There’s nothing like being the opening act. Lisa Blue “Call of the Whale” set a high bar for shows to follow the entire week during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim 2013. Designer Lisa Burke has a passion for the gentle giants of the ocean. Her plea to help save the whale is a moving testimony of her dedication to this endangered species and a clear motivator when creating her stunning swimwear collections every season.

I’ve always been big on production and Luli Fama came out with more than enough to satisfy any critic. The opening of this runway show wowed us with a a pair of flappers and a couple of studly brass players.

The Lycra XtraLife fashion show was presented on July 21, 2012, at the Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach. There were three themes (LILY PAD, DESERT, and WINTER) with designs by Sauvage, Gottex, Maaji, Cia Maritima, Agua de Coco por Liana, etc.

Sitting just a few seats away from the late Zelda Kaplan, I watched the Joanna Mastroianni fashion show and was distracted by the commotion of the respected socialite’s untimely demise. The news that centered Kaplan’s death unfortunately took the spotlight away from a much deserved, and under-publicized successful new collection from Mastroianni.

Zac Posen’s Fall 2012 Collection was definitively Eastern in its influence. The parade of gowns worn by recognized top models, were distinctly themed with embroidery, origami folds, and oriental draping.

Held at The Studio at Lincoln Center, Zang Toi’s Fall 2012 Runway “Glamour at GSTAAD” showcases luxurious fabrics and fine tailoring. Can you say “white for winter?” the collection started out in white and had long coats for men, cocktail dresses with fur etching, wide-legged pants, sweaters and coats with silver rhinestones.

The Stage at Lincoln Center had a hum of anticipation as the audience waited for the first model to come out the gate at the Vera Wang fashion show. Known for her impressive silhouettes and depth of colors, fabric, appliqués, and “just always gets it right” sense of style, Vera Wang has been creating winning collections since her very first collection all those years ago.

During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, designer Mimi Plange showcased her collection entitled “Labrynth” at a 5th Avenue penthouse with breathtaking views. This private residence was the ideal setting for Plange’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. The elegant presentation boasted art installations, a classical violinist, and beautifully poised set design.

Mathieu Mirano showed in New York for the very first time at The Box at Lincoln Center last February. His was a presentation full of Chinese inspirations and bold colors of red and shiny gold; other colors consisted of more muted tones ranging from browns, blacks, and blues.

Held at the EYEBEAM Atelier in New York City, designer Rolando Santana recaptured the mood of the 70s by his variety of sequins, silk lamé, and modern embroideries.