Daring Designs

This week, daahlings, my head was spinning. For not only did I buy a jaw-dropping formal gown made by the one and only John Galliano (there go those heart palpitations again), but I was treated to a little look into the closet of one of the most fashionable women in Baltimore – Claire Miller. I have long admired Claire’s style, full as it is of classic vintage, always close to my heart, as well as designer duds. Last year, at a fashion show at About Faces in Canton headlined by couturière extraordinaire Ella Pritsker, I saw Claire walk the runway in a coat so beautiful I about got the vapors. It was pink. It was cashmere (by Loro Piana). It was an exact replica of a vivid red coat done by Raf Simons in 2012 for his first show as head designer at Dior. Actress Leelee Sobieski was widely photographed wearing it. Well, being the consummate professional that she is, Ella Pritsker examined every square inch of the photographs and duplicated the coat in pink for Claire. And wow, is it a knockout. See for yourself – here’s Claire pairing it with a simple gold belt.

Those of you who own jewelry by Rebecca Myers know how lucky you are. The Baltimore designer is celebrated for her distinctive, nature-inspired creations made of gold, silver, platinum, and precious gems. After years of selling online, Rebecca has finally opened her own shop, in the Village of Cross Keys, and her grand opening was a predictably classy affair. Among the many Baltimoreans dressed to the nines, I spotted Andrew Parlock in a custom-made Tom James burgundy velvet jacket.

The outside was impressive enough, but inside was tucked away a little subversive surprise…

…a black lining with little white skulls and crossbones designed by Steve Adelsberg.

A wall covered in colorful jacks by Michigan artist Kaiser Suidan…

…was the perfect backdrop for fashion photos.

Also in attendance were Dahlia Woody and her partner Q Ragsdale. Dahlia said she couldn’t remember where she got her vivid green-and-blue ensemble. But there was no mistaking who made Q’s classic red low-top Chuck Taylors – Converse. Q’s sculptural wool felt coat is from Zara.

Steve Madden was something of the man of the hour, as several women were wearing his shoes. Maureen Lester-Burnett said she got her wine-colored patent-leather cross-straps from StitchFix, the on-line service that chooses clothing designs based on your preferences and delivers them to you.

Also wearing Steve Madden shoes was Katie Caljean – tan suede booties with three bright red zippers.

And a parting shot with Katie and me. Remember that Christopher Kane skirt I posted a few weeks ago? Well, here’s another one. The former is more elegant, this one more fun. Those multi-colors go with everything! My green top is from Boston Proper. Katie’s fit-and-flare dress is from White House/Black Market. (Oh, and about that aforementioned newly-acquired Galliano? Stay tuned.)