Stella McCartney and now Donna Karan – looks like San Francisco is emerging as a fashion center.

When I think of Donna Karan, here’s what comes to mind: draping, bodysuits, DKNY, womanly, classic, zen. When I met Donna Karan at a recent event at Neiman Marcus in SF, all those thoughts flooded me. But it wasn’t overwhelming because Donna calmed me down with a (zen) fashion mantra: “Fashion is not all about what’s on the outside. It’s what you wear on the inside that also counts.” I pondered that all day . . .

Prepondering, I witnessed an intimate runway show of her Fall collection. The charming senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman’s, Ken Downing, served as co-maestro. Donna disclosed that she finds microphones “annoying. They’re not genuine.” And according to Downing, DK’s collection was his high point at Fashion Week. “I love this collection,” he said. On with the Donna!

• Donna on her Fall collection: Her collection was a reflection of the past, present, and future. It’s also empowerment for women. It’s not just about designing. It’s necessary to be intentionally thoughtful.
• Donna on the resurgence of shoulder pads: “We’ve got a lot on our shoulders right now,” DK said, referring to the economy. Ken said, “You can carry a lot more with those shoulder pads.” Shoulder pads make hips appear narrower. Nobody gains weight on the shoulders, she said, referencing the cold shoulder dress.

To hear more Donna dish and to see more runway photos, read more

• Donna on color: She favors a color palette that’s effortless. Grays, black, navy are endless palettes of classicism. It’s an inner feeling she can’t explain. She is affected by color and light. It’s an artistic expression. “Red is like lipstick. An accent that always works.” She’s also inspired by her trips to Africa, the wilderness, nature, pavements in the city.

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer

Bummer, I already have pink sandals for Summer, but if you don’t, definitely attack this Jeffrey Campbell Roller Sandal ($99). The price, look, and color are so right. Givenchy fans will immediately recognize the top part because it looks identical to Givenchy’s Cutout Shoe Booties. So basically you get the Givenchy touch minus the painful heel and stiff price tag. Nothing sounds more amazing right now.

Tonight is the 2009 CFDA awards – we can’t wait to hear this year’s winners. For those of us not in the fashion inner circle, we can have a piece of the awards via khakis; Gap’s CFDA Design Edition Khakis hits stores and online tomorrow. The ads proved khakis can be fun. Bask in brown with affordable designs by Alexander Wang, Vena Cava, and Albertus Swanepoel. For you luckies in NYC, head to the 54th and 5th flagship at 10:30 a.m. for an instore event where Patrick Robinson, Alexander Wang, Albertus Swanepoel, and Vena Cavas Lisa Maycock and Sophie Buhai will meet and greet their fans. Lastly, peep this fun interview between ‘83 CFDA winners Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui – you know you want to know what MJ’s current tattoo count is . . .

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