By Loren Ridinger

Since I was a little girl, I’ve loved clothing and the styling of it. After living through many fashion trends, I’ve come to the conclusion that true vogue is timeless and can be executed fabulously through any generation; when a dress transcends from grandmother to mother to daughter, there is an amazing inexplicable connection. And to me, that is what fashion is really all about. My amazing daughter Amber has a crucial eye for style. I always consult her before going out, and we have such fun bonding over our shared passion for beautiful clothing. I can’t wait until I can pass down my favorite pieces to her.

This year I was lucky enough to be in New York for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 09 shows and was absolutely blown away by all of the fabulous designs that came down the catwalk. My best friend Jennifer Lopez and I got to see our favorite designer’s collections together, which is something she and I both look forward too every year. We ran into so many long time friends and acquaintances-Eva Longoria sat with us at the Diane Von Furstenberg show  (which, by the way, was one of my absolute favorites)-it’s always fun running into friends at fashion week and being able to sit with them, catch up, and share thoughts on the new collections.

As I just mentioned, DVF was one of everyone’s favorites. This collection was so fresh, so chic, and so femme. I absolutely loved everything about it. From the headband motifs to the patterns to the cuts-it all blew both Jennifer and I away. Being a businesswoman and entrepreneur myself, I love seeing the way Diane continues to reinvent her business each year. Her recent comeback has been highly celebrated, rightfully so, and it has heightened my respect for her on many levels. She has truly mastered the art of knowing how to dress a woman’s body, thus deeming her dresses permanent classics of the fashion world.

Speaking of comebacks, Halston’s collection made such an impact on everyone in the crowd; his SS09 looks are sure to be a hit. I called my husband, JR, and told him I wanted everything that came down the runway…which I’m sure he loved to hear!  Actually, he’s really a great sport about fashion week and enjoyed coming to see the shows-particularly to see our dear family friend Kimora Lee Simmon’s Baby Phat collection. The beauty of this show was that both women and men loved it on equal levels. It was absolutely perfect-the designs, the music, and the models were all so in synch, not to mention gorgeous, that it made for a truly fun viewing experience.

The king of playfully chic runway fashion, Marc Jacobs, was obviously one of my top picks as well. His work never ceases to amaze me, year after year. His intrinsic eye for pairing abstract shapes and patterns in a way that works is truly genius. I enjoy attending all of his shows because to me, he really embodies the idea of runway fashion taking on the form of performance art, in a way that no other designer can. Although, Custo Barcelona also served up a great energy this season with their collection-the flowing whimsical pieces drew the eye from head to toe and were all fabulously romantic.

I loved that feminine cuts and prints were so prevalent in all of the collections, though I must say, Oscar de la Renta’s execution of this trend was by far my favorite. I just can’t think of any other designer that can mimic the classically stunning glamour that his gowns portray. The cuts he uses are flattering to any figure-petite or curvy-and I am speaking from experience when I say it is impossible not to feel comfortable and sexy in any one of his dresses. I have never felt more confident then when wearing de la Renta.

I think my favorite thing about Fashion Week is the range and variety of what you can see. After viewing the classics, like de la Renta, Halston, and DVF, I was able to view some of my favorite new designers, whom I have supported in their rise to the top. It’s so exciting to see them actualize all of their talent on the runway. For example, I’ve been wearing Jenni Kayne for years, and this year I got to see her complete collection on the runway! She’s such a great new designer; keep your eye out for her latest creations. I’m also a huge fan of Chris Benz, whose show I was also able to attend. His designs are the epitome of comfy chic, and what woman doesn’t love that? Alice and Olivia and Lucca Lucca are also contemporary favorites of mine.

Reflecting on the whirlwind week filled with shows, wardrobe changes, and after parties (though I say this every year), this was the best one yet. I was so taken with the timelessness of all the looks that emerged this fall and can’t wait to start wearing my new pieces. I’ve witnessed a turn in the fashion realm where we’re seeing such an exciting and unique blend of modern chic, classic romance, and fresh innovation like never before, and I feel truly blessed to have been a part of it.