I got to know more about Marios Schwab when I was in London last November visiting Dover Street Market. I had been following his work for a while and thinking he had great talent. During the Swarovski party at the Haute Couture, a woman approached me and admired my Marios Schwab dress. She works for his company and invited me to attend his first show as the new designer of Halston. I was curious, knowing that Halston back in its day was very different from Marios Schwab’s own work today…

Well, Monday night was a surprise and a delight – it was truly beautiful. The presentation was held in a garage – a very stark space, but the models were artistically positioned around the venue – some standing, some sitting at tables, some lying along modern furniture pieces.

I was totally blown away – Marios maintained the Halston stamp – the perfect draping – but still made the collection very much his own. There were short dresses, long dresses, day wear, black tie. The short dresses were quite structured with a more modern look, but the evening gowns were more classic. The strapless gown with the beading and high slit (directly below) had my name on it. Marios said he wanted to make them like mercury flowing into liquidity.

The shoes added some edge. I didn’t love the furry ankle booties but the knee-high boots were amazing. The openings are probably not the best for super cold weather – but it was an incredible new look for boots that I’ve never seen before.

Marios collaborated with British jeweler Jacqueline Rabun who created contemporary pieces – I particularly liked the one round earring attached to the model’s ear, below.

There’s something about a presentation that really appeals to me. While the excitement of the catwalk show is beyond, a presentation really lets you take your time and study the clothes – the textures, the detailing, the accessories. I was there for an hour and a half – and lucky I stayed until the end because I had a lovely chat with Sarah Jessica Parker who just came on board as Chief Creative Officer.

The fashion world was definitely there – from my friend Imran Amed at Business of Fashion, Diane Pernet from A Shaded View On Fashion and Natalie Massenet of Net-a-Porter – to Chic List favorites Anna Dello Russo and Carine Roitfeld. We were all mesmerized by the collection – I think we really have a winner here. Contrary to what many may have speculated – there was nothing silly or gimmicky – only chic.

Taking in the show amidst the crowd

Diane Pernet photographing me

With Diane Pernet of A Shaded View on Fashion

With Patrick McDonald

With new Halston designer Marios Schwab

Click below for video footage of the presentation – it gives you a good feel for the atmosphere there – and a closer look at the amazing details on these clothes. After saying hello to some friends in the crowd, I made sure to introduce myself to Marios and let him know how much I loved it.

Photos by Ana Monroe