Day BEFORE NYFW: The Shows FW2016, Enchantment at Jill Haber; A Century of Keds and Ciara Is in on the Celebration

From the FW2016 Jill Haber collection. Photos by V.W.

BY V.W.

CONVINCED of its own consequence, and for good reason, is a gray sequinned clutch with black organza at the closure. There is one done in black sequins with the same self-regard.

Content to hold down the back row, atop a bed of weeds, bramble, shrubs and other fauna that populate wooded areas, is an olive (or gray) suede tote.

It is not quite so obvious in its well-being but possesses a quiet regal air, nevertheless.

A couple of observations born of a traipse through the FW2016 Jill Haber collection.

"I am inspired by the enchanted forest," the designer says during a brief chat at one of the exclusive clubs in the Meatpacking District.

We are sitting like two peas in a pod on a banquette flanking the table on which a micro-forest has been created.

"I really designed the collection for the girl out there conquering the world, and she doesn't need a prince to make her day. She's a princess in her own right."

A couple of the fetching dark floral print top handles might do for a princess bent on vanquishing.

Among the totes, hobos, day clutches and evening clutches in this made in New York-sourced in Italy brand, are elegant suede mink combos. Those who can abide fur will like having those on their arm.

A few snakes were parted from their skin to interesting effect, too.

JH was a creative director at a children's book company before she started the eponymous handbag collection three years ago. Handbags were not a passion with a capital "P," but like many women she liked purses.

"I designed a couple of bags for myself ... I guess out of boredom. My friends liked them and I designed bags for them."

One fateful day one of those friends walked into a shop, a Jill Haber in tow, and it was love at first sight for the powers that be therein. Deals were struck, history is being written and her bags are in CHUCKiES New York and London's
Harvey Nichols, plus JillHaber.com and a few other select spaces.

Asked to ascribe a personality trait to FW2016, JH ponders, then resolutely declares, "independent woman, independent spirit."

Keds is 100 and Ciara Is at the Party

Ciara, sporting black Keds, performs at the Keds Centennial party on Wednesday, 10 Feb. at Center 548. Photos by V.W.

HANDS and Keds -clad feet down, the highlight of the Keds Centennial party was the mini-concert by Keds Collective member Ciara.

The collective, part of the brand's SS2016 campaign, is made up of women who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.

A couple of Keds hanging out with a Chromat from Brooklyn.

Some other members of the collective are musician Tory Kelly and actress Allison Williams.

On deck today, Day 1: Nicholas K, BCBG, Hellessy, Erin Fetherston, Creatures of the Wind, Brock Collection, M. Martim, Pas de Calais, Brothers Vellies, Helen Yarmak, Desigual, Marissa Webb, Creatures of Comfort, A Moi, Avid Swim Resort, Raul Penaranda, Ulla Johnson, Assembly New York, Yuna Yang, Benzario Couture, Adam Selman, Area, Hanley

Visit http://www.nyfw.com/ to learn more about New York Fashion Week: The Shows, including show information, videos and installations.