By Marie Claire Market Editor Michelle ReneauSaturday Nothing like a hot classique like Lacoste to make a bone-chilling day bearablebut before we headed into the tents at Bryant Park, my colleague Zanna Roberts and I stopped for a foamy Starbucks fix. For here's a little known fact: Coffee is officially banned from the tentsthe horror! As if we can keep up with the semi-annual collections carousel without the socially acceptable controlled substance known as caffeine? Since we weren't about to leave our $5 lattes half-finished we smuggled them in very stealthily behind our oversized totes(Don't spill the beans!) Feeling snug as we took our seats between fellow MCers Kathryn Floyd and Eric Nicholsonand not a little smug sipping our latteswe watched the celebs roll in.
![Moore]()
First up, Julianne Moore, whom I'd just seen in the spooky new Children of Men looking as luminous as ever in person. Ditto pop/R&B singer Cassie, who took a seat a few chairs over from Kathryn. Finally, that cutie from Entourage Kevin Connolly, who entered right before the show started. Hmmm, another actor come to modelize? Lacoste opened with signature but surprisingly sexy nautical stripes and classic trench-coats for Le Weekend section, sending this editor into a Riviera reverie. My favorite theme, though, was French countryside, wilderness-worthy wool trousers tucked into luxe boots with button-down shirts and olive neckties. Trs "Troop Beverly Hills." Some other stand-outs: oversized chunky sweaters and a patent-leather hooded coat. I'd almost be willing to test the 19-degree wind chill in itunfortunately I'll have to wait six months for it. The last show of the night, Rock & Republic was held at Cipriani's on 42nd street. Who cared that coffee was contraband here, toowhat with all the champagne flowing? Rock & Republic brought the already-posh Cipriani's to a new level of extravagance, covering all the floors in red carpet (get it?) installing a black, glossy runway and then illuminating it all with 20 crystal chandeliers. The waiters kept filling glasses with that gorge house drink known as the Bellini (champagne & peach nectar) and trying to coax fashionistas into sampling the hors d'oeuvres. VIPs included Russell Simmons and Brandon Davis Patent leather, rhinestones, metallic-coated jeans, sequins, lace, and fur. Rock & Republic defines denim la Los Angeles. To drive home the vixen thing, they hired Victoria's Secret favorites Ana Beatriz, Miranda, Rosie, and even May Andersen to strut their stuff. Wild! The show ended with all the models mingling on the runway, champagne glasses in hand, as if at a dance partyto which we were all invited. Alas, even the adorable male model entreating us to join in the fun couldn't keep me from heading out into the cold and straight to my closet. Where, oh where, is my thermal underwear? The must-have for this season's fashion-go-round.
MORE FROM MARIE CLAIRE Manual of Style: How To Wear Brocade, Satin and ChiffonMorning After Hair: How To Look You Best After SexTry Marie Claire RISK-FREE for more fall fashion tips & trends [...]
