Boston: Marilyn Riseman

"I don’t put up with people I don’t like. I don’t want their energy. It’s the good energy you want to have around you. I want to have fun, and don’t have any time to worry about the rest of it." - Marilyn Riseman

My husband and I had the good fortune to meet and talk with Marilyn Riseman on several occasions over the last two years of living in Boston.

The first time was when I photographed her at Zac Posen's fashion appearance at Neiman Marcus. Her effervescent prescence and signature look lit up my lens as she did the entire room!

The next time we saw her was at The Clarendon's penthouse suite for the launch party of the new Ann Taylor store at the Prudential. She was such a gracious lady who always remembered both of us (and our jobs!) and always had a welcoming smile and fun disposition and she never minded being photographed!

At the Empire Hotel Rooftop in New York City for New York Fashion Week.

Another highlight for me was at the Luke Aaron show at Boston Fashion Week, where I had the chance to talk with Marilyn, Jane Conway Caspe and Elisha Daniels.

Marilyn Riseman with Boston Fashion Week Founder Jay Calderin.

Warm, witty, classy and charming, Marilyn Riseman, you will be missed.

BFW 2012: Maria Victoria

I first met Victoria Dominguez-Bagu of Maria Victoria Designs at a night of style for Zoora, and fell in love with her simple yet chic and wearable styles, since. Bagu's show at Boston Fashion Week was no different, the upbeat vibe of the collection, with patterns, stripes and golds inspired by the "sunsets at sea" paired beautifully with jewelry by Magdalena Stokalska.

First, play this tune (although it doesn't do any justice to DJ Mario's beats that evening!), and then, scroll through the photos imagining yourself on the ocean on a beautiful summer's eve...

BFW 2012: Luke Aaron

By far, the most glamorous and magical of all the shows I attended at Boston Fashion Week. Luke Aaron started off with pretty and ended with ethereal. Pleated peplums, cinched waists and flattering muted florals in chiffon and tulle, the entire show was an ode to old-fashioned elegance without being stuffy. Gowns were draped into orgiami shapes (the collection was inspired by the arts of Japan) and pleated into flattering silhouettes. Adding to that was the debut of Aaron's Fleet Street bag, a well-structured and lady-like accessory.

Certainly, Luke Aaron is one to keep your "peacock eye" on.

Scroll down for more, including Jay Calderin, Founder of Boston Fashion Week with Boston darling Marilyn Riseman. Directors of Dynasty Modelling Agency, Joe and Gin Freeman were also in attendance.

A highlight for me was chatting with Marilyn, Jane Conway Caspe and Elisha Daniels before the show and I'm so flattered that they loved the way my hair was styled that night! (thanks to Sarah for the Instagram; and who's also caught in the last photo).

BFW 2012: Avni

Avni's SS2013 collection was inspired by purity and spirtuality and the philosophies behind designer Hussein Chalayan's work. The show started with a dramatic drum performance, which may have been intended to take place during the runway show, had the tent been bigger. Avni showcased lots of neutral, layered pieces in silks, cottons and satins with styling by Christina K. Pierce adding an element of the designer's Indian roots, with forehead jewelry pieces and bindis. Once again, we see braids, this time long and over the shoulder.

BFW 2012: Grace Kim, gKIM Studio

Grace Kim showed prowess in her gKIM Studio RTW collection of clean and contemporary silhouettes. The runway show, complete with 1930s inspired blonde wigs, showcased lightweight frocks and swing coats; all classic looks with modern finesses that could be worn by a current day Ginger Rogers. To that, I say, well done Grace Kim!

Here, some of my favorites.