In need to feel inspired again, and amidst the frenzied madness of the jam-packed, pseudo-glam, cluster mess of wanna-be’s at New York Fashion week, I knew I would have to search elsewhere outside of the runway and tents of Lincoln Center. Then Monday night I attended a ‘Cocktail for a Cause’ shindig, hosted by Somaly Mam, to benefit the Half The Sky Movement. I  had no idea what to expect, but I walked away more inspired and more moved than I did after any fashion show I attended earlier that week. It was a night that really put my reality into perspective. I got the honor of meeting Somaly herself, whose powerful story still brings me to tears. Somaly was so happy to meet another Khmer girl, she asked me to to keep in contact. I am now finding more ways to get involved with her amazing organization. If you don’t know about the movement, I encourage you to find out more about it. So often we get so sucked up in our own world, we forget the bigger picture. And I am no exception. We can talk all about it, but there can be no change… without action.

After a long hiatus, ICB—“International Concept Brand”—has been revived and re-launched in the US with the uber talented (and adorably cute) Prabal Gurung spearheading its creative direction. Yesterday’s fashionable fete, which took place at Barney’s Co-Op in Chelsea, brought out trendsters and tastemakers alike to celebrate Prabal’s newest endeavor.

I snuck in. (Kidding). I had a lot of fun. Due to the torrential mid-day downpour, I had to re-work my entire outfit. Last minute change: I rocked these outrageous Nicole Miller pre-fall ’12 tribal-printed hammer pants with my usual all-black blazer look (business on top, party on the bottom) and black Zara pumps… and as scary/brave/tricky as the ensemble was, the compliments poured in. (Phew!) My friend introduced me to Prabal… “You guys talked for a while. What did you say to him after I left?” “I don’t even know,” I really didn’t! He was SO sweet though. The rest of the night, I kept a low-profile…aka standing by the ice-cream cart, inhaling fish tacos, and downing champers like it was a some kind of contest. The ICB collection looks great. I actually have my eye on a particular leather trench with knit sleeves—it’s black (shocking!) and the cut in just perfect… so I’ll be back. Check out more photos here & on my Instagram!!!!  

xo, SartorialGirl

Photos: Barneys.com