Zac Posen

High glamour ruled the runway for Zac Posen’s Spring 2012 collection. Elizabeth Cole jewelry, custom Charlotte Olympia shoes, and Judith Leiber clutches accessorized the gorgeous gowns on the models, one of whom included longtime friend Coco Rocha (she opened and closed the show). Each look seemed like it could jump right from the catwalk to the red carpet, as gowns with waist-defining silhouettes came in blush, slate, celadon, peony, and dove gray. Click through the gallery to see our favorite looks from the Zac Posen runway show. 

MORE: Fashion Week’s Hottest Moments!

— Violet Gaynor

If you had to pick your favorite celebrity, who would you choose? In celebration of New York Fashion Week—which starts tomorrow!—we quizzed a few of our favorite designers to find out who gets them starry-eyed. Betsey Johnson selected Katy Perry, deeming her a “Bubblegum Burlesque Bombshell Babe,” as well as Lady Gaga, who she calls “Kickass Killer Cult Classic.” Click through to see more designers’ inspirational—and sometimes surprising—answers. 

MORE:
• Designers Sketch Spring 2012 Collections 
• Celebrities: My First Fashion Show Was…
• Front Row Star Favorites 

Zac Posen just opened the doors to his first-ever Z Spoke boutique! The cozy New York City space houses Posen’s playful lower-price line, and also carries limited-edition Rod Keenan hats ($195), and rare books ($50 to $140). “The Z Spoke woman is a nerdy woman,” the designer told us of his books-meets-fashion mix at the boutique’s opening bash. ”This is a woman who self-educates.” Z Spoke’s resort collection arrives in two weeks, but in the meantime, there are plenty of flirty party dresses, structured sailor pants and studded blouses stocking the shelves. Click through the gallery to see inside the store!

VISIT THE BOUTIQUE: 875 Washington Street, near 14th Street, New York; 212-691-1926.