Although temperatures were at an all-time high on Monday, guests filled the Ladurée Private Garden in Soho to celebrate Caroline Byron’s new book Gluten Free, Naturally. At the soiree, guests which included Ana Villafañe (Broadway’s On Your Feet!), designer Carly Cushnie (of Cushnie et Ochs), and Vogue editor Edward Barsamian, sipped custom cocktails, delicious gluten-free canape’s created by Caroline Byron, and of course those tasty macaroons by Ladurée.
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. Last week, the charitable organization hosted their 17th annual benefit dinner and auction. The event honored fashion designers and our seatmates, Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, otherwise known as the duo behind Cushnie et Ochs. The evening started with a cocktail reception where more than 750 corporate executives, board members, and their guests mingled and bid on silent auction items. Notables included Dr. Samuel Waxman and family, Chris Wragge, Michael and Elin Nierenberg, Ruth Finley, and a host of others.
Designers Michelle Ochs and Carly Cushnie definitely know how to bring sexy back. From looking at my curves body con dresses to sleek and sophisticated looks, Cushnie’s fall collection was excellent. The designs were modern but had a 90’s vibe. Slightly reminiscent of when Tom Ford was at Gucci. I loved the draped off-the-shoulder dresses, fitted knits, and structured leather jackets, as well as the patent leather skater skirts. The harness necklines on dresses and tops were very bad-girl-esque. Texture played a significant role in the collection with richly teal-colored velvet dresses accented with high splits and super deep v’s. There was a lot of exposed skin with their very low-cut dresses. Even model Karolina Kurkova rocked a strapless lace cutout top and matching skirt.
Since the brand started in 2008, the designer duo Carly Cushnie and Michelle Oches are showing their vision of minimalistic beauty through their original label CUSHNIE ET OCHS. For this season, their bold and strong energy expanded throughout the runway and inspired urban women to seek their inner strength and own true beauty.