Where philanthropy’s always in fashion

“You don’t know how many times I’ve covered this face with kisses,” Avril Graham said teasingly as WAG recently presented her with a copy of our August “Celebrate and Exhale” issue, starring polo’s Nacho Figueras, a fave of Avril’s (and ours).

The executive fashion and beauty editor at Harper’s Bazaar — who’s still complimenting us on our profile of her in September 2015 WAG — is a fixture at Greenwich Polo Club and Bridgehampton Polo Club; indeed, anywhere glamorous, be it the red carpet or runway shows. (On the day we met recently she was preparing to jet off to Florence for the world premiere of “Inferno” with Tom Hanks after a pit-stop in Paris. It’s a tough gig but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.)

With the gracious Avril, however, glam is always in service of a larger purpose. On this day, she was at the podium as Harper’s Bazaar once again teamed with Simon, its mall The Westchester and Pediatric Cancer Foundation to thank foundation donors and supporters with the annual “Fashion Meets Philanthropy” event, featuring trending looks from Runway, Nordstrom, L.K. Bennett, Neiman Marcus, Brooks Brothers, Rebecca Taylor and Anne Fontaine.

Though the show offered ensembles for fall and winter, Avril’s mind was still swimming with ideas from the spring fashion shows. Whatever the season, the theme is anything goes.

“The wonderful thing ladies should know is that there is something for them, for everyone,” Avril told WAG before the show. “We’re not saying everything should be tight and short, as in Saint Laurent, or mid-length as in Prada or full-length as in Valentino. Rather there’s something that suits every taste and shape.”

It’s fascinating that in this the season of political body shaming, fashion — long famous for its strictures — is embracing the spectrum of the human body. Avril pointed to the inclusive Christian Siriano, the “Project Runway” breakout who championed Leslie Jones when no designer came forward for her “Ghostbusters” premiere and designed the blue cap-sleeved dress for Michelle Obama’s equally admired Democratic National Convention speech. Avril also saw the full-figured model Ashley Graham on prominent display during Fashion Week.

Perhaps the reason for fashion’s broadening horizon is that Seventh Avenue no longer dictates to Main Street. Now the street is the inspiration for the runway, as designers look to what the hoi polloi are wearing.

So, Avril said, don’t be afraid to sport that brocade at the office. If you can pull off the classic tailored black suit, go for it. Are sequins your thing? But of course. And don’t forget the footwear, be it the low block heel, the big fat block heel or Marc Jacobs’ massive Gaga platform.

Be adventurous in your makeup with a colored liner. Try some plastic floral earrings as you continue your love affair with floral dresses. Slick your hair for spring.

Be adventurous, Avril said, in everything.

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