Loris Diran and his Fall/Winter 2010/2011 runway presentation

Fom the moment I stepped into the Bowery Hotel this past Saturday for the Loris Diran Fall/Winter 2010/2011 runway presentation, I felt important; surrounded by the stylish, polished and fashionable. I was even asked by a Liza Minelli look-a-like to be her fashion week husband because hers wouldn't be available. She kept smiling and asking to touch my hair. Eventually, I was ushered into to the main room as I held onto a long strip of paper that had three letters written in pencil: STD. 

Was this a joke? 

But it stood for standing; I didn't have assigned seating and would have to stand at the back of the room for the show. Being Mexican, I've learned to just be grateful they didn't ask me to slap a bandana on my head and rush me into the kitchen. As I stood alongside a large crowd who also had STDs, we were approached by a tall lanky man who barked, "Take a seat anywhere, I don't care where, you're all standing on the runway." 

Channeling my aunt Margie, I rushed to take a seat in the front. For a brief moment, I was a part of the elite (check it out here), until a tall skinny Asian girl with a clipboard targeted me and asked to see my ticket. I lied, again channeling my aunt Margie, explaining I must have lost it and without hesitating, the tall girl with the clipboard banished me to the back--but not before I ran off with the gift bag; child, once again, channeling Margie. (Here I am with my stolen Loris Diran gift bag) The seat stayed empty for about 15 minutes when a random guy with fluffy hair took the seat and I was the only one standing.

Once I arrived at the back, I knew I'd dislike Loris Diran's designs. There's nothing like a Mexican scorned. Don't agree? Next time you're out--anger your waiter and notice the Chilean Sea Bass you ordered will include some "exotic" flavors you'll never recognize--just saying. But I digress. As the show was about to start, a medium-sized gentleman came to stand next to me. I thought to myself, he's not Mexican, why is he in the back? Then I realized, he would be directing the models from that important post. I could see directly across where the models where hidden from the rest of the crowd and were being styled by Nolé Marin

As the music's volume increased; so did the tension, the man in front of me was going to set the pace for the show and by the vibes I was feeling--it was going to be a bumpy, fun and fashionable ride. As the first model was signaled to flash her gown on the runway, then the second, and then the third, I was blown away at the designs. If you've never been to a New York fashion show before, there's nothing like it: the rush of pulsating music, the high energy of the anticipation and beautifully made clothes fused together by style, vision and imagination. 

Loris Diran's designs were winning me over; I was impressed by his use of such flowing materials that draped over the women's body like sexy fabrics separating them from mere mortals. One specific design, the black crepe satin-back drape dress was breath-taking. Elegant dress after elegant dress made me think of Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie as the models paraded down the runway with grace and ease. And then, strategically placed where the men's designs--which were well-structured, masculine and playful. One specific jacket mixed-matched the sleeves from the rest of the jacket with different colored fabric and textures--this piece got my vote. (Here's footage of a different jacket with a sleek slit running horizontally in the back)

The pace of the show was fast and furious, yet a model or two did miss their cue, and I was front and center to see it all go down. But the crowd didn't care about that, they were too involved with Mr. Diran's designs which were a success as there were some gasps when certain pieces hit the runway. I believe it was the copper one-shoulder satin gown that did it but it could have easily been the creme panne velvet goddess gown that cause the breach in the crowd's rowdy behavior. Here's a scene from the show as the models were coming towards the end of their presentation.

Bottom line, the Loris Diran is a fine designer that incorporates passion, imagination and style into his work and it shows off in the final product making whoever wears it to feel the softness of the fabrics, the elegance of the design and the importance of fashion. My hat goes off to Loris Diran for his all/Winter 2010/2011 runway presentation and to the Asian girl with the clipboard, watch out sister, I took a picture of you too!