Between the whimsical atmosphere, the winding runway decorated with vine-covered square pillars, and of course the clothes, Malandrino’s spring 2009 collection was downright gorgeous. The show was like a chase and a catch, reminding me of a classic love story, but that of an independent woman not wanting to be caught. The collection was fierce and it made its point. The colors were sophisticated, chic, classic and everything a girl could ask for come spring. There were shorts, there were cropped jackets, belts, sexy dresses, feminine prints and flirty colors. The hair was styled into roses on top of the models’ heads giving it that girly, romantic feel. For a minute, it didn’t feel very much like a runway show, it felt like we had all escaped into our very own fashion fairytale.

Seated front row was New York’s very own Ana Ortiz! We chatted about why she’s so excited about Ugly Betty’s west to east location change – Ecstatic to finally have seasons, (after being in L.A. for the past eight years) Ortiz couldn’t wait to see what would be coming down the runway for spring, because she can actually wear it now!

On fall’s upcoming arrival: “This will be the first fall I’ve had in awhile. I’m really excited to be able to wear boots, I’ve got the most fabulous pair of boots, Chloe boots that I’m pining for. And hats! Short skirts with tights! And I’ve got this really gorgeous sweater from Ports. All that good stuff that I usually don’t get to wear.” – Erin Dustin