Twelve years later

In the spirit of Fashion Week: Apthorp Cleaners window on Amsterdam Avenue. 7:30 PM. Photo: JH.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013.Twelve years later. Warm, even humid but sunny, yesterday in New York. When you say humid to New Yorkers now, they all think last July. No, not that bad. Weatherman says humid and warm for the next couple of days. Last days of Summer.

It’s Fashion Week, in case you hadn’t heard. There were cocktail parties. Jeff and Liz Peek had their annual “Welcome Back” (that’s not what they call it) cocktail reception at their Park Avenue penthouse. Lots of old friends, many of whom saw each other this past summer – if they were in Nantucket where the Peeks go.

Then a half mile down the avenue Mark and Nina Magowan hosted a book party for their friend Tom Scheerer and his new book by Vendome, “Tom Scherer Decorates.” Then farther down the avenue called Lexington, Jim Hedges, Michael Bruno (creator of “First Dibs”) and Jim Druckman hosted cocktails to celebrate “I’ll Be Your Mirror,” photographs and important works by Andy Warhol at the New York Design Center in the 1st Dibs Gallery at 200 Lex.

Interior designer Tom Scheerer at his book launch last night. Click to order.

Tom's host and hostess Nina and Mark Magowan.

Last night about nine, I took a walk up Madison Avenue with the digital just to see what they’re putting in the windows while across the Park and farther downtown they’re dressing up the models for next Spring and Summer. Both Dennis Basso and Oscar de la Renta– who are represented on Madison Avenue in their own boutiques – had their shows yesterday. You can read about it on Ellin Saltzman’s Fashion Diary today. So did Elie Tahari whom Ellin reviewed. Elie was celebrating his 40th anniversary in the business with his Men’s and Women’s Collection for Spring 2014.

Passing by Restaurant Daniel on 65th Street and Park Avenue, last night on my way to Madison Avenue.

A lot of grey and black in the windows. Some so darkly lit that it was difficult if not impossible to photograph adequately. As it is, the windows’ interior lighting often flood the camera’s image so it is not the best representation of what I was seeing.

The most alluring were the windows of Frette, Pratesi and Yves Delorme. Bedding, linens, pillows, soft, ahhh, Zzzz ..... There were, however, some beautiful things and some fascinating ones. Dolce and Gabanna have harkened back to ancient Rome for their inspiring dresses, skirts and shoes. Louboutin is taking on a little bit of Stubbs & Wooten, although much cozier. Ralph’s little tots can be about the best looking kids (of all ages) in town. Oscar is Oscar, never fails. Prada is Prada. Everyone has handbags, handbags, handbags. Arche had some low-heeled shoes for those who want to move fast and efficiently. Missoni and Pucci are chic and inimitable.

Alice and Olivia.

Theory.

I couldn’t get any photos of the sumptuous jewels that fill the windows along this main thoroughfare for the rich the chic and the shameless during the day. All put away for a good night’s sleep in some place safe and solid.

Madison Avenue is a great walk at the mid-evening hour. There’s no real heavy road traffic and very few pedestrians. It’s simply New York with autumn approaching. Sutton Foster opened last night at the Café Carlyle. The talents back in town too. Clint Holmes comes in October 1st and then Judy Collins returns for her annual visit to the room that Vertes (hand)painted on October 15th, through the 26th. The town’s comin’ around.