As I managed to slide my way into first row at Binetti, not only did I have the best view, I was able to catch the models posing at the end. Probably my favorite place to sit. At the Exit Art Gallery, snug in a seat, interns pulled up the paper that was covering the runway, music gradually grew louder, and the lights signaled that the show was seconds from beginning.

While the models strutted down the runway, Binetti clearly expressed his influences by a collection that was full of where Europe mixed cultures amongst the Mediterranean, with hints of a pilgrimage through the Middle East, Asia, and Far East. Alongside warm, dominant colors of red, creams, and golds, Binetti threw in a bit of black and white for Fall too. Swarovski crystals, beads, and ruffles accented the collection. It felt like a modern-day eurasian gypsy love affair. I definitely adored each piece, especially the white puff-sleeved blouse with red and black trimmings. When I returned home later that day, I dove into the Gift Bag. It contained a delicious red velvet cupcake in a chinese take-out box, which I almost destroyed before realizing I should probably TwitPic it. The other contents consisted of beauty supplies like eyeshadow, a shaving cream kit (the classic one with a brush? Ha, will re-gift to one of my boys! Love you.), and a couple other bathroom items such as soap.