Olivia Palermo Takes Us Inside Her First Fashion Week as a Designer

Olivia Palermo is a Fashion Week staple—but this season she did more than sit front-row. For the first time ever, the 29-year-old attended NYFW as a designer herself.

Palermo launched her debut collection earlier this month, a collaboration with Nordstrom filled with well-tailored classics that are both feminine and forward-thinking.

After partnering on accessories with BaubleBar, shoes with Aquazzura, and nail polish with Ciaté, Palermo was ready to put her name on a full collection. "Nordstrom approached me a year ago about a collaboration," she told MarieClaire.com between shows. "It was nice to branch out to apparel."

Of the trim, '70s-tinged separates that make up her collection, Palermo picked the most practical item as her favorite. "There are a lot of statement pieces," she said. "I think military vests are very versatile."

No Fashion Week debut is complete without a proper party, and the crowd gathered at Indochine to celebrate Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28 on Thursday night was appropriately chic.

Friend and fan Rachel Zoe was by Palermo's side, as she often is at shows. For both women, NYFW is a whirlwind of work and fun. But what do they *really* think about the head-spinning marathon of dashing around to shows, presentations, fittings, events, and parties? "I always look to the positive in things," said Palermo, "so I think that we're very fortunate to see the collections." Even on a zero-degree day? "Yes!" For Zoe, "the best part is seeing friends because I live in L.A., so I love seeing the people that I don't get to see all of the time. The worst part is that it's ridiculously cold!"

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