NY FASHION WEEK: Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2012

 The iconic designer and head of CFDA, Diane Von Furstenburg presented one of the most talked about fashion shows so far.  She sent lots of brightly printed large florals down the runway. The designer also showed sold separates in beige, lemon yellow and pops of turquoise blue.  The prettiest pieces were the shimmering pastel day to evening looks.  There was a iridescent print used in 1960's silhouette dresses, embroidered sweaters, tops and sheaths.  The rolled neck on many looks were also quite retro.

The beauty styling was reminiscent of vintage Hitchcock leading ladies with elegant bouffant hair and ladylike pink lips.

Handbags were multiple variations of the envelope clutch.  Some were solid, some were color-blocked.  A few were produced to match the prints of the clothes. 

Fabulous four, Rachel Zoe, husband Rodger Berman, PR maven Lorenzo Martone, model

In a touching finale, Diane Von Furstenburg acknowledged the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by handing out American flags to guests along the runway.  I love the hug and kiss she gave designer Valentino when she saw him (below).

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Designer Dads - Fashion's Top Father Figures

There are plenty of well-known mothers in fashion. Some of the top were spotlighted on Mother’s day. What about the Dads?

Oscar de la Renta lavished love on stepdaughter Eliza and designed her hand-embroidered wedding gown in 1998. She is a VP in her father's firm, and often consults on what styles will appeal to the younger client. I remember watching adopted son Moises do his homework in Dad’s office back in the late 1990's. Grown up, he took after Dad's creative side, designing a rock n' roll themed shirt for Oscar's 2005 collection and launching his own denim line. In 2010, he designed a collection for Mango.

Ralph Lauren and wife Ricky had three children who made their mark. Son David is an executive at Polo Ralph Lauren in Dad's organization. Daughter Dylan is the famous Dylan's Candy Bar founder. Son Andrew is in the film industry.

Tommy Hilfiger, head of the mega American brand of the same name was seen consulting with daughter Ally in MTV’s Rich Girls in 2003. Now, she is a hands-on employee for Dad's company, doing everything from styling, to unpacking boxes. She hopes to follow in her father's footsteps and launch her own line some day.

Photos by Janet Mayer, Michael Edwards and AP

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