New York, February 9-12, 2010 – The beginning of New York Fashion Week saw three extraordinary events.  Chanel kicked things off with a party celebrating Vanessa Paradis as the face of its Rouge Coco lipstick.  Guests at the dinner, at the yet-to-open restaurant in the Mark Hotel, included Patti Smith, a friend of Paradis and her longtime love Johnny Depp, Kate Bosworth and more fashionistas than you could count. 

At the always delightful Heart Truth Red Dress fashion show, a heart health awareness campaign, famous women like Joan Collins, Jordin Sparks, Kim Kardashian and Felicity Huffman not only walked the runway, they flew in from all over the country and spent hours backstage getting made up, fitted and talking to reporters.  The only ones with actual modeling experience were Heidi Klum and Kimora Lee.  The dresses, all in red, were created by designers like Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, John Galliano and Badgley Mischka, and will be auctioned off. 

On Friday, Naomi Campbell rallied her famous friends to raise funds to benefit Haiti after that country’s tragic earthquake.  Among those joining Naomi on the runway were Diane von Furstenberg, Sarah Ferguson, Donna Karan, Karen Elson and Fran Lebowitz in her trademark men’s suit.   Highlights were Agyness Deyn taking a spill on the runway and Alan Cumming modeling a kilt.  Daphne Guinness managed to stay upright despite having her face covered with a scarf and sky high platform shoes.  Chris Brown made an appearance as well. 

Additional photos by Caroline Torem Craig