By Walter Greene

STEPHEN'S GARDEN PARTY
It was the last day of fashion week and the challenge of designers
showing on that last day was to woo the editors and buyers who'd
already seen like 100 shows. What do you do to catch their attention?
Do what STEPHEN BURRIOWS did! Have a great rooftop garden party and
have the models pose on pedestals, then mingle with the editors so they
can touch the garments and see the workmanship up close. Oh! by the way
- serve exotic drinks, an assortment of sandwiches and cheesecake
dessert. Yes! It worked, as this legendary designer showcased what he
does best - easy, lively, feminine clothes in his signature jersey in
lots of bold tropical color. Wearing tall elegant shoes by Christian
Louboutin, the beautiful models looked amazing in Stephen's
spring/summer 2013 collection which was made up of real clothes for
real women. He said later "It's easy on, easy off garments in my bright
colors. These are relaxed comfortable clothes." Stephen also introduced
the `Stephen Burrows Barbie' doll, which he said was inspired by
Josephine Baker at the `Battle of Versailles' legendary fashion show in
Paris.

OTHER ROOFTOP FAVS
Rooftops with the most spectacular views of the New York City
skyline proved to be the favorite spot for designers this season, and
the great weather was perfect for cool cocktails, sunshine and gorgeous
models. NAUTICA opened the season with their presentation atop the
Empire Hotel. The models decked in Nautica's signature sports wear, were
lined up on a platform as DJ Coleman rocked out and the drinks flowed. New
designers; RENZO + KAI also chose another section of the Empire rooftop
for their presentation. They served a full breakfast that included
tasty danishes, croissants, fruit, mimosas and all the trimmings, but that
did not upstage the stunningly beautiful collection inspired by the
`Bon Vivant' attitude and the Cafe Society generation of the 1930s.
`Falling In Love Again' was the theme of the collection made up mainly
of embroidered sequin dresses and beautifully beaded pieces. The Top of
The Strand at 33 West 37th Street was the late night venue for TINA
TANDON & TED ROSSI'S Haute Mini International `Luxe List New York
collection.' Models in fancy, evening party dresses were perched on a
platform, the lighted Empire State Building looming overhead. Special
`Mini' cocktails were in full effect.

MOST SURPRISING COLLECTION
Actress and television personality DAISY FUENTES presented the
`surprise collection' of the season when she launched her spring 2013 designs at the Metropolitan Pavilion, downtown Manhattan. Sold exclusively
at Kohl's, Daisy's `price friendly' line was inspired by the richness
of Northern Africa and a summer in the South of Spain - a meeting point
between two worlds, both cosmopolitan and provincial where she found
her essential muse: `The Gypsy.' Daisy balanced a stunning, wearable
collection of warm weather dresses, tunics, bikini's with billowing
cover-ups. kaftans and flounce skirts. She smartly blended contemporary
and classic themes, scarf prints, handkerchief motifs, paisley,
patchwork patterns and folk references. Dramatic floor length maxi
dresses brought the drama and her lace maxi skirts, tiered chiffon
skirts, a sexy halter guipure lace body suit, rounded out the
collection.

MOST AMAZING VENUE
Designer CYNTHIA ROWLEY got my vote for the most amazing venue - an old
gutted out historical building with walls peeling and rusty indoor
balconies at 5 Beekman Street, in the Wall Street district, a stone's
throw for City Hall. The rawness of the interior served as a perfect
juxtaposition for her beautifully crafted garments. Cynthia noted:
"When I entered this space, with its decayed beauty, I imagined a
glamorous party." Loose, sack dresses, print `baby doll' looks, a brocade
bomber jacket and a Neoprene `one-suit' were among her standouts.
Paisley print `tea-dresses' and loose tunics mostly in shades of
white were shown. Models posed on a long platform as glitter confetti
poured down from a 9th floor balcony, which also served for live photo
shoots. The indoor balconies of nine stories worked as a stunning visual,
lighted by an antique glass skyline. The building is being refurbished
to become a high-class hotel.

CAPTIONS:
Model Anna Cleveland in Stephen Burrows colorful blouse and tailored
trousers.

The hot pink sack dress with uneven sleeves edged in multi-colored piping on
model Geli.

Model Roberta Little in Stephen Burrows red jersey dress

New model Noru Lokuruka in Stephen's blue jersey dress

Stephen Burrows jazzy black & white print top over black `boy shorts.'