B Michael Returned to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Celebrating Women

B. Michael, the American couturier and ready-to-wear designer whose eponymous label is among the most coveted by stylish and accomplished women around the world, presented the Fall/Winter 2013 b Michael Couture Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on the evening of Wednesday, February 13. The b Michael America Couture Collection for Fall/Winter 2013 is comprised of 32 opulent and modern looks, which the designer created to reflect the essence of our most magnificent sense of self. Flirting with imagination and extravagant notions of style, the Collection offers an array of textures ranging from silk satin and tapestry to chiffon and crocheted lace, with womanly silhouettes. The palette is rich with saturated jewel tones and textured black.

Collection Highlights

Highlights of the Collection include: a sapphire, silk-satin sheath; a black ribbon and tulle embroidered Spanish lace off-shoulder Cossack gown; a yellow-gold metallic silk wool boucle halter-cut dress; and a ruby and platinum silk/wool tapestry elongated trumpet gown.

"This Collection was inspired by beauty and the beauty of life, as I imagined the women who would wear these dresses in the various scenarios that comprise their lives. This is unabashed elegance and opulence and I really wanted to celebrate women and embrace life to the fullest," adds B Michael.

More than 400 luminaries, industry leaders and members of the press attended the Show, befitting thedesigner whose collection debuted in 1999 and is known for clean lines, sophisticated use of color and lattering silhouettes.

Among the luminaries in attendance were:

Amsale Aberra, wedding gown designer
Lydia Carlston, philanthropist
Kathryn Chenault, attorney, philanthropist and wife of American Express CEO Ken Chenault
Amy Fine Collins, Vanity Fair contributing editor and b Michael muse
Mikki Garth-Taylor, author and former beauty editor, Essence
Star Jones, attorney and TV personality
Tina Lundgren, philanthropist and wife of Macy's CEO Terry J. Lundgren

Condola Rashad, actress,

Phylicia Rashad, actress

Jean Shafiroff, Couture Council
Valerie Simpson, Grammy-winning songwriter and recording artist
Tamara Tunie, star of stage, screen and television

As is customary with the b Michael brand, the Fall/Winter 2013 Couture Collection will benefit a charitable organization dedicated to education and the enrichment of youth. This year, the Impact Repertory Theater is the charitable partner. IMPACT's mission is to use the performing arts and the dynamics of leadership training to develop and empower young people.

Rooted in creative self-expression and anchored by a commitment to Safe space, Outstanding effort and Service to the community (S.O.S.), IMPACT Repertory Theatre was founded in 1997 by Alice Arlen, Jamal Joseph, Joyce Joseph, and Voza Rivers, with additional assistance from Courtney Bennett and Ray Johnson. IMPACT operates as a major branch of New Heritage Theatre Group (NHTG), established in 1964, one of the oldest Black not-for-profit theatre companies in New York City. Since its inception in 1997, more than 1000 young people have gone through our rites of passage and left with life skills that have empowered them to assume leadership socially, academically and culturally. Our programs in youth development, creative arts, and community activism have transformed the lives of our members, many of whom have gone on to assume leadership roles in our nation's top colleges and universities, making invaluable contributions within the various Community Colleges, Historically Black Colleges, and the Ivy.

About b Michael

Fashion innovator, pacesetter and legend b. michael began his career as a milliner and honed his skills as a fashion designer and couturier while working in the ateliers of leading designers including Oscar de la Renta. Mr. Michael launched his own label in 1998 and is now at the helm of a multi-faceted design brand that includes ready-to-wear, accessories and the treasured couture collection. A favorite among some of the most photographed women in the world; Mr. Michael's designs have been worn by Beyoncé, Halle Berry, Tamara Tunie and Cicely Tyson, among others. Mr. Michael has presented collections worldwide and is a dedicated philanthropist and supporter of organizations that educated and empower young people, thereby shaping the leaders of tomorrow.