Daily Front Row

2010 March 19

30 Seasons of Klein

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Albert Kriemler, Stefano Tonchi
Patrick McMullan View Gallery

(NEW YORK) “We are celebrating two birthdays! It is 15 years of a collaboration with the fabulous Steven Klein, but it is also 20 years at Bergdorf Goodman,” a joyful Albert Kriemler noted last night. Guests made their way to Bergdorf’s fourth floor for a celebratory installation of Akris’ 15-year collaboration with Klein, and friends including Stefano Tonchi and Daphne Guinness perused the photographs, congratulating a humble Kriemler.

Revelers sipped on champagne and indulged in mini croque monsieurs and the Misshapes took to the DJ booth, filling the room with poppy tunes. Kriemler motioned towards the photograph exhibit and smiled, “From the very first moment I knew working with Steven would be wonderful. I really do think throughout all these years he has given so much handwriting to our own brand with this advertising. He understood my collection from the very beginning.” Linda Fargo, clad in fur, noted that while it may be springtime, “it is still chilly at night! Chilly enough for fur, at least.” Fargo continued, “You can really find your own, individual and unique way to wear Akris. It’s that old expression: you wear the clothes, the clothes don’t wear you. Simply put, this is the real deal!”

While Klein was unable to make the event, close friend Guinness stepped out in full support. Guinness will meet with Kriemler again tomorrow for a fitting for an upcoming campaign. She explained, “This collaboration is wonderful because it’s like a family. It’s really very personal. I also love the simplicity. It wouldn’t be a usual fit for me, because normally I jazz things up. But it’s so perfect, brilliant, and there’s such a great attention to detail. It makes so much sense for someone who is very much dressed in basics.” She motioned towards her bejeweled collar and laughed, “I know it doesn’t look like I am, but I am! Which is why Akris is so great. You can really make it your own. I got dressed in like five minutes. I put on this dress and then threw on whatever I could find around me.”
EMILY POPP