ACCESSORIZE THIS
By Drew Taylor
New York Fashion Week isn’t restricted to the runways—fine jewelry designer Deborah Pagani got in on the action, showing off her newest pieces at the city’s posh Lambs Club.
Dubbed American Geisha, the collection was inspired by muses like model Tina Chow and actress Anna May Wong, resulting in a mix of American Art Deco motifs and Far East glam. Pagani incorporated bold color for fall, using rubies, emeralds and sapphires alongside diamonds, rock crystal and gold.
Brazilian footwear designer Alexandre Birman previewed his fall/winter 2013 collection this week as well. Birman is known for creating seriously sexy shoes with an eye for exotic skins, and this season was no exception—delicate ankle straps, seductive cut outs, and plenty of python were all on full display. I loved these glossy black python pumps—scalloped edges and a gold metallic heel (with Birman’s new “knot” motif for fall) make them anything but basic.
Of course over the last few seasons, perfectly polished nails have become an accessory in their own right—celebrity manicurists are now as ubiquitous backstage as A-list hair and makeup gurus. I had the chance to stop in at the butter LONDON lounge at the Empire Hotel and chat with global color ambassador Katie Hughes, who masterminded the luxe manis at top shows like Rachel Roy and Libertine. I even got to test a runway look of my own—I opted for the chic half-moon paint job Hughes created for the La Perla presentation.