Style needs

I attended the luncheon for Dries Van Noten at Cipriani 42nd Street, where he was honored with the 2009 Award for Artistry of Fashion by the Couture Council Advisory Committee, whose members include Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at F.I.T.; Pamela Golbin, curator of the Musée de la Mode; and Julie Gilhart of Barneys New York, among others.

I was also attended the Q&A for students of FIT, which was an intimate affair with less than 100 students present. I asked only one question, "You strike me as the sort of person who does not shop very much. But, I wonder which designers, besides yourself, that you purchase at retail?" I was surprised at Dries' answer. He said that he loves to shop, to see what is new and what is offered by other designers and to explore the environment of retail. He did admit that he is likely to only wear his own clothes, but mostly out of laziness. One visit to his warehouse and he is all set. At least we have shopping in common.

At the end of the Q&A, I was honored to personally meet Dries Van Noten and Dr. Valerie Steele. It was so exciting to meet someone that I have admired for so long.