Alexandra (“Ali”) & Kristen O’Neill are the sassy sisters behind the label Porter Grey. The two are brains, beauty, and fashion!  Ali (left) attended NYU and Kristen (right) went to Harvard. This is their 2nd year showing at NYFW.

The hip O’Neill sisters grew up in Denver…so while their collection is fun and girly with a touch of East Village, it’s very Colorado grounded….literally! All the models had flat oxfords on. My favorite dress was actually the one Kristen was wearing…cool open back.

Of all my years covering Fashion Week…I have never ever met a designer as chill, humble, and relaxed as Richard Chai. When all that hard work boils down to a 10 minute runway show, designers are usually on edge backstage…to say the least. But not Richard. Much like his clothes…Richard is no frills, just finesse.  Having sketched for Lanvin…designed for Donna Karan…only to become the creative director for Marc Jacobs, Richard is trained and equipped to do it all. He won the CFDA award last year for his men’s line. Today was the first time he showcased both the men’s and women’s lines in one runway show. Yes, this meant male models for me to gawk at:) Known for his understated, architectural style…Richard is spicing it up for Spring 2012…more colors and prints.

In the midst of the fashion frenzy: steamers puffing at your face, hairspray hurricane, makeup mayhem…
I couldn’t help notice a beaming face: a woman with flawless skin just radiating health. It was Tata Harper, the organic skincare guru who’s been all the buzz lately. The Columbian beauty says all of her products are made at her farm in Vermont. I actually use the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask and love it because it gently tightens my pores. Tata was in charge of keeping the models’ skin glowing…which is no easy feat when they are piling on and scraping off makeup…show after show. Alright, kids…it’s Day 1 of New York Fashion Week. More adventures to follow!

Click on the gallery pics for makeup and hair trends.

[Show picture list]

Fashion Front: Truly Julie is wearing Lanvin dress and Lanvin for H&M necklace