Today’s adrenaline-pumped fashion shows are a relatively recent phenomenon.  In eras past, designs were presented to clients at chic poolside presentations or at delightful little department store luncheons (Waldorf salad, rather than global outreach, was the order of the day).  In this special edition of Let’s Bring Back, I look at the history of the American fashion show.

While not exactly a rags-to-riches tale (since no one could ever imagine designers Brian Wolk and Claude Morais in rags, for goodness sake), the story behind the emergence of New York City-based fashion house Ruffian is evidence that the American dream is still alive and kicking.

The death of British designer Alexander McQueen makes me wonder if there simply isn’t a place in contemporary culture for his brand of theatrical creativity anymore—especially in an era in which fashion houses rely on corporate ownership to survive and thrive.  My front-page feature from The Huffington Post.

In her new book Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough, journalist Lori Gottlieb perpetuates the stereotype that the American woman is really just a brain stem attached to a ticking womb.  It’s been a long time since I wanted to jab my eyes out after reading something, but this book has me reaching for the closest pair of scissors.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve also come to realize that the 1950s and 60s New York City portrayed by Salinger—filled with smoky jazz clubs, jumbled classic-eight apartments, Vaudeville veterans, and “Little Shirley Beans” records—epitomizes glamour to me.

Some Hollywood stars seem to shimmer on the horizon forever, and Audrey Hepburn is one of them. Reverence for her style still runs deep, as evidenced by the recent $96,000 auction sale of a black cocktail dress she donned in 1966 film How to Steal a Million.  Now a newly-released book showcases rare cover images of the actress, and here are some of the loveliest, most amusing, and insight-giving shots.

Hopefully the recession has immunized us to blowsy marketing, and made us smarter and more thoughtful about the way that we express our holiday appreciation for our loved ones.  Last year, we ran a recession-friendly list of holiday gift suggestions. Without further ado, we present the 2009 edition. As usual, it is long on whimsy and easy on the pocketbook.

Christmas goose, ice skating parties, and fur muffs: a Let’s Bring Back list of delightful holiday-season nostalgia.

A special edition of my Let’s Bring Back column, honoring the Obamas’ first state dinner tonight.  The Kennedys touted the virtues of aspic, the Franklin Roosevelts scandalized the polite world with an all-American entrée, and George Washington gave new meaning to the phrase “no frills.”

In which Glamour magazine’s “Women of the Year”—including Amy Poehler, Katie Couric, Ambassador Susan Rice, Diane von Furstenberg, and other luminaries—tell me about their early female role icons and mentors.

While Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour has been making the magazine powerful over the last two decades, Creative Director Grace Coddington has been making it beautiful.  Meet the lady with the best job in the fashion industry.

Will Conde Nast keep Vogue’s lavishly creative spreads and more eccentric elements intact as the publisher seeks to make the magazine’s business-model more efficient?  Unfortunately, the signs are not encouraging.

In which we discuss the rage and desire that propelled Chanel to the pinnacle of the fashion world, and how long it took the actress to perfect Coco’s famous cigarette dangle.

Fashion Week is underway in New York City, and American designers are showcasing their visions of the future. I’m watching the proceedings with great interest, but also thinking about celebrated designers of bygone eras, whose works once shimmered on runways.  In this special edition of Let’s Bring Back ..., let’s wind back the clock and spend some time with Paul Poiret, Elsa Schiaparelli, Oleg Cassini, and six other colorful designers of yesterday.

The designer at Chanel puts his big, fat, well-clad foot in his mouth when he calls feminists “ugly” in the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar.