Unless you've been living under a very unstylish rock for the past few weeks, you already know that flashy, fabulous pieces from Iris Apfel's closet are currently on view at the Peabody Essex Museum. The New York glamazon and shopaholic also stopped by the Northshore Mall to style Nordstrom's windows.

Here's the finished product:

Check out a video of the window styling process on Nordstrom's website and learn more about the pieces Apfel chose for the display. Now, if only we could find a pair of her trademark saucer eyeglasses...

or...

While we're mostly snoozing through this season of "Project Runway," here's a little something to think about: Does the reality show downplay its gay romances while playing up the hetero love? That's what Alison Kilkenny is thinking on her blog. What do you think 'Philers? And what do think of the current season?

Just in case you missed local designer Daniela Corte's fun Boston Fashion Week show at the beginning of the month, here's a little Thursday afternoon fashion eye candy.

If you missed Sam Mendoza's goth-influenced show at the Liberty Hotel on Tuesday night, I have a treat for you. Here's some quick video of the fashion. As you can see he was favoring silks in lime/chartruese, purple, and grey. These fabrics flowed beautifully, but I have to confess that I wouldn't mind seeing some finer finishes on his pieces, such as hems. But I'm still a fan of his vision and his work.

You wouldn't know it from this blog, but Boston Fashion Week is in full swing, and I've seen some fabulous -- and not so fabulous -- shows since it kicked off on Friday night. One of my favorites was the Launch, a show spotlighting five of Boston's strongest up-and-coming designers. In case you missed my story on the designers, (for shame!), you can read it here.

You can see their designs in the window of Macy's in Downtown Crossing. You can also watch this video of the show that took place on Sunday.

You can trick us into thinking it's the same old "Project Runway" with the same set, the same music, and the same Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum. But where in world are you hiding Nina Garcia and Michael Kors?

This week's judging panel was far too subdued without Kors's endless quips and Garcia's disapproving nods (Don't bore Nina!). If moving the show to L.A. means less of Kors and Garcia, I'm ready to stage a revolt. I won't stop watching, but I'll grumble loudly every time I see these two missing from the panel. Yes, it's fun to see how many male designers the show's producers can dig up to fill Kors's seat, but none have effectively matched his catty wit.

From a less selfish point of view, I'm wondering if the endless parade of judges might be throwing off the results of the show. Shouldn't the same people be judging every week for continuity?

Taking her inspiration from Madame Butterfly, Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman turned tulle and beads into pure art. A laser cut satin strapless gown -- a fashionable tribute to the work of Tord Boontje -- combined classic elegance and technology. A lilac ombre tulle dress with organza flower detail turned one model into a delicate, living flower. These were museum-quality cocktail-hour offerings which will no doubt wind up on full red carpet display.

Seriously, I think the woman was stalking me.

First, in line for the Marchesa presentation (pics in the next post, I promise), Wintour stopped, stood beside me, and pretended to talk with a friend. Clearly she just wanted to stand near a Boston Globe writer. Then, I'm taking pictures at Peter Som's presentation, and Anna and her body guard come barreling into me with a "Pardon me." Anna, there's no need to be afraid. I don't bite Vogue editors.

Here's the back of her bob as she scurried away

Ok, now on to Peter Som's spring/summer collection. It was a completely delightful homage to 1940s and 1950s British beach culture. Lots of wonderful colors and patterns, cute tea dresses and day dresses, and some very cool sunglasses. However, Som pulled it off in a very smart, modern manner.

I just got out from the Michael Kors (wonderful) and Nanette Lepore shows at the Bryant Park Tents here at New York Fashion Week. The protests outside are almost as much fun as the action inside. I took this pic a few minutes ago outside the tents. Feed the models? What about us poor journalists who have been going non-stop? We're the ones who are starved.

The Michelle Obama-approved designer played with geometric cut-outs in his kimono dresses and offered a series of crepe print dresses that women in the audience liberally ogled. Although his armor dresses felt oddly out of step with both the spring season and the rest of the collection, he redeemed himself with intricately created chain dresses and jackets, including a show-stopping dress with tidal patterns created from chains.

Marc Jacobs's show is one of the most anticipated each season, and for good reason. While some designers prefer consistency and continuity, Jacobs radically reinvents his runway offerings each season. His show Monday night was an ultra-feminine kabuki theater spectacular, much softer and more mature than his last 1980s-inspired collection. There were ruffles lurking nearly everywhere -- from the suit jackets to the metallic dresses. Handkerchief dresses were dripping with pearls. Despite the eccentricities, the designer also showed clothes that most any woman could easily wear, including a metallic trench coat that somehow looked perfectly at home in Jacobs's fantasy Japanese cabaret.

I'm actually suprised more models haven't gotten into the fashion designer game (Heidi Klum, I smell a monopoly). Here are former model Erin Wasson's designs from her show over the weekend. Very promising stuff.

We weren't wild about Ronson's current collection -- it lacked the cute, easy feel of her fall line. But here are a couple of snaps so you can make up your own, stylish mind, my pets.

Or, as it's sometimes called, a shameless opportunity for starlets to get some free face time in the front row as the paparazzi strolls by. (Now you're going to have that Lady GaGa song stuck in your head the rest of the day, aren't you? Sorry.)

Well, in an effort to beautify your Monday, how about some semi-professional pics, aka candid snapshots, from a few shows. First up is Jason Wu, Michelle Obama's gown maker of choice, whose collection for Spring/Summer 2010 earned him high praise.

When I saw that Michael Kors was AWOL yet again on last night's "Project Runway," I threw down my Diet Pepsitini and looked carefully at the TV screen to see if he was hiding somewhere. But there was no sign of him. Really, what good is "Runway" without Kors? It's like the Captain without Tenille or David Beckham without Armani underwear.

I'm happy that "Runway" is back, but methinks that "Lifetime" is trying to get rid of the show's male judges (aside from last night's appearence from a very Bruno-esque Marc Bouwer). If I see Meredith Baxter or Valerie Bertinelli on the judging panel next week, I'll know this move to Lifetime was a mistake.

The Fashionably Late series of runway shows at the Liberty Hotel gets extra fancy on Sept. 17 with a mash-up of high art, fashion, and pop music. Best of all, you can enjoy it all for free. Dancers from the Boston Ballet will model clothes from Karma Loop while dancing on the catwalk, DJ Clinton Sparks will spin, and our favorite Harvard graduates/pop stars Chester French will play the after party.

Doors are at 8, and the fashion show takes place from 10 - 11 p.m. It's free, and you can RSVP to fashion@libertyhotel.com. For more information on the night, click here.

The monsoon will soon stop, and the ray of sunshine known as Betsey Johnson will be showing her collection on Sunday in Quincy at the Marina Bay Beach Club.

In its effort to milk every hard fought penny it has spent on "Project Runway," Lifetime is hosting a Project Runway "All-Star Competition" before the new season finally debuts on Aug. 20. The returning contestants include:

Daniel Vosovic, Season 2
Santino Rice, Season 2
Jeffrey Sebelia, Season 3
Uli Herzner, Season 3
Mychael Knight, Season 3
Chris March, Season 4
Sweet P, Season 4
Korto Momolu, Season 5

Where is Kenley Collins? I want to see what she can make out of venom and cat pelts. The show airs on Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. Season six of "Project Runway" airs at 10. The dull PR spinoff, "Models of the Runway" shows immediately after.

Local designer Sam Mendoza is hosting a fashion show/fundraiser tonight at Underbar, and despite the name, it's open to everyone. There's even a super drag show with queens in Mendoza gowns.

Details are as follows:
Hosted by Sam Mendoza benefiting Fenway Health

Featuring DJ D'hana

$10 at the door, Doors open at 9, fashion show starts at 11 p.m., 21+

Dior is making it easy to recreate a couture look at home. Just get half-dressed. John Galliano's designs, which walked this week at Paris's couture shows, are a mix of classic Dior style and Lady Gaga-influenced panty-as-pant fashion. I guess mom was right after all -- make sure you're always wearing clean underwear, kids.

Boston has gone fashion show crazy. Seriously, I can't keep up any more and instead have retreated to my den to watch DVDs of "The Partridge Family." Now that's fashion.

But there's one show in particular that I'm getting excited about: La Primavera: Fiesta & Fashion Show at District on June 19. It's a benefit for the non-profit Room to Grow. There will be fashion from Stil, Stel's, Crossing Main, Portobello Road and Matsu, with accessories from Patch NYC, hair by G20, and music by Rich LaDue. The inspiration behind the show is the flower-tastic work of Frida Kahlo. Hopefully the models will be a tad less hirsute than Frida.

Here are the details: General Admission $60
VIP Seating $100
VIP Tables for Six $500

rsvp to Laura@roomtogrow.org. To read more about the inspiration for this event, please visit www.misstropolis.com

Aside from our once yearly fashion week, Boston isn't exactly a hub of fashion shows. Get it? Boston? Hub? Ah, forget it.

But we get a fashion boost in the spring when local colleges put on their shows. This Saturday night, Lasell College hosts its annual student fashion show at 6:30. It takes place in the school's gymnasium on its Newton campus.

Everybody loves falling models. A not-so-fashionable friend once showed me a clip on You Tube of a model taking a spill on the runway that left him howling. I'm actually surprised that a 24-hour basic cable channel of all falling models has yet to spring up. And don't even think of stealing that idea from me.

This falling model comes courtesy of the Prada show in Milan. Yes, the shoes are cool, but this model needs a bit of training to walk in them properly.

One of my favorite Fashion Week buddies, the lovely Harper's Bazaar fashion editor Mary Alice Stephenson (above), is in Boston tomorrow to chat about fall trends at Saks Fifth Avenue. In addition to her sage advice, Saks is putting on a fashion show to demonstrate how to put it all together. It's free and open to you, the fashionable public.

The show runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Saks in the Prudential Center.

I know, I'm a bad blogger. I left you all hanging with a tease of Christian Siriano's show last week, and then never gave you the report.

Well, kittens, here it is.

His designs were very similar to what he showed for his winning "Project Runway" collection. Why mess with a good thing? His primary colors were gray, orange, and yellow. It was all very urban, and very feminine.

I spoke with both Tim Gunn and Nina Garcia after the show, and both were over-the-top with praise for the collection. Tim was using the phrase "next great American designer." What do you think, 'Philers?

The buzz at Bryant Park has started to turn from Marc Jacobs to "Project Runway." Tonight, PR winner Christian Siriano is showing his first post-"Runway" Collection. I predict 1980's influences and ruffles, just a hunch. Tomorrow morning, "Runway" tapes its finale at Bryant Park. I'm attending both, and I'll post updates as soon as I have them.

Seu Jorge, the Brazilian singer best know for his melancholy bossa nova crooning and his work in the Wes Anderson film "The Life Aquatic" serenaded models on the runway yesterday at the Carlos Miele show at Bryant Park. The music was beautiful and sexy, and the clothes were lovely. But Miele's been down this path many times before. These dresses are fantastic if you live in Brazil, or Miami, but there are about two evenings each year that these looks would be appropriate in Boston. If you were a fan of season three "Project Runway" contestant Uli, Miele is your man. But I'm ready to see some versatility.

Mercedes Benz Fashion week is such a crazy blur of clothes and parties that Saturday already seems like it happened last year, which is why I had totally forgotten about one of my favorite Fashion Week looks. On Saturday, Lacoste designer Christophe Lemaire showed sportswear, and I was immediately smitten with these 1960's-influenced looks. Who knew golf duds could look so good on the runway?

I've been a little disturbed to look up from my notebook a few times this week at Bryant Park only to see a model sauntering down the runway in a pair of hareem pants -- those trousers that are baggy through the leg, then gathered below the knee or at the ankle. Max Azria, you should know better. This look flatters no one, with the exception of MC Hammer.

There are moments during New York Fashion Week when I want to gouge my eyes out of their sockets with a spork because they hurt from having spent 10 hours looking at hundreds of organza dresses, embroidered skirts, and hand painted jackets. And then there are the moments when my heart starts racing because I've spied something absolutely stunning. That's how I felt at Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs earlier this week, and that's exactly the feeling I had yesterday when I saw Marchesa's collection of dream-like frocks.

The show was exquisitely simple, because when you have dresses like this, you don't need a big light show and an A-list DJ.

By now, you've all read my story in today's Style & Arts section (if you haven't, shame on you) about how designers are creating spring '09 looks that are filled with flirty, romantic escapism. Last night, after I filed my story, two more designers joined this group: Anna Sui and Phillip Lim. Both designers made their escape to Spain, taking inspiration from bull fighters and native folk art styles. Ole, indeed.

Yesterday's Halston show at the Museum of Modern Art featured models lounging about on gray sofas in a look that was borrowed from directly from Halston's fab apartment. The dresses were also a return to Halston glamour. Bold solids, and a particularly lovely shade of orange recalled the goddesses 1970s glam. Cher could have easily opened her TV show in one of these numbers while singing "Dark Lady." Goodness, that lovely vision just brought a tear to my eye. Excuse me while I find the mp3 for "Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves."

Jessica Alba breezed directly in front of me last night at Narciso Rodriguez's show. Then she and Claire Danes sat a few rows in front of me, and I was quickly blinded by the pop of flashes from the photographer feeding frenzy.

Even with those distractions -- and what lovely distractions they were -- Rodriguez's Asian- inspired collection still left me seeing stars. Ninja stars, mostly, which were incorporated into the pattern on a few of his dresses. A few other designers might want to take note of how to incorporate subtle Asian influence into their designs without making dresses that look like they were worn by a waitress at Ruby Foos in 1962.

The celebrity power was warrented. The collection of black and white with bursts of color was stunning.

Sure, Andy Roddick may have been front row at Lacoste on Saturday morning, but Thom Browne went one step further and incorporated the sport into his show last night. On a runway of fresh grass -- production values are very important at his shows -- models wore the closest thing to sportswear that Browne has produced. It was not as crazy as last season's freak show-inspired runway, meaning it is quite wearable. Well, kind of.

There was a new-found buzz around designer Thakoon Panichgul's spring line when he showed yesterday, not because editors are clamoring to pair bra tops with their skirts this season, but because Michelle Obama donned one of Panichugl's frocks to wear at the Democratic Convention last month.

His spring/summer line featured a few cocktail dresses that would look lovely on Mrs. Obama, and a few midriff bearing numbers that would cause the biggest White House scandal since Nancy Reagan got cozy with a psychic. But for women looking to play both naughty and nice, his collection was inspiring.

I went to the Charlotte Ronson show on Saturday, which was mobbed not just because of her cute designs. Her twin sister is Samantha, gal-pal of Lindsay Lohan, and both were in the audience. Ronson's brother is DJ and Amy Winehouse producer Mark Ronson, and he DJ'd the show. Insert swooning here, please.

But let's get past the celebs for a minute (I know, kids, it's what you're here for) and talk about the clothes. I'm generally all over the arty, over-the-top pieces. But Ronson's designs were perfect for young Hollywood. Fun, wearable, flirty and just the right amount of sexy. Lindsay may have been in attendance for SamRo, but these are the kinds of designs that suit her — and lots of other young women — perfectly.

Fashion Week hit the midway point this morning — much to the delight of stressed assistants who are tottering around on impossible spikes. I celebrated with Matthew Williamson's show in the tents. Lots of pink and black, quelle surprise! And, for the record, Kelly Osborne, who was sitting front and center, looked adorable.

More on Kelly and Matthew later. I need to back up to yesterday's amazing Proenza Schouler show. It was "Dynasty" remixed. Lots of big, shoulders and stark silhouettes. It also featuring something else I'm seeing a lot of for s/s '09: White.

Proenza Schouler's artist statements aren't generally the kind of cute little dresses you see on Newbury Street. These are bold and bigger-than-life ensembles that were paired with the duo's new accessories line. The shoes were just as fantastic as the dresses. Kanye West, who was sitting in the audience, was no doubt thinking of how to incorporate these looks into his next video.

Sunday's Y-3 show was mostly unremarkable, with the exception of one small sartorial detail — a few of the male models went smirking down the runway in skirts, and even a dress. For those who are not familiar with the brand, Y-3 is a fashionably athletic partnership between Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto. The show left me with burning questions: Will we be seeing men shooting hoops in cute, above-the-knee skirts? Will dads be golfing in spring 2009 while wearing full-length dresses? I've got my fingers crossed.

Last night's Marc Jacobs spring 2009 show was the usual parade of big celebs (Hello there, Martha Stewart), fashion wannabes, and drag queens. Not so usual were the clothes that Jacobs sent down the runway. After a few seasons of 1980s inspired, modern shapes, Jacobs went back to the turn of the last century for this collection:

As the models came down the mirrored runway to George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," some of the impressions of the clothes that I jotted down were: "Mary Poppins goes grunge," "Anne of Green Gables goes ghetto," and "Eliza Doolittle in Paris." Jacobs joyfully played with tweeds, leathers, and beading. There were huge gauchos, tarted-up aprons, and cute little jackets. To borrow a line from Ms. Poppins, it was Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

... and what better way to start than to say hello to Justin Timberlake and his clothing line William Rast:

Can we really call it his clothing line, though? Timberlake is more a partner in the William Rast line than fashion designer — that task is left to the creative team of Johan and Marcella Lindeberg — but like his New York restaurant Southern Hospitality, it's his affiliation that brings in celebrity buddies. At the Roseland Ballroom party on Saturday night, Jeremy Piven, Andy Samberg, and, an unlikely Anthony Edwards all appeared to witness Timberlake's vision, which was best characterized as somewhere between Southern culture on the skids and NASCAR chic.

Models emerged from the façade of a rustic cabin that looked as if it might have been cast off from Timberlake's film "Black Snake Moan." Thankfully, no models appeared to be chained to radiators. The idea of Southern, trailer park culture, was everywhere — from the scattered dead leaves on the floor of the ballroom to the waitresses circling the room with bologna and pineapple skewers.

The clothes closely followed suit. Models, styled like they were ready to brawl, walked the runway in denim cutoffs and studded denim vests. The only thing missing was a well-placed mullet. The Lindbergs leaned heavily on stereotypes of the American South, attempting to mix a "Joe Dirt" aesthetic with high fashion. Unfortunately it was the stereotyping that appeared to win the fight. Between the fringe and the distressed denim, an occasional well-tailored jacket emerged, but for a man who once pledged to bring sexy back, there was not much appeal to this debut.

Boston Globe photo intern Jessica Sharp snapped some fabulous photos backstage at the Betsey Johnson Spring '08 show last night at Estate. The New York designer is know for her quirky, poofy, candy-colored dresses which work equally well on rockers, Rainbow Brite, or privileged prom goers — and last night's packed show didn't disappoint.

Did you go? What did you think of the line? Sound off in our comments section. Please and thank you.

Oh, and see the photos here.

Rebel 8 from LAB.

Great Scott is hosting a fashion show (!) on Thursday, March 20 with stores such as Stingray, Lab, and Horror showing off spring fashions. Bad Ash, Pulp45, Monolith, and Superpower! provide the music. The $10 tickets benefit the Allston Village Main Streets Program.

Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston, 18+, $10, Doors open at 8pm.

If you're looking for something to do next week:

Here's more information on la event.

[marc jacobs]

I'm finally back from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and the question that everyone is asking is: "What was your favorite show?" for the spring/summer '08 season.

I have a few answers to that. In some cases I really admired the artistry. Marc Jacobs approached his collection as a concept rather than pulling together a bunch of pretty frocks. Yes, he started two hours late and people were getting restless, but every part of his show had meaning and symbolism, and I'm happy to wait a little longer for quality. It gave a (twisted) look into his imagination, and I'm always eagaer to see a designer express himself rather than think about everyday clothing.

[marc jacobs]

[marc jabocs]

In the category of pretty things, I was impressed by Calvin Klein. The soothing neutrals were so simple and flawlessly executed that I was thinking about a cool spring evening in London as the clothes came down the runway.

[calvin klein]

Badgley Mischka's collection showed continued promise. These two designers impress me more each season, and their gowns moved and flowed so perfectly that it was hard not to get caught up in their vision of elegance.


[Badgley Mischka]

Based on the beautiful designs I saw last night at the Michael DePaulo Couture show, I can only applaud Jay Calderin. He's the founder of Boston Fashion Week.

In 1995, he set out to showcase local talent. But a lot of the talent, frankly, wasn't ready for primetime. Two years ago, Jay stopped producing the event. Now it's back and better than ever.

Michael's show last night at the Taj Boston was impressive. The designs were truly ready for the black-tie circuit.

I apologize I have no images to show. But check out michaeldepaulo.com to see his capabilities.

Bravo!

I've seen a lot of celebrities this week in NYC. Some not so big (hello there, Star Jones) and some really huge (Samuel L. Jackson sat across from me at the Y-3 show on Saturday). But today, I practically peed my pants with excitement, and it's not because I was seated in the same row as Tori Spelling. I saw Posh at Oscar de la Renta. She is the most perfectly overdone creature I've ever laid eyes on.

But where is David?

It was bound to happen sooner or later. I experienced my first Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week diva meltdown yesterday. I walked about 1000 blocks to the Zegna fashion show (it was on the other side of town from the Bryant Park tents) in the soupy, muggy air. It felt like dressing up, and then going for a five-mile walk in a sauna.

I finally made it to the show and gave my name at the door.

"It looks like you didn't RSVP," the woman in black told me.

I explained to her that I did RSVP.

"I'm sorry, we don't have a seat for you," she said in a tone that really didn't sound like she was sorry.

"I'm sorry that your show is a disorganized mess," I snapped back. I stormed out, grabbing a glass of complimentary champagne on the way, and then cooled my heels down the street at Pinkberry.

So, um, no report on the Zegna show.

I wrote a story for Saturday's Living/Arts section about the return of the maxi-dress on the New York runways this week. Yesterday at the Lacoste show in Bryant Park, I noticed the return of another 1970s staple: The head scarf. Finally, if you're having a bad hair day, you can make like Rhoda Morgenstern or Little Eydie of Gray Gardens fame and tie a fashionable scarf over your troubled locks.

All dated pop culture references aside, the Lacoste show was a nice, crisp way to start a long, hot Saturday of running around Manhattan looking at fashion. Christophe Lemaire celebrated Lacoste's 75th anniversary with a selection of classic and comfortable tennis and beach wear.

I haven't been reporting on fashion long enough to have attended too many shows that I absolutely hate. But tonight I did. I'm still in NYC at Fashion Week, and I just attended the Sabyaschi show for spring/summer '08. One word, 'Philers: Yuck.

The theme of it all was revolution. The colors were dreadful: lots of military olive, maroon, and burlap (is that a color?). The fits were even worse. Here's what I wrote as I was watching the models walk buy: "Is that Edith Bunker's bathrobe?" "A thousand villages of bad fashion" "It's a burlap sack over a hefty bag."

Bottom line: If I'm seated in the front row, as I was tonight, the show can't be all that good. I'm usually third row material, tops.

Last night I nearly got trampled at Bryant Park, and I blame Gwen Stefani. I'm at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week all this week reporting on the spring/summer 2008 shows, and Stefani's L.A.M.B. show last night was a mob scene.

Part of the reason why it was so insane was star power. Not only was Stefani there (she came out after the entire collection showed) but also her husband and son were sitting in the front row. Also in the front row was Eve, Boris Becker (!), Carrie Underwood (!!), and Shirley Manson from Garbage (no exclamation points needed). Sean Combs was there too.

So after all the hype, how were the clothes? For fans of ska music (present company included), they were captivating. Black and white prints, herringbone patterns, and symbols of the 1960's Mod movement were everywhere.