Scenic Runway

Living Abroad

It’s always interesting to me to hear the story of why someone would transplant themselves to another country to live. Of course employment is probably one of the main reasons but for others it’s quality of life. Some are seeking a slower pace, a desire to immerse themselves into a new culture or to fulfill a lifelong dream. While waiting in the checkout line at the Grande Épicerie, across from the Bon Marché department store in Paris, a gentleman became a conversation with us. He of course asked the typical questions of where we were from, if we were enjoying Paris, etc.

He was a jazz musician who had moved to Paris 20 years ago. I could not help but to asked him why he moved. He stated that he had previously lived in seven countries but it was Paris, France that he was given the opportunity to be himself. The sincerity in his voice was touching. He indicated that he returns to his birth country twice a year to visit family members but he considers Paris home.

The reasons to live abroad are unique to each individual but whatever the reason it’s a life changing experience.

Program from Vera Wang Spring 2013 Collection

When I think of Vera Wang I can’t help but to think of wedding gowns. For years Vera Wang has been known for designing beautiful wedding gowns. I was hoping that a wedding gown would be included within her runway show but unfortunately it was not. Vera Wang’s 2013 Spring Collection “Out of India was a nod to the romantic beauty of India which highlighted a play on texture, print and proportion”. I could easily see myself wearing many of the beautiful designs within her collection!

A few of my favorites from the Vera Wang 2013 Spring Collection!

Program from Badgley Mischka Spring 2013

The Badgley Mischka Spring 2013 Collection runway show at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was absolutely magical! The forest like background gave the impression as if the models were emerging from the woods as they walked the runway. Inspired by the 1935 film version of “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”, the collection moved softly down the runway in an elegant manner which I absolutely loved.

My personal style is that of classic stylish pieces that will stand the test of time which is probably why I have always admired the work of designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka. It was only fitting that my very first fashion show at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week would be Badgley Mischka!

A few of my favorites from the Badgley Mischka Spring 2013 Collection!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Damrosch Park Lincoln Center

From the moment I discovered that I would be attending the Badgley Mischka and Vera Wang shows during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York (September 6-13, 2012), I was absolutely thrilled and filled with gratitude! I have admired the work of these talented designers for years. I could not believe I had been so fortunate to receive VIP seating for two amazing shows! Prior to the start of Fashion Week, I kept thinking that someone was going to call to notify me that a mistake had been made. But fortunately, that did not happen the two tickets were mine.

Mercedes-Benz Street Style Display

Of course, I agonized over what to wear. I had always heard that it was respectful to wear something by the designer whose show you are attending. It was important to me not to be under dressed or over dressed especially since the shows were in the morning. After visiting nine stores, I finally found the perfect dress to wear. The process of selecting the perfect dress was complicated due to the fact that the dress had to compliment my gold and brown shoes. Basically, I had to create an outfit based on my shoes.

View from Top Level of TRESemmé Booth at Fashion Week Lincoln Center

Upon arriving at Lincoln Center you could not help but to feel the excitement in the air. Everyone was anxiously awaiting the doors to open. Once the doors opened it was a mad rush to the box office, information booth, media area and the sponsor booths. The decor was sleek and sophisticated as you would expect. Before heading to the Badgley Mischka show we decided to visit each sponsor booth where we collected fashion material as well as admiring displays. The TRESemmé booth second floor level was set up as a hair styling salon. My friend who accompanied me was excited about the possibly of having her hair styled by a celebrity hair stylist. Since we had some time before the Badgley Mischka show she was able to get her wish, beautifully styled by Don.

Jeannie Mai at Fashion Week

As a result of our VIP access we were able to bypass the lines and were escorted to the Amex Skybox. The Skybox was a beautifully decorated lounge perched high above the runway with a bar with servers to assist us. The lighting in the Skybox was dimmed which created a very relaxing and luxurious atmosphere. The windows within the Skybox were darkened until minutes before the show began. As we sat in the first row eagerly awaiting the start of the show we wondered if we would see celebrities below. A few minutes before the start of the show the lights were turned on surrounding the windows which gave us the clear view of the runway that we were all hoping for. It was absolutely amazing! It was truly a surreal moment.

Kevin and Dani Jonas

Many of us in the Skybox began noticing various celebrities who were in attendance in the first few rows below us such as Joan and Melissa Rivers, Ivana Trump, Mikki Taylor, Jeannie Mai host of Style Network’s “How Do I Look?”, Gossip Girl’s Michelle Trachtenberg, Lauren Conrad, etc. As we were leaving Lincoln Center we ran into Kimora Lee Simmons (before her taping of an episode of Fashion Police at Lincoln Center) and Kevin Jonas.

Gift Bag

In between shows we were treated to industry insights by fashion insiders hosted by former Vogue Associate Publisher Lottie Oakley. There are moments in life that are magical and completely fulfill your expectations, for me attending two shows at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was truly one of those moments.

Check out our feature on the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 Collections of Badgley Mischka and Vera Wang !

London Eye

The Thames River which flows through southern England passes by some of London’s most famous sights such as Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

On our last evening in London we decided to take a cruise on the Thames River. It was a beautifully clear evening which enhanced the lights all around. As we sailed pass the various bridges (Westminster Bridge, Tower Bridge and London Bridge) I could not help but to appreciate London’s long history. It was certainly a pleasant way to end our visit.

London Olympic Items Purchased at Heathrow!

The 2012 London Olympic Games is a worldwide event that unites the world from July 27th – August 12th !

Good Luck to all the athletes around the world participating in the 2012 London Olympics!

Whether you are trying a new delicacy or an old favorite cooked in a different way. Food certainly adds to the overall travel experience!