GHITA BY ALEXIS PHIFER

I didn't get many invites for Spring 2008 Fashion Week (hopefully such will not be the case for the Fall '08 shows!), but I was pleasantly surprised that I was invited to experience Alexis Phifer's Fashion Week debut! Her line, Ghita, which means gem of the sea, loosely translated, pearl, was quite a collection.

Alexis is radiant in one of her pieces...

The collection was less of a freshman foray into fashion and more like the commencement exercises of a seasoned grad. No stranger to the fashion game, Alexis, also known as Kanye's better half, honed her craft at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles (FIDM for those in the know ;)), receiving a degree in Fashion Design...and Kanye credit's her as the stylist who made him fresh!

Check out my personal pics of the show and pre-show (the quality of the pics aren't the best, but when Style Chile blows up, I'll be sure to hire a photographer). As you can no doubt imagine, the soundtrack was extraodinary. A lot of Prince and a 'lil bit of Kanye thrown in for good measure.

Kanye with the papparazzi--this was days after the MTV awards-- so he was busy explaining his position.

Speaking of personal pics, this experience highlighted an interesting dilema. As a fledgling fashion journalist (heh heh), I am constantly on the quest to bring my readers a good story, and as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words...thus, whenever feasible, I try to get a pic to capture the moment...but it's so hard to walk up to strangers and ask them to let me photograph them! Even harder to ask celebrities! But I swallow my pride, and do it all for you, my wonderful readers. Prime example, Nigel* (of America's Next Top Model fame) sat directly across from me at the show, and he was clearly annoyed that I was snapping pictures of him! Can you tell?

He was not pleased! He would look dead at me, then as I whipped the camera out, he would look away. That smirk has my name written all over it! Or perhaps the right is his best side?

Extra's Tanika Ray glowed! Literally. Who is her trainer, and who makes her bronzer?!

Fashion Week + NYC = Fabulously Clad Beauties! The audience more than lived up to that equation! The Metropolitan Pavillion was a veritable feast for the eyes; I couldn't keep up with the many fantastic outfits, and the wearers all walking around with that "who me, this 'ole thing?" look on their faces...in any event, check out my favorite ensembles below.

Left: hot satin marni's complement THAT prada bag; right: this mustard chloe dress popped against the white chairs...

I was a big fan of the dress on the left, who doesn't love a great big bow? I found out MUCH later, that the very same dress is an Alexis Phifer original! Don't you love it when it all comes together?

Review: I really enjoyed the collection. I would wear many, if not all of the pieces. I was particularly excited to see that Alexis channeled the youthful, feminine aesthetic that it seems she no doubt appreciates. She looked just like one (actually better than most) of her models! I appreciated the fact that she didn't do too much. She didn't try to do coutoure, but instead created very simple designs with a touch of whimsy! In this case, less definitely equalled more. I would have liked to see heavier, fuller fabric. In some cases the dresses looked a little, ummm, light (interpret that however you will!).

Left: Goodie bag (and because I know y'all are just dying to see a pic of my seat); Right: Kanye and mom sport shades, as dictated by front row etiquette books everywhere, and Alexis' cute (and oh so proud of his mommy as he told the folks on line outside) son looks on.

In addition to the amazing soundtrack, Alexis entertained the audience with a tongue in cheek touch. She created a few dresses, in collaboration with famed photographer, Mark Seliger (these dresses are on display at Henri Bendel). Each model that walked in one of his dresses, paused at the end of the runway to take a quick pic of the many photographers who busy taking pics of the models themselves. Cute!

Model takes a photo of shutterbugs while sporting a dress inspired by noted photographer Mark Seliger

Kanye and Alexis closed the night out (and the club down!) At Manahatta, the venue for the Honey Magazine: Ghita by Alexis Phifer After-Party.

After a monumental day of personal achievements, the happy couple sip on a celebratory toast with Castries Cocktail GHITAtini, made specifically for the host herself! Castries was on hand, compliments of Pop Event Planning!

* P.S.: Days later, as I attended a going-away party--same party which was mentioned in this post re Mal Sirrah-- I saw Nigel! At least I think it was Nigel. Well, we were in very close proximity, in someone's living room, but I am only 90% sure that it was Nigel-- even though the Nigel look-a-like was with Miss Jay. Why did I NOT know if it was indeed Nigel? Because I was busy NOT looking in his direction, for fear that he would recognize me as the girl from the show who was busy taking his picture when he made it clear that he was uninterested in having his picture taken! Sorry Nigel, but surely you understand?!

P.P.S.: I'm a little annoyed that I was too busy to post closer to the date of the event. I would have been able to more fully convey my enthusiasm and excitement! I was geeked that I was attending a real life fashion show and not watching it on t.v. I was even more excited to get a seat in the second row! The show took place way back on September 11, the same date of release of Kanye's latest album, "Graduation".