Zac (and Saks) attack

I wouldn’t describe myself as someone who’s easily starstruck, but then again, I rarely find myself in the company of stars. Last night’s event, a soiree hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue and Steppenwolf's auxiliary board in honor of designer Zac Posen, was an exception on both accounts. I entered the evening not knowing what to expect other than, in my companion's words, that “everyone will be there.” The place was indeed jam-packed with well-heeled ladies and gents, schmoozing over champagne and surprisingly generous-portioned appetizers (I finally quenched my curiosity for a taste of quail’s egg).

Then, just moments after I checked my grubby winter coat, it happened. “Zac, this is Jessica Herman from Time Out Chicago,” his rep said in a perfectly Devil Wears Prada type moment. I’m not sure who was supposed to feel more important right then (me, for, um, being someone worth introducing to Mr. Posen or Mr. Posen, for being, well, the belle of the ball). I extended my hand to the adorably curly-haired small man, and he took it obligingly. (Despite the few inches of heel on his boots, we stood about the same height, a modest 5' 6".) Fortunately, while a goofy smile remained plastered across my face, my friend gracefully engaged him in conversation; he told us how he had been traveling and that he’d finally have a chance to return to “draping” upon his return home. And yes, he actually used the word “draping.”

Besides the actual meeting, the evening hit its peak when Posen’s fall 2008 collection hit the runway. Dramatic but not grossly over-the-top (excepting the pom-poms on some of the models' heads), the collection highlights included blown-out ball gown skirts, jackets dripping with beads, faceted jewel-embellished shiny dresses and even a few menswear-inspired elements—a super tight-fitting pants suit, tuxedo tops and bow ties—peppering the ultra-feminine collection. I was keen on the use of color, particularly in the tights department— mustard yellow, scarlet red and royal purple! By the time I left the premises, I was feeling high on high fashion.

For a full look, check out style.com, or better yet, head to Saks'  two-day trunk show today or tomorrow.