FashionEtc.com November 21st, 2024

How can anyone decline an invitation for tea with Waris Ahluwalia? The charming jeweler, designer, and former secret-service man is always so full of surprises that an hour in his company is not one I’ll forget.

So off I went to his studio at the CFDA Incubator space where he produced tray after covered tray. Oh, the anticipation was building. Like a magician, he unveiled each piece of jewelry, a dazzling array of diamonds, pink sapphires, and rubies (my favorite as always), all in gorgeous gold. The Spring 2012 collection isn’t an overhaul from fall; instead it’s a continuation of themes and ideas he showed us previously. So some favorite items are back but this time in different stones—like the stunning plumage pendant, now in pink sapphires and diamonds. He also added enamel pieces which reminded me a bit of tile work in my relatives' houses. Loved that.

On a dreary New York day like today, there’s nothing cuter than a little yellow rain slicker—and there’s really nothing cuter than a yellow rain slicker that comes with a matching patent leather Mulberry bag. It’s almost (almost) enough to make me wish for this weather!

I ventured out into the mist to check out the brand’s Spring collection, and it was seriously a ray of sunshine. It’s hard not to love Mulberry bags, but the Spring selection really has something for everybody: the aforementioned yellow patent Bayswater, a cute green lizard camera bag, and one terribly sweet cognac satchel with super-girl scalloped trim. A girl could really get in trouble—in a good way—with these.

For years Doo.Ri has been known for her draping. If you have yet to see her ability in person, do it. No one can drape like she does. It’s utterly exquisite. (Michelle Obama clearly agrees.) I popped over to check out the Spring 2012 Doo.Ri collection as well as Under.Ligne, her secondary line. It’s not quite diffusion, as it melds seamlessly with her main brand. So much so that she showed them together on one runway during NYFW.

This season, it wasn’t just about draping; Doo.Ri also showcased her knowledge of women’s bodies and how to get clothing to lay just so. What I love so much about her clothes is that they don’t wear you. You wear them. They flatter the woman, they show off your attributes, so when you walk into a room, you’re the one people notice. That’s essential.