Getting Fashionable With Lexus and Vogue

You might still be in summer mode, but you can't deny it – fall is right around the corner. And while Bryant Park is certainly a reliable compass to guide your wardrobe by, you'd be doing yourself a great disservice by ignoring the official kick-off of fall fashion: The Lexus Fashion Preview.

Now in its second year, Lexus partnered with Vogue to bring finalists from the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund to the runway in a final showing of fashionable talent before choosing this year's beneficiary. The runway show took place in Pebble Beach during the annual Concourse de Elegance event, showcasing the best of the best in car manufacturing. The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund – which launched in 2004 – aims to provide funding for the nation's up and coming designers, choosing from hundreds of applicants and narrowing the field down to 10. Not only do the winners have the opportunity to put $200,000 into their business, but they also get the opportunity to be mentored by the top executives and designers in fashion, not to mention a layout in the November issue of Vogue.

This year's competition was definitely fierce – and yes, the pun is intended in more ways than one. Hometown hero Phillip Lim kicked things off with a fabulous collection of clean, crisp designs with a touch of 30s style to them.



He was followed by an amazing array of style. My favorites included Threesafour, who worked jewel tones like magic with gorgeous dresses that were sexy without being overstated. Embellishments in ribbon and one-shouldered statements might sound overdone on paper, but in person, they were absolutely stunning.



Another winner actually had nothing to do with clothes – not directly, anyway. Jewelry designer Philip Crangi sent his delicious designs down the runway on models in simple black dresses, ensuring his necklaces, bracelets and other accoutrements were the center of attention. The best piece? A beautiful gold necklace that acted as the focal point of a backless dress.



Vena Cava also had incredible style – watch out for them. Other designer collections shown include Fetherston Design Group, Rogan, Band of Outsiders, Koi, VPL and Michael Bastian.

And naturally you can't have all those fashionable clothes without a car to go with them, so Lexus closed the show by introducing its LF-A concept car, an exotic sports concept that boasts 500 horses and a v10 engine. If only it were available now...

Either way, the Lexus Vogue Fashion Preview wasn't just a stunning show of fresh and innovative talent, it was just enough to whet viewers' seasonal whistle. The summer sun is setting soon, the crisp autumn air is making its return. Ladies, start your engines.