New Daily Fash-Obsession:

(NEW YORK) For her third resort collection, themed "Butterfly Kiss," Sydney-native Kit Willow seized the opportunity to present her designs on the promenade of Amy Sacco's Chelsea eatery, Bette. In front of a crowd of editors, Sacco herself, and even actress Michelle Williams (who remained tucked in a corner most of the night), Willow-five months pregnant with her first baby-explained her clothes in between bites of miniature mushroom-and-risotto cakes.

"I went full selvage to selvage with the fabric," Willow said of a floorlength cotton dress that featured skillful fabric draping (think origami folding) and precise pintucking. The handful of pieces she had on display-there are 50 looks in total-were transitional pieces from day to night. Willow prides herself on using natural fabrics in her eveningwear, "so that one can wear heels or flats with it," she said. The results were impressive.

Willow's use of materials-cotton linen, tulle, moiré, and a synthetic corset fabric-were done with forethought and finesse. No fussy prints here. Corset fabric, whether inserted in slivers down the front of a gold moiré cocktail dress, in the bust cup of a top, or used as halter straps, was elegant. All this from someone who admitted her inspiration was not a Nicole Kidman or Coco Chanel, but rather, her mannequins. "I just started on the stand," she said rather matter of factly. "I love the combination of fabrics rather than the use of prints."

Linen-covered metal balls were thoughtful touches on a delicate cotton tulle cardigan, as were the trendy pockets on dresses. Willow pointed out that seams were turned on the outside purposefully and that no unnecessary adornment was allowed. Paired with the cardigan was a cotton linen cocktail dress with tulip bottom-a knockout. Sacco certainly thought so.

"For once I can fit into something feminine that also suits me," the larger-than-life personality said. "It fits both kinds of girls-those that are ample, like me, and those that are not."
JIM SHI