Life & Style | Michael Kors pays tribute to American style on 9/11

There were no flag outfits, but Michael Kors’ show for New York Fashion Week was very much a patriotic tribute as he saluted American fashion with a collection that ran from nautical chic to classic glamour- girl gowns to whimsical polka-dot designs.

Taking place Wednesday, the last official day of fashion week, the show fell on one of the most solemn days in New York — the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  While the terrorist attack was not referenced, the show radiated not only American pride but themes of love and peace, from a sweater worn by a model that had the word “HATE” crossed out with a red line to the music of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, who serenaded the crowd with songs including Don McLean’s “American Pie” to Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land” to the O’Jays “Love Train.”

He was, of course, inspired by American fashion.

“It’s looking at sportswear which, hey, we invented it. America is not the land of the ball gown. And the world dresses in sportswear. It’s looking at all of that sportswear, which is finding this wonderful balance of power and glamour,” he said.

To that end, the show was a mix of casual, sporty outfits to sparkly dresses that harkened back to the Rita Hayworth era of silver screen glamour.

There was a one-piece bathing suit dotted by tiny metallic anchors; a belted-black romper suit with gold trim, worn by Bella Hadid (pictured); and a whimsical red-and-white checkered outfit that included a blazer, shorts and a bra top paired with chunky white sandals.

Actresses Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson and Yalitza Aparicio were among the stars who turned out for Kors’ show on the banks of Brooklyn in a converted greenhouse that kept its topiary feel with a plethora of trees that decorated the cavernous space.

The Blonds go over-the-top with the help of ‘Moulin Rouge’

Runway met Broadway when The Blonds took to the stage of the splashy musical “Moulin Rouge.”

With the help of Billy Porter, who performed two songs, the ever-theatrical design duo stuck to the musical’s theme, focused on a cabaret, and stayed true to their risque style for the New York Fashion Week show.

After an opening number by performers from “Moulin Rouge,” Phillipe Blond descended from the ceiling in a bedazzled jumpsuit, matching moto jacket and long, blond locks. They dressed models in corsets, bustier tops, lace catsuits (worn by men and women alike) and stiletto boots that hit at the ankle, knee or thigh.

There was no absence of sparkle on the stage, from Jordan Roth’s beaded, sparkling leopard print cape to Paris Hilton’s nude bodysuit adorned with crystals. The designers, including David Blond, ended the show by dancing with their models and embracing each other before walking off stage.

Some models, including Hilton, wore elaborate bejeweled head pieces that towered high and had to be sewn into their hair. Porter got one, too.

Model Halima Aden was adorned in animal print, in her jacket, pants and head wrap. There was an abundance of sexy red and black in lace for the high-camp show.