New York Fashion Week: Dennis Basso Spring 2014 by Alexandra Lebenthal

A perfect spring pop of color at the Dennis Basso show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS14 (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

Dennis’s show is as much fun before as the show itself. (Well almost).  All of Dennis’s clients and friends are there milling about on the runway.  People generally like Dennis. It’s hard not to! He’s gregarious to a G! His personality is as lush as his furs. As a result, people are just happy to celebrate him. I saw everyone from Hoda Kotb to Brooke Shields to New York City society ladies ( whose closet are full of his furs.)

Classic: White fur jacket with black embellished skirt Dennis Basso show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS14 (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

But on to the show! It’s not just furs! Dennis’s cocktail dresses and evening gowns are to die for! As the owner of a few I can attest to that! No attention to detail is spared, from beading, to feathers, to the most cutting edge  fabrics. His spring collection didn’t disappoint. Especially of note was a huge floral ball gown that was so big it got caught on someone’s chair! Kudos to the model for deftly extracting herself. There were also dainty, cocktail dresses and bolder evening gowns in turquoise and coral. He had something for everyone.

Designer Dennis Basso on the runway for his final walk (photo: (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

But let’s get real. We love Dennis for his furs. Who can combine tangerine crocodile with blue fur cuffs…and pair them with a gown to boot?! That’s what Dennis does like no one else. There were exotics and traditionals, but all with his own Basso flair. Of note also were the handbags! They rivaled the best of Celine, Prada and Hermes. Neutral colors, black and white or colorful spring times, expect to see them on the arms of the best dressed! (Hopefully me too!)
All in all, bravo Dennis. The standing ovation he got as he walked the entire runway was a testament to a man who has found a way to recreate his wonderful personality in his designs- and it shows.

About out Guest Blogger: Alexandra Lebenthal is a financial professional, corporate CEO, women’s advocate, author, editor, wife and mother.  She’s also a fashion lover with a great eye. We’ve frequently spotted Alexandra at New York City social events in gorgeous dresses, gowns and dazzling jewelry.  She is one of our favorite fashionistas and the author of the book, The Recessionistas.   Follow Alexandra on Twitter for her updates on finance, fashion & more @ALebenthal.

To see lower priced versions of Dennis Basso fashion check out his QVC collections, fit for The Recessionista.