Spotted at Fashion Week: Desiree Rogers, White House Social Secretary

Paul Warner/WireImage.com
Paul Warner/WireImage.com

Tuesday morning's Carolina Herrera show, as somber and dark as it was (although I thought it was positively radiant), had a beacon of light emerge from Section A in the form of White House social secretary Desiree Rogers. Sitting across from the poised and utterly elegant former public relations executive, I couldn't help but think that ifFirst Lady Michelle Obama couldn't make it, Desiree's presence was a darn close second. And while she darted out of Herrera's show without so much as uttering a word to the press, little did I know our paths would continue to cross all day.

Over at Donna Karan's masterful show (the exaggerated arms fashioned in fur were to chic to put into words), I spotted Desiree again, and this time I noticed her impeccable posture. But again, she darted out before I could have a few words with her.

As I entered Thakoon's show (a precise executive of fur and color, with definite homages to Lanvin and YSL), I enjoyed another Desiree sighting! What were the odds? This time I was determined to speak to her. As I introduced myself, we engaged each other in friendly conversation. I think I'm in love.

Me: Desiree, I have to ask: who are you wearing?
"It's all Nina Ricci. And the bag is by Kotur."

Me: What have you made of the three shows you took in?
"Well, I'm here just for one day and everything I've seen has been so different. The texture and fabric are clearly important elements to these designers, and to be able to see it up close-to see the wisps of fur and fabric float through the runway as the models walked-was multidimensional magic."

Me: Were you able to draw up any conclusions on what fall will be like?
"It looks like there's going to be a lot of color!"

Me: Needless to say, there's been a lot of talk about Michelle Obama's fashion choices and her support of fledging talent. What's your take on all the publicity? Is it too much?
"We're honestly just so thrilled to be able to support them. One of the things that is extremely important to the First Lady is comfort-but also to have fun with fashion. The days of having just one style are over."

Me: As social secretary, how do you apply the rules you subscribe to with those in the fashion world?
"As social secretary, I'm getting a preview of fall to see what colors I would use for our events in DC. For example, I saw a lot of silver today, so who knows? Maybe an upcoming state dinner will have a metallic touch."

Me: How have you learned to adopt your fashion in these economic times?
"I've been in the same top all day, but I admit I did change into a different skirt. Right now, for me it's all about, 'how can I stretch my wardrobe?'"

Me: What have you loved that you saw today?
"The coats at Donna Karan were great; I especially loved their silhouettes. And there was one knee-length dress at Carolina Herrera...it was greenish with bronze detailing...that was sublime."

By Jim Shi

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Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.