I’m always amazed by the way one thing leads to another, and how so many people I’ve met have helped me make serendipitous connections to other people around the world.

For example, I first discovered Marios Schwab’s clothes at Dover Street Market in London a few years ago. I immediately fell in love with his work, bought one of his beautiful sequined dresses and wore it soon after to an event in Paris, where I was spotted by his sharp-eyed publicist. We chatted a bit and I learned that–in addition to creating his own line–Marios had just agreed to design for Halston as well.

I was intrigued. The original Halston aesthetic is far from Marios’ work: but then again, Riccardo Tisci has reinvented Givenchy in a way that has little or nothing to do with the legend. Like many people, I associate Halston with Liza Minelli, Bianca Jagger and Studio 54. But no designer can bring back the past–to stay relevant, he’s got to keep moving. Marios has maintained Halston’s stamp, so to speak, but is gradually injecting his own creativity into the collection.

My favorite dress in the presentation–truly stunning!

The presentation was held at Gladstone Gallery, a garage-like venue, with models sitting or standing on low platforms so guests could see the clothes. There were plenty of draped pieces, which I think of as very American: perfect for a woman who entertains at home as the hostess of dinners and cocktail parties. Marios also included some sequined dresses (similar to his own line), but the draping made them different. My favorite was the long sequined gown displayed front and center as you entered the room. It wasn’t anything like the rest of the collection, but no matter–it was a real winner. And some of the shoes were very sexy!

The towering platform shoes at Halston

With Marigay McKee, right, of Harrods

With Anna Dello Russo, who always manages to surprise

The crowd was fun, too. I bumped into Marigay McKee from Harrods: she’s always so effervescent and lively! And Anna Dello Russo was wearing a very short dress and a sequined watermelon on her head (definitely an outfit only she could pull off). As the crowd started to thin, I gave Marios a big hug, congratulated him and his team and mentioned I looked forward to seeing them in Paris. And then I headed off to dinner!

With Halston’s designer, Marios Schwab

Photographs by Wai Ng. Runway images via Style.com