Sitting in Style

(NEW YORK) "I would feel like Lily Tomlin sitting in these chairs," laughed Stan Herman, the former president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). "It's a big chair and I'm a small guy." Designers including Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Monique Lhuillier, Ralph Lauren, Zac Posen, Anna Sui and Diane von Furstenberg created custom chaises for the charity event hosted by the CFDA and Elle Décor at Bloomingdale's. Michael Gould, the store's chairman and CEO, joined a slew of guests including furniture designers Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams on the 5th floor of the 59th Street flagship for white wine and passed hors d'oeuvres.

"I always wear black, and it was dismal out this morning, so this dress was the perfect antidote," said Elle Décor editor-in-chief Margaret Russell in a fuschia DKNY cocktail frock. "And on't ask me about my favorite chair, because there are three of them that I really love." Luckily, Herman and and CFDA executive director, Steven Kolb were prone to picking favorites. "I like Anna's, I like Tory's," said Herman. "I think the most livable is Ralph. But he's always Mr. Livable."

Kolb remarked that the collaboration is a great opportunity to see the "linear connection between fashion and home." Each chair was displayed alongside an outfit from the designer's collection that inspired the fabric choice. "My favorite, even though I shouldn't have one and I do love them all, is the Tory Burch," said a diplomatic Kolb.

Sui said she was inspired by her own fabrics as well as the work of Alexander Girard, an interior and textile designer. The designer had a positive message for the sour times. "The point is if you're going to do a show, it's got to be a show. It can't be something boring," said Sui. "It's kind of like a tight rope; you're just walking, walking your thin line." Will we see a circus this season at Sui? Only the Tents will tell.
ADAM P. SCHNEIDER