My last and final show of the day was Kevan Hall, whose show proved to be the most coveted event of the day held in the main tent, it was louder, busier, and longer than the other shows I'd attended, as was the catwalk, with an extremely vocal audience and anticipatory vibe that was a great way to end my day. Hall's pieces embodied evening elegance and upscale chic, pairing his flowing, floor-length creations with oversized snakeskin handbags and accenting them with belted waists, pleats, and a classy, confident creativity that was evident in his designs.  The line contained an impressive mix of jewel tones, deep, rich browns, and better-than-basic black. This collection was undoubtedly the most formal of the night, and the 'oohs' and 'ahhs' that rippled through the audience were audible as Hall successfully lent a rejuvenated sophistication to the 'dressy' dress.

The Detroit-born designer has been perfecting his craft from an early age; after studying fashion design at Cass Technical High School, Hall went on to win 1st place as the 'Designer of Tomorrow,' a scholarship sponsored by his alma mater, the LA-based Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.  Following graduation, he received the Peacock Award for Outstanding Fashion Design, and in 1982, with the help of his partner (his wife!), he launched Kevan Hall Couture.

His relaxed, 'modern' couture collection was a high-fashion hit with both retailers and clients alike, featured in some of the finest department stores such as Saks 5th Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus. By 1989, when he designed a label of less-expensive sportswear, he was established as one of America's most talented designers. Haute couture history was officially in progress.

His signature Kevan Hall Collection comes with a fashion philosophy that emphasizes purity of style, impeccable tailoring, and sensually draped, streamlined silhouettes. After redefining the esteemed house of Halston (he was Design and Creative Director from 1998-2000), Hall began dressing some of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Celine Dion, Charlize Theron, Mariah Carey, Salma Hayek and Minnie Driver. Carmen Electra recently took a well-publicized spill while walking the runway for a charity fashion show, clad in a bright blue Kevan Hall dress; remember - if you have to fall, do like Carmen and fall like a true fashionista!

Overall, my first glimpses of the fashion world were wide-eyed and well worth it; the fast-paced frenzy of such a glamorous industry made for a certain breed of fancy, feel-good fun that left me clamoring to increase my wardrobe...(and vowing to increase my paycheck!)

(photos courtesy of Philip Cuenco)

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