This morning dawned sunny and bright in NYC and rapidly developed into the kind of swealtering heat that us pasty skinned Londoners just can’t handle. Still, I was so over excited to be in the Big Apple I ignored the fact that all eight outfits I’d packed would cause me to break out in a sweat as soon as I left the hotel and headed out into the shabby chic streets of the Meatpacking District. After enjoying a spot of New York style brunch (typical tourist, I know) we set off to tour GANT’s gorgeous downtown stores. A full post on this subject will be coming soon. For now just know that they were utterly incredible. Never in my life have I encountered stores which so embody the ethos of a brand but I’ll save that tale for anther time and get back to the subject at hand… Fashion Week.

I wore… Skirt & Blouse by Whistles, Topshop wedges, Marc Jacobs handbag & necklace by Anne Bowes Jewellery

After a swift trip back to The Standard for an outfit change it was once again time to brave the heat. Slowely and ever-so-slightly sweatily we made the short journey (not so short in 6 inch heels mind you) over to 18th Street where ultra cool downtown restaurant, The Park had been transformed into a tropical oasis to showcase GANT by Michael Bastian’s SS12 collection. It was hands down the most beautifully designed presentation I have ever seen. We left the humidity of the street behind us and entered what can only be described as a preppy paradise. Obscenely gorgeous, GANT clad models posed louchely amid the foliage whilst equally good looking guests enjoyed ice cool cocktails.