Olympus Fashion Week
New York
Heatherette, Fall /Winter 2006

I had the unusual opportunity to get back stage at Heatherette’s Fall/Winter 2006 runway show at Olympus Fashion Week. Under the tent at Bryant Park, seminal club-kids gone couturiers Richie Rich and Traver Rains rocked the runway with their characteristically outrageous, forward looking collection of knits, jackets, gowns and prints. The show, titled “Gothamism” was a tribute to New York that was punctuated by Heatherette muse, Amanda Lapore carrying a sign down the catwalk with the words “Dreams Can Come True in New York City”. The collection was inspired by the amalgam of architecture, people and color that underpins the New York experience. Brightly colored plaid skirts and short dresses, silver caftans and neatly tailored plaid coats drove the crowd into a fever throughout the entire show. A signature sheer gown with a musical note print and puckered, baby-doll shoulders opened the show, which was contrasted by Naomi Campbell walking a lavender, feather cocktail dress down the runway at the end of the show. Fashion Wire Daily reported that the crowd was whipped into a frenzy upon her appearance causing her to briefly breakaway from her runway persona and crack a smile. Other celebrities such Jay McCarrol and Austin Scarlet of Project Runway, the “Queer Eye Guys”, JC Chasez from NSync, Rufus Wainwright, and Debra Harry dotted the front row in support of Heatherette’s vision. Over-the-top drag queens and punk rockers à la Traflagar Square c. 1978 also colored the crowd of standing room only fashionistas, buyers, and press people. Only Heatherette could concoct such a true New York experience!


Richie Rich, Amanda Lapore & Traver Rains being interviewed.

Big, BIG props go out to the Heatherette collection team that includes: Mack Dugan, Aimee Phillips, Pamela Thompson, Carly Martinez, ONeal Wyche, Joey Johansson, Laura Seymour, Lysee Webb and Anais Guibert. You can view the collection and a brief video at www.olympusfashionweek.com — and be sure to surf over to www.heatherette.com for a glimpse inside their special world of style!

-Bill Judkins

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