Erin Fetherston
by Marilyn Kirschner

Erin Fetherston is only in her 5th season showing but she has already created quite a buzz and caught the attention of the fashion world, as evidenced in her packed show held at the Showroom tent at Bryant Park. Some of fashion's heaviest hitters, like Barneys New York's Julie Gilhart, were seated front row center. Erin, young, tall, and pretty, could easily be her own best model (and best advertisement). She was obviously inspired by the stars, the moon, and the constellations above this season. In fact, she admitted to finding inspiration in the "cosmos", which was quite evident throughout (embroideries echoed the constellations, the color palette was primarily black, silver, and shine, and she even named pieces in the line, 'constellation blouse', 'moon coat', 'shooting star dress'.

Even before the first of 32 young, fresh, and sweet short dresses, skirts, coats, (many with flounces, tiers, ruffles, smocking, patchwork), soft pretty blouses with sheer full sleeves (pretty blouses are becoming a big trend on the runways here), came down the runway, it was obvious the collection was going to be 'dreamy'. Adorable Zooey Deshanel accompanied by Mike Jackson, stood before the crowd and belted out "Dream a little Dream for Me", the ballad made popular by the Mamas and Papas back in the 70's. Standouts include the white and silver brocade empire waist 'moon' coat, the silver duchess satin coat, the group of 'butterfly dresses' (which looked simple in front but the fabric attached to the back created a cape like fluttery effect, the constellation cocoon dress, and the glittery black chiffon blouse (with the shooting star dress). Accessories were pared down to a few recurring themes: the models wore beaded caps (in the same colors of the collection), which resembled vintage bathing caps, and their legs were dressed in very pale gray hose. The footwear was either a soft gray high heeled bootie, or a white flat pointy toed ballerina (of Erin's own design).