NEW YORK - It was a very glamorous Monday for a few Minnesotans at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Sheryl Newman of Minnetonka attended the Monique Lhuillier runway show for the first time. "Oh my, I have to pinch myself. I've been dancing around the house waiting for this," she said. Minnesotans have a unique connection to the Los Angeles-based designer since one of her two flagship boutiques is in Edina.
The collection, inspired by "Chinese warriors," lived up to Newman's high expectations. It included over a dozen full-length gorgeous gowns in black, red, plum and gold silks that appeared to be ready and waiting for the red carpet. Front-row celebrities Sophia Bush, Shiri Appleby and Melissa George surely took note. So did Jennifer Kline, a ShopNBC trend expert who also attended the Rebecca Taylor and Carlos Miele shows. "It was visually stunning. I loved the rich color, play of texture, embellishment and ultra femininity," Kline said.
For Minnesota shoppers, the rich red jacquard coats in the ready-to-wear collection will stand out against next winter's snow. "All of the prints and coats are going to be amazing," said Donna Bohn, general manager of the Monique Lhuillier salon, who was at the show for the second time as was Dawn Bromander, the Minnesota-based retail director for the label. "In Minneapolis, we love a cocktail dress, but I can see the gowns going to the Starkey gala or Make-a-Wish," Bohn added.
SARA GLASSMAN
