lisa salzer

"At the time, I thought I was in the chicest place in the universe," said Peter Som of his first time at New York Fashion Week as a Parsons student. In honor of that impending chicness, we spoke with him and others — veterans and newcomers alike — to hear the experiences of their first shows, their most memorable moments, and how they plan to recover after the madness of the week is over.

Pamela Love remembers being nervous the first time Anna Wintour attended one of her shows (who wouldn't be?), and Chris Benz told us about his very own House of Style moment at Marc Jacobs's Spring 2002 show. We also heard tales from Rebecca Minkoff, Rachel Comey, Yigal Azrouel, Jenni Kayne, and many others. Read on for a look at their most memorable Fashion Week moments — and find out who was so starstruck by Chloe Sevigny that they offered to let her skip the bathroom line — here, in the gallery.

— Reporting by Christina Pérez

>> They're making their lists — and checking them twice. Here come the holidays, and who better to spread the cheer than some of our favorite fashionable insiders? From the super-luxe accessories topping Melissa Coker's and Leandra Medine's lists to the souped-up sporting goods desired by Yigal Azrouel and Peter Som, here's a look at what those in the know are coveting this season. See who's hoping for Burberry, who's hoping for Hermes, and who's just hoping for some sleep — plus, glean gift-giving ideas from Anna Sheffield, Lauren Bush Lauren, Derek Lam, Stephanie LaCava, and more — all here, in the slideshow.

>> For Spring 2012, designer Lisa Salzer culled inspiration from a childhood spent on sunny Montauk beaches and the 1960s surf-travel movie Endless Summer. These influences were evident not only in the way the collection was presented — retro-suited models lounged amongst surf boards and driftwood strewn with exotic flowers — but in the materials used in the jewelry as well: rough-cut stones, oversized pearls, and burnished metal. Amongst the glittering layers of statement necklaces, vintage-tinged cuffs, and mixed-media earrings was another accessory of note — one that's been popping up somewhat regularly elsewhere as of late: anklets. Here, they were plentiful and plenty intriguing — undulating leaf-chains crawled up the leg, while rock-adorned styles draped to the toe. Click through to see these, plus more pics snapped at the presentation.

>> J.Crew hasn't scored a Christian Louboutin collaboration yet, but they are working with Lulu Frost's Lisa Salzer for a capsule Holiday 2010 jewelry collection.

“I had been in a California store called TenOverSix about a year ago when I was home for Christmas, and I bought this amazing necklace," recalled J.Crew president Jenna Lyons. "I said, ‘I work at J.Crew, would it be OK if I got in touch with the designer?'"

Marissa Webb, J.Crew women's design director, visited the Lulu Frost studio and selected pieces from Salzer's archives as the collection's basis. The vintage pieces are mixed with elements like handmade chains and glass crystals to modernize their look. The collection will be available both in stores and online and ranges from about $75 for earrings to $175 for a necklace.