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Fashion Tips for Jason Kidd

Anne Bratskeir

September 20, 2002

KIDDING AROUND. "I don't know a thing about fashion. I have no idea what's in or what's out," said New Jersey Nets star Jason Kidd, who attended his first-ever fashion show. He had a front-row seat at Kenneth Cole's Wednesday night presentation, accompanied by wife and Extra commentator, Joumana. Apparently, he will learn soon. According to Mrs. Kidd, Cole is planning to give the famous point guard some fashion pointers. "Kenneth's taken him on as a personal project."

THEATER IN THE ROUND. In what may be the prettiest location for a show this week - a landmarked former bank with an enormous stained glass dome and massive gilded chandelier called Gotham Hall - mop-topped fashion wunderkind Zac Posen, who, get this, will be all of 22 in October, set up an elegant circular runway that drew not only A-list celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Ellen Barkin, Kyra Sedgewick and little-dog-toting Natalie Portman but also A-list models such as Naomi Campbell, Bridget Hall and Carmen Kass, who reportedly strutted and twirled for this darling du jour for free. Dedicated to the goddess Circe, the show, partially sponsored by Swarovski, featured 42 looks that were perfect for goddesses and wannabes alike. A dreamy Firefly minidress was a sparkly watercolor (way short though), and a clever Snap Gown was decorated with snaps and with a quick tug, went from short to long. There were clunkers - witchy shoulders and scout shorts among them - but who could resist a cherub-faced designer who literally had to be dragged out to take a bow by none other than the goddess Naomi.

COLOR MY WORLD. Models with tight hairdos wrapped in ribbon wore some odd jobs at Lars Nilsson's Bill Blass show yesterday morning. While one sleek navy pinstriped blazer paid homage to Blass' famous tailoring, there were awkward moments such as clunky Bermuda short suits. However, there were some pretty evening looks in luscious colors such as melon, blush, rosebud, coral and geranium.

-Anne Bratskeir

COCKTAIL TIME. Demure dresses, skirts, cardigans and Jackie O-ish jackets were all named after boozy concoctions at Marc Jacobs' packed show late Wednesday night at a downtown hotel. The tasty color palette included Margarita tweeds (strawberry and regular), peach daiquiri and white Russian wool blends, and bubbly patterned dresses and skirts. Silhouettes were neat, tailored, narrow and almost prim - there were even high-waisted bows - but like any good bartender, the designer knew just how to mix it up. In many cases, ladylike looks and suggestive lingerie co-existed perfectly in gorgeous cashmere cardigans, slinky fitted camisoles and graceful wool blend skirts - though perhaps the see-through silk bra with matching half slip and tweed coat went over the top. What sassed up the looks even more were the models, who with their messy, teased hair, thick, black eyeliner and brightly colored high heels gave more than a fleeting impression that the lady just may be a tramp.