Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week saw another outstanding season, as once again the iconic runways of Bryant Park hosted some of the world’s most talented designers.  The Tents featured esteemed veteran designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Tommy Hilfiger, Anna Sui, Carolina Herrera and Max Azria. Several of the season’s hottest designers like Tory Burch, Doo. Ri and Erin Wasson x RVCA displayed their talent on this global fashion platform alongside Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese, Custo Barcelona, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson and Phillip Lim.

The global media once again was focused on the business of fashion as well as on reporting on the newest designs and upcoming trends. “The designers worked long and hard to create collections to inspire their customers to once again go shopping,” said Fern Mallis, Senior Vice-President of IMG Fashion, which owns and operates the event.  And this season, our graphic theme of luggage had several subliminal meanings – from the greatest trunk show in fashion to paying homage to all the industry professionals from around the world who packed their bags and traveled to New York to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – and to also remind everyone it will soon be time to pack up our tents and move to Lincoln Center.

“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runway shows continue to be one of most desirable invitations to have during fashion week,” said Lisa Holladay, Brand Experience Marketing Manager at Mercedes-Benz USA.  “Design and fashion are core to the Mercedes-Benz brand so it’s our DNA to create activities that help generate excitement and energy around each season.”

Complementing the runway collections, this season, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week presented a Spring 2010 Accessories Exhibition. It featured collections of handbags, jewelry, watches and more. Each display featured a selection from participating designers such as Alex Soldier, Ambrosi Abrianna, Bindya NY, Carlos Falchi, Isharya,  Judith Ripka, Lisa Kornman, Lulu Frost, Mercedes-Benz Collection, Sharon Van Liempt, Subversive Jewelry and accessories from W Hotels The Store.

Mercedes-Benz affirmed its commitment to excellence in design through Narciso Rodriguez, this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer and a fashion retrospective that was curated by Rodriguez and Dayle Haddon, long-time model and UNICEF Ambassador.   Backstage, the Mercedes-Benz Star lounge created by Maurice Villency was inspired by Bryant Park in the fall, convertible vehicles, and it was the “spot” for celebrity, designer and customer guests looking to network and slow down the pace.   Displayed in the main lobby throughout fashion week for attendees to experience was the new 2010 E Class Coupe and E 63 AMG sedan, this season’s stars from Mercedes-Benz current collection of vehicles.

American Express® proudly returned to the Tents this season, to connect Cardmembers with many of their favorite designers and took them even deeper into the world of fashion. As one of the only opportunities for consumers to experience the excitement at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Platinum Card® and Gold Cardmembers were given an up-close view of runway shows from the Jonathan Adler-designed American Express® Skybox, where designers and industry influencers mingled with Cardmembers and Skybox Host Kate Nobelius to share their personal fashion insights and unique industry perspectives. American Express® partnered with acclaimed fashion designer Phillip Lim this season to present a unique runway experience exclusively for card members on Thursday, September 17, 2009.  The evening featured insights from Lim, and hosts André Leon Talley and Linda Fargo into 3.1 phillip lim looks currently available at retail, followed by an encore presentation of the 3.1 phillip lim Spring/Summer 2010 collection that debuted to press and industry guests the previous day. As a true supporter of the industry, American Express® donated proceeds from the sale of event packages as part of its $250,000 donation to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, a CFDA program to help emerging American designers succeed in the business of fashion by providing ongoing support.

DHL returned once again be the Official Logistics Provider for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  The focal point of the outer lobby, the DHL Information and Guest Services Desk, provided DHL branded literature bags for guests.

W Hotels Worldwide returned to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for the 12th consecutive season with its Backstage VIP Lounge, which offered celebrities, designers, models and fashion’s elite the ultimate escape from the runway lights…..a glittering retreat of poolside glam. Designed by ICRAVE, this season the W Backstage VIP Lounge was inspired by W’s existing and upcoming WET pool decks at W Hotels around the globe, from South Beach to Hong Kong, Santiago to Vieques Island, and Doha to Hollywood.

TRESemmé returned for its third season as the Official Hair Care Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  TRESemmé proudly sponsored and created hair looks for the Tracy Reese, Whitney Eve, Mara Hoffman, Nicholas K. and Brian Reyes shows. Also, this season, TRESemmé partnered with Conde Nast for an exciting new “Steal the Show” campaign with Rachel Bilson, giving readers the inside scoop on hair-to-toe trends, which debuts in November. Rachel Bilson was LIVE on Tuesday, September 15th before the Brian Reyes show at the TRESemmé Hair Salon and Lounge. Additionally, throughout the week, TRESemmé stylists were on-hand in the TRESemmé Hair Salon and Lounge in the main lobby offering dry styling and touch-ups all week.

The official “Chic Little Biscuit” of this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, LU Biscuits, best known for its delicious imported French cookies, released an ultra-chic and limited edition tin designed by fashion designer Erin Fetherston. The exclusive design provided a modern twist to the timeless LU Biscuit iconography and brought Fetherston’s passion for the brand to life.

Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur served up its own version of style as the official liqueur of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The all-natural liqueur, produced in France’s Loire Valley, was on the scene for the fourth consecutive year in the Tents at Bryant Park, maintaining its reputation for producing chic cocktails. Three signature Chambord cocktails, the Chambord Lemonade, the French Martini, and the Velvet Elvis were poured for event guests throughout the week at all of the event bars and hospitality lounges.  The bars featured Chambord bottle displays and branded collateral including napkins, condiment trays and napkin caddies to showcase their presence at the Event.  Chambord models also served the classically chic cocktails in the lobby.

As the #1 makeup brand worldwide, available in 128 countries, Maybelline New York came aboard as the exclusive makeup sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and brought their vast beauty expertise and inspired creativity to the world’s most respected fashion platform. Maybelline New York’s Global Makeup Artist, Charlotte Willer, lead the makeup teams at their sponsored designers’ shows, created exciting looks which easily translated from the catwalk to the sidewalk. Maybelline New York partnered with a selection of well established, as well as up-and-coming, designers and included Tracy Reese, Charlotte Ronson, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Erin Wasson x RVCA, and Michael Angel.

One Natural Experience (O.N.E.), offered water in Tetra Pak cartons to all guests frequenting the shows, backstage and throughout the Tents. This sponsorship marks the first time that carton water was featured as an official water sponsor.  O.N.E. is dedicated to the belief that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and therefore donates 100% of the profits from O.N.E Water (after operating expenses) to non-profit organizations, selecting 10-15 non-profits annually to receive funds from the sales. Tetra Pak, www.tetrapakusa.com, the company behind this modern sustainable alternative packaging, utilized by numerous brands for a variety of food products, will also made their debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and facilitated on-site recycling.

McDonald’s McCafé returned to the Tents for a second season as the Official Coffee of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, continuing their successful launch of the McCafé premium brand. As the official coffee of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the McCafé Lounge was the place for show attendees to refresh and treat themselves to the full line of beverages, including espresso-based coffees such as cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, iced lattes and iced mochas, as well as Premium Roast brewed coffees and hot chocolate.

Palm, Inc., the maker of the new Palm®, Pre™ phone and groundbreaking Palm webOS™ platform, was excited to be a first-time sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  All Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week attendees were invited to stop by the Palm Gallery, located in the Main Lobby, to experience Palm’s blend of design and innovation in their must-see space, inspired by the artistry of one of California’s most promising designers.
MyGoodDeed.org and the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance partnered to promote an online Designer Auction.  They were on-site on Friday, September 11th in the Center Deck Space to raise awareness about their initiatives and encourage guests to sign up for MyGoodDeed.org. Fashionistas can still log on to bid for items from some of their favorite designers. .

Peroni returned as the official Beer of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and was poured for event guests throughout the week at all the event bars and hospitality lounges.  Each bar featured prominently displayed Peroni bottles and other collateral to showcase their presence at the Event.  Chicly dressed Peroni models roamed the Lobby and served guests ice cold and refreshing Peroni.

Rowenta, as the Official Garment Care, provided products for use backstage in the Tent, Promenade and Salon.  Rowenta also offered designers a personal garment care consultation at their studios in advance of the Event and included a premium product in the Official Gift Bag to keep guests looking sharp throughout the week.

Tenjune created the Café Bar, which was branded with the EMM Group logo in addition to their properties: Tenjune, SL, Abe & Arthurs and The Chandelier Room.

The celebrities in attendance at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week included Bruce Willis and wife Emma Willis, Lucy Liu, Taylor Swift, Martha Stewart, Sarah Ferguson, Leighton Meester, Blake Lively, Rachel Bilson, Mischa Barton, Amanda Bynes, Tyson Beckford, Penn Badgley, Mickey Rourke, Michael Douglas, P. Diddy, Naomi Watts, Gabrielle Union, Taylor Momsen, Shannon Elizabeth, Solange Knowles, Mary-Louise Parker, Rosario Dawson,  January Jones, Mena Suvari, Tiffani Amber Thiessen, Diana Ross, Ciara, Kim Kardashian, Alexa Chung, Lauren Conrad, Kelly Rutherford, Amerie, Estelle, Ivana Trump, Joy Bryant, Emily Blunt, Mariska Hargitay, Allesandra Ambrosio, Marissa Miller, Nicki Hilton, Melania Trump, Tim Gunn,J Alexander, Nigel Barker, Rachel Zoe, Kelly Rowland, Stephanie March, Olivia Thirlby, Kathy Griffin, Whitney Port, Tori Spelling, Jessica Stroup, Anna-Lynn McCord, Kellan Lutz, Alexa Chung, Alison Brie, Fran Drescher, Katrina Bowden, Mark Ronson, Samantha Ronson, Jennifer Esposito, Olivia Palermo, Anastasija Kondratjeva, Anna Cleveland, Carmen Kass, Charlotte Hoyer, Christina Carey, Constance Jablonski, Daul Kim, Lakshmi Menon, Veronica Webb, among many others.

The official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule kicked off with Michael Angel and was followed by BCBGMAXAZRIA, Davidelfin, Duckie Brown, Mara Hoffman, Nicholas K, Whitney Eve, Ports 1961, Rosa Chà, Cesar Galindo, Cynthia Steffe, Yigal Azrou?l, Twinkle by Wenlan, Charlotte Ronson, Monarchy Collection, Leifsdottir, Nicole Miller, ARISE African Promise Collective, Erin Wasson x RVCA, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, Academy of Art University, Christian Siriano, Chado Ralph Rucci, Vivienne Tam, Lela Rose, Derek Lam, Toni Maticevski, DKNY, Thuy, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor, Y-3, Tuleh, Custo Barcelona, Vassilios Kostetsos, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan New York, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, TonyCohen, Gottex, Badgley Mischka, Brian Reyes, Pamella Roland, MAX AZRIA, Dennis Basso, Willow, Tibi, Mercedes-Benz presents Designer – Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Maria Pinto, Doo.Ri, Ralph Lauren, Allude, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Calvin Klein Collection, Chocheng, Argentine Designer Collections and Tommy Hilfiger.

Akvinta® Vodka, the First Mediterranean Luxury Vodka, is proud to announce their partnership with IMG Fashion as the official vodka of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Akvinta, which launched in the UK last year and officially launched in the US this month, will be available at all bars in the tents, including the main lobby bar, as well as the hospitality bars (IMG, Mercedes-Benz and American Express Skybox). Akvinta Vodka will also be featured in numerous cocktails throughout Fashion Week, most notably our signature cocktail, the Akvinta Gold Cooler.

“We are extremely excited to announce Akvinta® Vodka’s US launch this month building on a very successful introduction in the UK last year,” said Jeff Becker, President, Akvinta USA Inc. “What better way to introduce Akvinta to New York then to do so at the most important fashion event of the season? We’re honored to officially launch at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and we look forward to an ongoing presence in the fashion industry as we become available across the country.”

Fashion Week, Creative Director Mykel C. Smith announces MX ESSENTIALS debut collection ” The Star Collection” during New York’s famed fashion week in September. “As creative director it is an honor to work with MX ESSENTIALS in developing the visual image of the brand”., said Mykel

Maria Moore the creative chemist of MX ESSENTIALS is destined to garner a reputation for being on the pulse, fashionable, innovative, and fun-much like Maria Moore the latino entrepeneur. From unique products, to naming her collection ” The Star Collection” with a wicked sense of humor and undeniably glamorous formulas, MX ESSENTIALS truly lives up to the brand’s philosophy: “It’s not where you come from, but where you are going”

With the hottest color combinations and the ability to customize your look, MX ESSENTIALS delivers revolutionary, cutting-edge cosmetics, state of the art simplicity and a high-fashion finish. No matter what the look, MX ESSENTIALS allows you the power to be whomever you want which is the perfect way for a woman to express yourself.

Fashion needs your help!  On the first night of New York Fashion Week, Fashion and Art come together for a night of glamour and cool shopping with the advent of “VOGUE FASHION’S NIGHT OUT” in New York City.  Coordinated by the U.S. and international editions of Vogue, the Big Apple joins its sister fashion capitals around the world— From London to Paris, from Moscow to Mumbai, from Beijing to Milan –in a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion.

COSTUME NATIONAL is a proud participant of “Vogue Fashion’s Night Out.”  Come explore our exquisite new SoHo space and take in the exciting visual art of Shinique Smith, from the Yvon Lambert Gallery, who will intrigue shoppers with an art installation brought in exclusively for this very important shopping event. Costume National Creative Director, Ennio Capasa, has always supported contemporary creativity in all its expressions: from art, to cinema to design. In addition, the boutique, along with other participating retailers, will remain open late until 11 p.m., to help maximize shopping time and stimulate purchases.

In addition, shoppers can pick-up special T-shirts created by the CFDA at the Costume National boutique for this shopping event.  Your purchase of a “Fashion Night Out” tee will benefit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.  For more information, visit www.fashionsnightout.com.

COSTUME NATIONAL & SHINIQUE SMITH FOR THE YVON LAMBERT GALLERY, in conjunction with American Vogue, NYC & Company, the City of New York, AMEX, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

Thursday, September 10, 2009 6pm -11pm

Costume National Boutique Located at 160 Mercer Street, SoHo, New York

About Shinique Smith

Shinique Smith, represented by the Yvon Lambert Gallery, Paris and New York,  is an American artist who brings the anonymous aspects of life to the forefront, examining her own footing within the world. Her latest work, “Ten Times Myself,” a series of paintings and sculptures inspired from song lyrics, is a self-imposed call to be bolder and to go from one to ten without remorse. Infusing an ardent style owed to Abstract Expressionism and Japanese Calligraphy, Smith’s work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions internationally at venues including the National  Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.; the New Museum, New York; Deutsche Guggenheim, Berlin; PS 1 Contemporary Arts Center, New York; and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Colorado.

On September 17th, 2009 TRIAS will emerge during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as the next big force in the fashion industry with the debut of the Spring/Summer 2010 collection.  The much anticipated launch will debut designer Joaquin Trías’ refreshingly modern yet feminine aesthetic that will quickly take the world by storm.

Joaquin Trías was born in Spain and grew up between the towns of Marbella and Madrid.  Educated by an aristocratic family, Joaquin learned the essence and respect for elegance from an early age.  The inspiration for TRIAS comes from the sublime and discreet elegance transmitted by the designer’s two grandmothers, Cristina Sartorius and Frida Trías.  Cristina Satorius, Countess of Quiroga, exuded an untouchable and pure elegance with reserve while Frida Trías, model and muse of Balenciaga, was the person who initiated Joaquin in the fashion world through her glamour “par excellence”, seduction through distance and mystery, and knowledge of every detail of luxury without ostentation.  This feminine, generational inspiration for the line combined with Trías’s yearning for perfection, has created a brand that exuberates respect and strength towards the sophisticated woman.

Trías’ search for the clean, pure, perfect, innovative, and impeccable results in designs of natural elegance.  Each design is a true architectural masterpiece, with special effects generated through not only exceptionally worked lines but also the election of materials and finishing.  Trías is always searching for the perfect textiles to create more sensual effects with riskier finishing, empowering the exclusivity of each item.

Modern, universal, aggressive in its forms, the TRIAS style is a concept of perfect lines for an unbeatable woman.

All eyes will be on New York when fashion’s greatest designers gather to reveal the upcoming season’s sleekest styles at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and Chambord® Black Raspberry Liqueur will be serving up its own version of style with fashionable cocktails as the Official Liqueur of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Chambord, an all-natural liqueur produced in France’s Loire Valley will be on the scene for the fourth consecutive year in the tents at Bryant Park, adding to its reputation for fashionable cocktails.

“Chambord is the perfect accessory for every outfit and occasion. With cocktails from the seriously chic French Martini to the rocking Chambord Velvet Elvis, Chambord is an all-natural liqueur that suits every style,” said Josh Hayes, brand manager for Chambord. “Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is an excellent way to highlight Chambord’s stylishness and versatility, and we’re excited to partner with IMG Fashion once again.”

The cocktails Chambord will feature are the classic Chambord French Martini, the Velvet Elvis (a rocking combination of Chambord and Jack Daniel’s) and for the calorie conscious, the Chambord Lemonade (Vodka, Chambord and sugar free lemonade) during the showing of the Spring 2010 Collections (September 10 – 17).

Chambord® French Martini                                              Chambord® Lemonade

1½ oz vodka                                                                             1½ oz vodka

½ oz Chambord                                                                                       ½ oz Chambord

3 oz pineapple juice                                                              3 oz sugar free lemonade

Shake ingredients with ice                                                 Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a tall glass.

And strain into a martini glass.                                          Garnish with fresh berries or a lemon.

Garnish with a lemon twist.

Chambord® Velvet Elvis

2 oz Jack Daniel’s® Tennessee Whiskey

1 oz Chambord

2 oz sweet and sour

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.  Garnish with a lemon twist.

About Chambord

Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, made from all-natural, raspberries, blackberries, XO cognac, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel and honey extract, is produced just south of Paris in the picturesque Loire Valley. Inspired by Louis XIV’s visit to Chateau de Chambord in 1685, Chambord continues to lend elegance and style to every occasion as one of the world’s most versatile liqueurs.

Perez Hilton Gossip King, Queen, Royalty, what have you, has expanded his already huge grasp on the Internet gossip business by making a sister site to his vastly popular perezhilton.com, cocoperez.com. His new site is devoted to exclusively covering what the celebs are wearing. When asked what the fashion magazines should feel about the new kid on the block, Perez responded with, “Absolutely. Anna Wintour watch out! Actually, Anna Wintour’s days are already numbered now, so she should be cowering in fear. I don’t know if she’ll make it past the Fall. Eventually, I will have a larger audience than Vogue.” That’s some pretty big words for Perez, but I have a feeling that he will back them up and then some! We look forward Perez to what you have in store for the fashion world!

With the upcoming 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week quickly approaching, we here at Runway New York, would like to look back at some previous seasons of the New York Fashion Week. We are starting off with the Fall 2004 Collections. To see the Fashion and the Trends just visit our gallery. Please check back daily, since that each day we will be uploading more shows. Hope you enjoy this blast from the past and look forward to the upcoming 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York.

For any body who is or wants to be a fashionista, we are all aware of Vogue’s legendary September Issue. This is the Coup De Gra of Fashion, the high light issue of the year for Vogue and Fashion Magazines everywhere. Well, now the process, work, and hours that go into making this famed issue is now going to be on the silver screen. Titled The September Issue, the movie takes an indepth look with unparalled coverage of Anna Wintour and her iconic magazine, more specifically The September Issue. I, as well as many others, will be looking very forward to seeing this movie, which is being released on August 28th. See you at the theatre! Click Here to see a preview!

Summer 2009 breezes in just in time to lift the dark cloud of despair that has been hanging heavily overhead for the last several months. Right now, we all need a recess from the recession, a summer vacation, a new beginning. Or, we could just re-visit the past when things were happier and more prosperous. Fluorescent hues, a la Stephen Sprouse, are pioneering an eighties revival. Neon colors have saturated the fashion world with no intention of stopping in the near future. Remember the days of football player-like jackets? Well, they‚re coming back! The shoulder has been the focal point on the runway for the last couple of seasons and we‚re seeing it manipulated in a variety of ways. Strong shoulders, whether they‚re achieved with padding, cutouts, asymmetry, shirring in sleeve caps, pleating, draping, etc., are one of the most significant features of the Spring/Summer season.

With a new President in office America is ready to embrace change. It‚s not just that Barack Obama is the first African-American President elected, but also the fact that he represents a new point of view. Politics play an important role in fashion and this season is no exception. Influences from all over the world are setting trends ranging from elaborate embellishments, ethnic prints/motifs and tribalistic jewelry. Textured natural fabrics such as linen, silk and cotton in neutral tones as well as warm saturated colors are key. Reptile skin dominates and Summer ‚09 is overwhelmingly animal friendly in terms of print.

The return to American idealism is perhaps the biggest trend occurring as of late. Because we know that nothing can change overnight and that „Made in USA‰ may take a while to come back (at least in apparel), we choose to reminisce about times gone by. Feathers, fringe and turquoise compliment buffalo checks, plaid and Navajo motifs. Cowboy and other styles of rugged ankle boots make a strong statement and, as always, denim rules. The Bohemian style lingers on, but in a more elegant way this Summer. Maxi-dresses are one of the season‚s most important silhouettes, while the mini-skirt is still present. Watercolor, floral, medallion and paisley prints decorate chiffon, jersey and voile. Ornamental touches of crochet, lace, eyelet and other open work fabrics add dimension.

Wall Street may have crashed and burned recently, but the market has bounced back, in a sense, emerging in fashion. Clean sharp lines materialize into tailored pieces while, on the flip side, a wave of feminism is washing over the fashion industry providing a balance between the masculine and feminine. As a key component of the season, trousers have never been more diverse. Skinny flat front pants still stand strong, but a new regime of wider leg silhouettes are marching in with higher waists, pleats and yoke treatments. They come in all lengths ranging from full, to cropped, to shorts. In fact, shorts have exploded as a category and are available in a vast array of shapes and styles. On the opposite end of the spectrum, delicate fabrics in cosmetic colors (or non-colors) such as nude, buff, porcelain, blush and Champagne evoke femininity. They are draped and layered creating pretty pieces fit for a princess. Ruffles are unavoidable this season as are rosettes and bows. While Donna Karan has been the „Queen of Drape‰ for years (and let‚s not forget the late greats, Halston & Madame Gres), the Grecian look is becoming increasingly important. Draping and folding tend to camouflage and accentuate where needed, therefore, it‚s no mystery why women gravitate toward these styles. We feel pretty, sexy, self-assured? like a Goddess.

With the message of change permeating the country, there is more focus on America‚s youth. Thanks to the Internet, Facebook, Twitter, IPhones, etc., the younger generation is more cognizant than ever of politics, science, culture and fashion. An awareness of domestic and international issues is infiltrating schools all over the country and prep-school socialites have created a huge buzz in the fashion world. Pretty little fine-gauge cardigans and preppy cropped blazers mingle with short tulip skirts to create refined and sophisticated (but inherently young) ensembles. Plaids are flirty rather than serious and dots and spots in all sizes dance around on a variety of fabrics exuding zest and vitality as if they are personal messengers of hope assuring the world that everything will be OK.