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Stormy Y-3 delivers a punch of color

Not in the mood for flirty earth tones this spring? Then cast your eye on the Adidas Y-3 line, which showed almost exclusively primary colors cut into utilitarian shapes. Not one for the ordinary, designer Yohji Yamamoto went underground to the historic High Line railway in Chelsea for his spring 2008 show. Models sporting red bandeau tops, leprechaun-green floodwater pants, apple green windbreakers and brilliant blue sneakers strut down the asphalt runway. The show kicked off with thunderous lightning effects, as models slouched down a water-soaked path to smoky blues songs. "Hopefully everyone leaves with their teeth," said LL Cool J. The rapper-cum-actor-cum designer wore a t-shirt from his own collection (Todd Smith) and said he planned to jet to L.A. tomorrow to work on his cop show in development for CBS. Spotted down the row from LL were Samuel L. Jackson and hotelier Andre Balazs. Prior to the show (and just over from Catherine Malandrino), Veronica Webb and Mena Suvari cooled off from a steamy NYC day in a VIP trailer. â€œI donâ€™t think that casual and chic is an oxymoron,â€ said a Norma Kamali-clad Webb, â€œso I love Y-3 because they mix it up in so many different ways.â€ -Andrea MandellChattier than earlier in the day, Suvari proudly showed off her Sigerson Morrison heels and talked about her own line of scarves which debuted yesterday at Bloomingdales. Each of the three tree designs is based on photographs she took around the world. "I really wanted to do something that gave back to the environment,â€ Suvari said of her scarves, which run $175-$195. Fifty percent of all proceeds to the National Resource Defense Council. The actress was dressed casually in Rich and Skinny jeans and a tissue thin Theory tank top which showed a lacy black bra peeking out. "You gotta have La Perla," she said, smiling. Back on the runway, several looks caught the eye: Yamamotoâ€™s deconstructed unisex black trench coat with tux-style lapels made the idea of a rainy day especially appealing. Form-fitting silver metallic sneakers and menâ€™s relaxed boldly pinstriped day suits stood out, as did wide-legged denim drawstring pants and a cherry red strapless cotton mini from the womenâ€™s collection.

Lauren celebrates in style

Ralph Lauren pulled out all the stops Saturday night with a fashion show and gala dinner fit for a king...of fashion. If the A-list crowd's response to the runway show was any indication, Lauren, celebrating his 40th anniversary as a designer, presented one of his best yet. "I loved it!" a chipper Martha Stewart exclaimed after the show. The domestic diva energetically snapped photos on her digital camera from the front row throughout the show. The highlight for Stewart: Lauren's Derby hats. "I also loved the floral prints, especially the orange dress," Stewart said. "And the riding pants, of course. Though I dare not wear those while riding my horses!" Following the tented runway show, the catwalk's backdrop, a mural of socialites hob-nobbing at a horse race, opened up Price Is Right-style to reveal the breathtaking dining area at The Conservatory Garden. Guests such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Diane Sawyer, John Mellancamp and Barbara Walters noshed on goat cheese souffles, leg of lamb and gourmet strawberry shortcake in the elevated dining area, neatly accented by massive chandeliers and oversized white foral arrangements. Man of honor Lauren had this to say to the elite crowd pre-dessert: "If I had to dream of a perfect night, this would be it. I'm so proud to be here. I can't believe I'm living this life." -- Alison Maxwell The look: The first part of the special presentation was decidedly Kentucky Derby with a domintrix edge. Models sauntered down the runway in black and white riding-inspired getups with touches of patent leather. Ensembles were paired with fishnet stockings and rhinestone encrusted riding sticks. The Pierces' Boring (Lyrics: Sexy boy, girl on girl, manage trois. Boring. Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin. Boring.) Phase two of the show featured printed floral day dresses in brights with cascading ruffles and hems. For the third segment exaggerated polo prints in bright pinks, greens and yellows appeared bags, shirts and jodfurs. Lauren returned to traditional elegance during the final grouping with simple evening gowns in bold yellows and purples and soft whites. He punctuated the presentation with a gold chain link red carpet-ready gown. At the conclusion Frank Sinatra's The Best is Yet to Come poured over the soundsystem and the notorious future-looking Lauren greeted well-wishers.Also spotted: Robert DeNiro bypassing the press line, but answering a resounding "Yes!" when asked if he loves Ralph Lauren. John Mellancamp puffing a cigarette and directing questions to wife Elaine. Designers Donna Karan, Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera holding court on the front row. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Robert Kennedy Jr. posing for photos with the extended Lauren family.

Wake up with DKNY

At 10 a.m. on Sunday, fashionistas strapped on their stilettos, sunglasses and a smile and filled the space at Donna Karan's loft show in the West Village. All were rewarded for their trouble; mini-muffins and coffee were served immediately upon entry.A calm Donna Karan watched her orange/magenta/rock-hued show from the sidelines with family and friends. She was dressed in Converse sneakers, white pants and a black tank top."Elongated, clean and simple," Karan said of her collection, which featured a plethora of triple-wrapped graphic contrast obi-like belts. "It goes with the whole idea of wrapping up. The whole collection was about the moderness of New York City, and the modernness of the buildings." She showed easy shifts, rugby stripes, high-waisted denim, gathered bell sleeves, and high-necked swing dresses. Models wore hats by a New York favorite, Eugenia Kim. Fun fact: DK played Brit's new single, Gimme More, at her catwalk. --Andrea Mandell

Kors, of course

"Hold the show, we have Jessica Simpson arriving any minute." That's what we'd imagine was transmitting through the headsets of the frenzied Michael Kors PR folks Sunday afternoon. The lights in the tent were down, fashion editors had their notebooks and pens at attention, when poof! all of sudden Simpson (with entourage) was whisked into the venue to take her front-row seat.The momentary hold-up and mad flicker of last-minute photo flashes didn't but a damper on Kors' presentation, which had a carefree '70s vibe. The Scissor Sisters' I Don't Feel Like Dancing mixed interchangeably with Olivia Newton John's Xanadu as models strode the runway in vacation-friendly wear accented by everything gold -- from bags to jewelry to rimmed sunglasses. Flowy, ruffled sundresses in bright colors and floral prints mixed seamlessly with navy and white sweaters and blazers for men. Hats were big (as they've been at many shows including Ralph Lauren, DKNY and Proenza Schouler). Kors' models wore sun visors with translucent yellow bills and floppy, full-coverage hats. The affable designer, who walked the full stretch of the runway following the show (most designers only peak out for a fast wave), described the collection as "sleek sunkissed glamour."Also spotted: Melania Trump on the front row with a burly bodyguard who crouched at her side throughout the show. Stylist Rachel Zoe chatted with leggy tennis star Maria Sharapova. -- Alison MaxwellNicholas Roberts, AFP/Getty Images

It's good to be Som

If you have Andre Leon Talley's stamp of approval, you're doing something right. Sitting front row next to (a momentarily de-sunglassed!) Anna Wintour, the amicable Vogue fashion giant watched a trail of intricate ice-blue brocade, silver silkscreened dresses and organza-veiled skirts come down the runway and praised Peter Som for his inventive aesthetic."I like his sense of sophistication," Talley says. "I enjoy his fabrics and silhouettes. I support all struggling artists."Is Som, showing in the heart of fashion week in the extra large Promenade tent at Bryant Park, struggling? (Som will also become the women's creative director for Bill Blass next year.)"I think everyone's struggling," Talley says. "Everyone's struggling to survive in the world of fashion. Peter's struggling, and so am I." Near the Vogue huddle (the magazine's Grace Coddington had Michael Kors next on her agenda) was Maria Sharapova dressed in a silk Som design."[Som] puts so much detail and hard work into [his clothes]," the tennis star said, jumping in for a day at Fashion Week before heading to Russia tomorrow. "His clothes just make you feel really feminine." Sharapova wasn't just there as a spectator. "I look for inspiration for my tennis dresses," the stylish athlete says. "You go from working out and sweating to this. It's a much more glamorous side of things."This season reinforced that texture is Som's forte. His spring line included ivory silk, sea-green chantilly lace and cherry red poplin. Parachute detailing edged in on crisp white shirts while a "silver exploded" silkscreened dress shined down the runway. -- Andrea MandellBrad Barket, Getty Images

Chai in the afternoon

Richard Chai took spring to the office with a collection of sapphire structured suits, high-waisted wide-cut "paper bag" pants and sheer tuxedo shirts. The designer (who cut his teeth at Marc Jacobs) used a palette of gray, white, black, indigo and coral for looks such as crisp white shirtdresses layered under steel gray cowl neck sweaters, pleated shift dresses and seersucker trench coats. Standouts included a khaki leather bomber jacket with parachute detailing (parachute accents are proving to be a prevalent trend this spring) and evening-inspired suits shown in indigo silk. -- Andrea MandellNicholas Roberts, AFP/Getty Images

Backstage at Lacoste

In the fashion world, this season is all about momentous anniversaries. From Ralph Lauren's 40th and Valentino's 45th (and subsequent retirement) to GQ's 50th, fashion insiders are in celebration mode. Fashion's iconic alligator is celebrating too. At the Lacoste show Saturday morning, the design team and Phillipe Lacoste (grandson of the founder) marked 75 years in the business with a colorful array of preppy sportswear. We caught up with creative director Christophe Lemaire backstage and got a glimpse into what it's like to be a model. (Hint: You sit in a chair while one person does your hair, another does your make-up and another massages lotion onto your legs). -- Alison Maxwell

All wrapped up?

Wrap dresses? What wrap dresses? Designer Diane von Furstenberg abandoned her signature look for flowing, non-form-fitting gowns with a breezy, beach-y look Sunday evening. Titled "Under the Volcano," the collection featured a mix of geometric/safari-esque prints and bright floral patterns. Among the accessories: lengthy printed scarves, floral pins and hats. "All for the woman you are, and the woman you want to be," von Furstenberg said. The standout look: An ultra-feminine one shoulder "Lei" dress with an oversized flower print. -- Alison MaxwellKeith Bedford, Reuters

No Paris at Nicky's show

Where's Paris? That appeared to be the question on everyone's mind at the 9 p.m. showing of Nicholai, the line designed by sis and sidekick Nicky Hilton. Parents Rick and Kathy sat in the front row -- a chair next to them appeared to be reserved until five minutes before showtime. "How could Paris miss her sister's show?" one showgoer said when the seat became occupied. Would Paris walk the catwalk? No dice.The show -- sans Paris -- featured an interesting mix of evening and cocktail dresses (tulle-embellished black dresses and gowns with jewel-encrusted hems of the New York skyline). Hilton featured a few basic swimsuits, some caplets and shimmery two-piece cropped-jacket-and-hot-pants combos. Pal Bijou Phillips danced her way through the show on the front row, mouthing song lyrics and flailing her arms and legs to the beat. At the conclusion of the show, an ebullient Nicky danced her own little jig on the runway, clearly relieved it was all over. -- Alison MaxwellSeth Wenig, AP