While it is true that oftentimes life saves the best for last, this NY Fashion Week started with a bright and beautiful bang, when I found myself among the lucky attendees of Geren Ford’s show at the Bowery Hotel, on Wednesday evening. Twelve models, twenty-four outfits, hundreds of trendsetting fashionistas and one cool designer made this a show to remember. Based in Los Angeles, but with a hip NYC sensitivity, Geren Lockhart – the woman behind the hip label – showed color, freshness and courage, the three MUST-HAVES for any spring wardrobe.

The old world inspired setting of the recently opened Bowery Hotel, with its terrace so ideal to the balmy early September evening, was the perfect backdrop for the modern, bright and absolutely wearable collection. My personal favorite is the red and navy – YES navy, not boring ol’ black! – dress, worn with the teal signature GF dog scarf, pictured at right. Luckily, after receiving a fabulous goodie bag containing the teal scarf, I only have a couple more items to go before I complete the outfit! This will definitely be a “Nina look” for next spring.

Ideally, a fashion show should be something magical, inspiring those in the audience to become part of the spell by wearing the clothes. Ms. Lockhart does that with her creations, boldly pairing lady-like accessories like rattan clutches in primary colors, with enameled bangles, long thick chains, patent leather sandals worn with slouchy socks and those delightful, wearer-friendly scarves.

The models looked flawless, thanks to make-up by Smashbox and hair by Cutler Salon, using Redken products. I really enjoyed their “Upper East Side sophistication meets Downtown cool, by way of Rodeo Drive chic” look, as I interpreted it to be. Gliding home after the show, thanks in part to the smooth Moët & Chandon Champagne flowing endlessly for the guests, I silently thanked the fashion gods – and Geren Ford – for making the world more beautiful.

Photos courtesy of Geren Ford and HL Group