fary. The gifts are both practical and trendy, and many are from woman-owned small businesses.

Here are some ideas if you are still looking for a gift for your own superstar mom:

Minky Couture

Photo courtesy of Instagram

A soft, cozy throw always comes in handy, and this one is the perfect weight for snuggling on the sofa or in a chair. The Hugs Heirloom Rose Blanket is ultra-plush and machine washable.

softminkyblankets.com

Balaji

ZIZO Sonic Clip Speaker

Weighing in at just over two pounds, this wireless speaker can be clipped to a purse or diaper bag and go anywhere. The ZIZO Sonic Clip Speaker features wireless connectivity for up to four hours of uninterrupted playtime. It comes in pastel pink and basic black.

balajiwireless.com

Balaji ZIZO Power Vault Bank

Busy moms always need a fast, convenient way to charge their phones, and the ZIZO Power Vault Magnetic Power Bank offers multiple charging options.

zizowireless.com

Naturepedic

Photo courtesy of Naturepedic

Whether she likes a soft, medium, or firm pillow, this Naturepedic Adjustable Pillow can be customized to fit Mom’s needs. Hot sleepers will stay cool and comfortable thanks to the breathable, organic cotton cover.

naturpedic.com

TUBzi

Photo courtesy of TUBzi

A newborn or toddler mom will appreciate this innovative bathtime device that makes bathing little ones less stressful and more fun. Simply place it in the tub, turn on the faucet, and watch the playtime begin.

tubzitime.com

Ring Conn Gen 3 Smart Ring

Photo courtesy of Ring Conn

This upgraded, new version of the Ring Conn smart ring was unveiled at CES 2026. It is scheduled for release on May 5th and will include enhanced health-tracking features and expanded sizing options. Style-conscious mothers will love the five jewelry-grade finishes, including new Brushed Silver and Brushed Rose Gold.

ringconn.com

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Stilt walker – photo by Marilyn Kirschner

On Monday night, the New York Academy of Art, co-founded by Andy Warhol, held its largest and most important fundraiser, the Tribeca Ball. Supported as always by Van Cleef and Arpels, this year welcomed special honored guest Alan Cumming and celebrated 44 years of extraordinary support and advancement of this Academy from Eileen Guggenheim and Russell Wilkinson.

Katie Ryan, Ashleigh Hillen, Lynn Ramsey – photo by Marilyn Kirschner

300 people attended for dinner and there were over 900 guests. In excess of $900,000 was raised, reenforcing its reputation as one of spring’s most dynamic and vital celebrations and making a substantial financial impact on the Academy.

“I always enjoy overindulging by buying art at the school. It is such a great value for the quality of work being accomplished,” – Sharon Jacob, member, Board of Trustees, The New York Academy of Art.

Pakistanian artist Areeba Afreen Qureshi -photo by Marilyn Kirschner

The premier art event, a must-see for serious collections, annually transforms the school’s Franklin Street campus into an immersive gallery, allowing guests to visit over 100 artist studios. It is unique in combining a high-end gala with direct, intimate access to emerging artists, allowing collectors to discover, meet, and buy art from students.

It’s a night of art, open studios, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and surprises on every floor. Mash booth’s premium photo booth, this year inspired by Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, celebrated Renaissance art. With so much visual stimulation everywhere, it’s nearly impossible to take it all in. The abundance of talent makes you wish for more space and resources to fully appreciate the art.

Colombian artist Catalina Bayona is inspired by the natural world and the human condition – photo by Marilyn Kirschner

By the way, it was hard not to notice all the massive, extremely large-scale paintings. As one young, gifted artist observed, “As a group we have a lot of big ideas and like to see them blown up.” Indeed!

Speaking of talent, the Chubb postgraduate fellowship is the highest honor the Academy can bestow on its graduates. Under the program, the fellows have the opportunity to expand the breadth and depth of their artistic prowess while serving as teaching assistants and mentors to a new crop of talented figurative artists.

Chubb Fellow Korbyn Carleton – photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Among the three Chubb Fellows selected this year is Korbyn Carleton, a disciplinary artist and MFA graduate specializing in figurative sculpture, exploring themes of body literacy, natural rhythms, and feminine experience through her life, including painterly ceramic portraiture.

Chubb Fellow Sierra Merda – photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Another is Sierra Merda, a Lithuanian-born, New York-based contemporary painter. Her work, rooted in London’s feminist punk and DIY scenes, merges classical ideals with the realities of modern life, focusing on themes of survival, endurance, and the body.

Ms. New York 2025 Iuliia Bazhan wearing Schiaparelli – photo by Marilyn Kirschner

As always, the evening’s dress code is “upscale downtown,” and it was a mixed bag for sure. As someone who has attended many of these events, I can attest that the most important thing is to dress so you can easily navigate the steep stairs between the 5 floors, as there is only one elevator.

Polina Proshkina and Eric Viner – photo by Marilyn Kirschner

The swarm of guests milling around the NYAA’s 5 floors included Paul R. Provost, Ph.D., the President of the New York Academy of Art, 2023 honoree artist Neil Jenney, Dustin Yellin, a contemporary artist based in Brooklyn, Barbara Guggenheim, Alan Patricof, Polina Proshkina, Cynthia Rowley, Cat O’Neal, Nicole Miller, Alexander Hankin, Holly Lowen, Carla Shen, Eric Viner, Sophie Elgort, Nicole Salmasi, Yulia Dultsina, a celebrated public art producer, cultural curator, and arts administrator renowned for her work on global art initiatives, and Sharon Jacob, the noted philanthropist who sits on the NYAA Board of Trustees.

Bill and Sharon Jacob – photo by Marilyn Kirschner

As a guest of Sharon and Bill Jacob, who bought two tables, I attended the seated dinner on the first floor, where awards and speeches took place. This was followed by a spirited auction, an important fundraiser for the academy.

Alan Cumming – photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Christopher Hanke, the gifted actor, writer, host and auctioneer, eventually joined by honoree Alan Cumming, was hysterical. Here called being in medical school and calling his parents to tell them he had changed his mind and was heading to Broadway. They replied, “I thought you were calling to say you were gay”. His response? “I just did!”

At one point, he observed that Bruce Springsteen has stated that his goal is to have people leave his concerts with more than they came with. On the other hand, his goal, to get guests to open their pocketbooks and empty them out, is quite the opposite lol. And it worked.

In addition to buying a number of paintings from first and second-year students, Sharon, who has an infectious “joie de vivre” and a heart of gold, won the auction for a stay (7 days, 6 nights) at a house in the French countryside that sleeps up to 25! Christopher exclaimed, “I don’t think I even know 25 people I want to spend that much time with.”

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