Susanne Seidman, Style Editor

The young and well heeled brought fashion together with powerful portraits of Richard Avedon at this year’s 1869 Society Fall Fete.

Avedon’s works in this exhibit contrast images of political power, such as the often evoked Ronald Reagan, against artists, activists and ordinary Joe the plumber types.

While young professionals who support the arts gathered to take in the exhibit, they also exhibited personal elements of style from head to toe.  This crowd split between those who blended in black and those who flaunted a fashion risk.

In some cases the footwear was also an art form. Take the classic elegance of the black patent Christian Louboton heels with the signature red sole worn by Corcoran design school student Gillian Blaise Cunningham. One guest made a rather bold avant guard effort in an off-white Bjorkesque feathered pump.

As for fashion power, gentlemen in traditional black tie ruled the night with classic elegance led by host committee gentlemen Robert Dyer and Fletcher Gill. Some more daring guys, like Brandt Squires of BuyYourFriendADrink.com, opted to buck the encouragement to wear black tie and go with their own signature look. A nod goes out to Dr. Noah Raizman for his creative pocket square that took on a unique floral quality with a mere magician like scrunch of the hand.

Vintage fur shrugs graced several shoulders in the cold, wet night air, although after a few cocktails no one mentioned the chill. VIPS climbed into waiting Zip cars to hit the crowded after party at the St. Regis loaded down with a well stocked goody bag, including Cointreau and Kiehl’s.

In a sea of black, a lone Diane Von Furstenberg graphic black and white print gown stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Feeling inspired by a more artistic power, I opted for a silk ombre dress in berry tones.
A special thanks to B&C Jewelers for the stunning Cherie Dori pink sapphire and diamond pendant, which did prove to be a powerful design of desire.