Ken Downing's Fashion Week, Neiman Marcus Style

Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus Fashion Director

We met Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing at The Beatrice a couple years ago - we're almost nostalgic thinking of those blissful hours over on W. 12th, W. 4th (yes, this was before a certain mauvais garcon made bow ties out of poor Bea's curtains Scarlett O'Hara style). Tuesday digression style - back to Ken, who really does resemble the Mattel original - soft-spoken, elegant, and immaculate amidst. . . well, others who were not. He made a lasting impression.

Twelve days of Christmas stand aside, Ken is conducting his own Neiman Marcus Fashion Week (the first time ever) and we have to admit, his five days might just be the ultimate tailgate for our Spring style. NY Fashion Week may be around the corner, but while designers prepare to whet our appetites for Fall 2011, we still have two seasons to go and the looks we saw in September, let's be honest, are a distant memory.
We think Ken is a sensitive genius - sensitive to the fact that we want a refresher course immediately, and genius for understanding that online is easier and lighter than the brick houses magazine publishers send in March. We're not into drowning in our bathtubs style. We'd rather fly. Buckle up, January babies. Jet set in your snuggies style.

There's a Facebook Page, video (below), runway shows, and a tight schedule - Day 1 and 2 we're still in New York, then we jet off to Milan on Day 3 to peruse his carefully edited choices, Day 4 (deep breath) we're doing Paris and London, and rest is for the unfashionable; on Day 5 Ken reveals how it all comes together in the season's chicest trends and makes it all accessible on the Neiman Marcus website.



If you missed yesterday, you can still catch one more day in New York - Michael Kors starts at 11, followed by Carolina Herrera, Carmen Marc Valvo, Thakoon, Naeem Khan, J. Mendel, Vera Wang, and Donna Karan - and let's pray we're snowed in tomorrow morning.

We'd rather be in Milan than the office, and we're choosing Ken's Spring over Anna's winter. You might, too.

See for yourself style.