Thursday evening, I attended the Cipriani Wall Street Fashion Series featuring designer Duncan Quinn. Alex Merkin, who relayed the designer’s regrets for not being able to present the collection personally, introduced the menswear collection. Mr. Quinn is currently in Miami in preparation for the opening of his forthcoming Limited Editions pop-up shop in Miami's design district… featuring its own indoor croquet pitch.

The London-born, New York based designer and “recovering lawyer” found inspiration for his featured designs in film and classic works of art; including all things Alfred Hitchcock, The Thomas Crown Affair, James Bond, Eastern Promises and the Mona Lisa.

I found the color palette for the line to be both regal and playful, with heavy plums, burgundy and charcoal tempered by lavender and rose accents in ties, handkerchiefs and dress shirts. There is an intellectual sharpness and meticulous attention to detail in the cufflinks, leather duffels, and umbrellas.

After the show, I caught up with Mr. Merkin, donning Duncan Quinn garb head to toe. The Director of the upcoming film Across the Hall, indulged my questions about the December 4th New York release. He told me that the film, featuring Danny Pino, Brittany Murphy and Mike Vogel, is a thriller about a standoff between a young man, his fiancée and his best friend, who occupy hotel rooms across the hall from one another. I gathered it’s a little dark and scandalous, a delicious combination.

Later into the night, I had a lively chat over drinks with Simon van Kempen and stylist Derek Warburton, who lamented over Editor Britten Heft’s absence. It seems they just missed each other at an earlier charity event. Designer Peyman Umay joined us for a spell, offering style expertise and exchanging opinions of the evening’s presentation.

I left Cipriani picturing how dapper and tailored my man would look in a “bespoke Duncan Quinn suit” while defending clients in the courtroom and for all our upcoming Holiday festivities… I think Christmas may have to come early this year.

The Holiday season is upon us. I got my first taste this past Wednesday, as I was greeted at Mackenzie-Childs by two trumpeters announcing my arrival. The 6,000 square foot store had been transformed into an enchanted holiday extravaganza to benefit Best Buddies.

Guests fawned over Mackenzie-Child signature hand-made products, holiday table settings, ornaments, nutcrackers, and the 9' handmade and hand assembled "Grand Shard Tree" made out of Mackenzie-Childs ceramic and enamel pottery and findings. FYI: Artisans put in over 300 hours into its' creation.

While partaking in the holiday fare, including a specialty drink of gin, pear, lemon, lime and mint: dee-lish, guests also rubbed shoulders with Sarah, Duchess of York, in attendance to support Best Buddies.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is the world's largest nonprofit organization that provides enhanced opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Best Buddies currently impacts over 250,000 people each year.

When asked about the importance and difficulties of charities and fundraising, the Duchess responded, "If you give back, like to Best Buddies, you see how lucky you are yourself... You forget, I have a great sense of humor. I'm one of the luckiest people you've ever met, I have a very spiritual heart."

As charming as her words, the Duchess spent a good portion of the evening dazzling young children in disbelief that she did indeed, personally know the Prince of Whales.

Shoppers can have a gander at the magical holiday installation through December 31st and visit with Father Christmas on the weekends.

For more information on Best Buddies, please click HERE

*photo 1: Lee Feldman- CEO Mackenzie-Childs, Sarah, Duchess of York, and Rebecca Proctor- Creative Director Mackenzie-Childs

*photo 2 courtesy of Mackenzie-Childs: Giant Moose Head in Mackenzie-Childs signature Courtly Check and Grand Shard Tree