A Sari Gueron Summer...

Quite a few seasons ago, I got this summer dress from the NYC fashion designer Sari Gueron as a gesture of thanks for working in her studio as a design intern.

My job was to do all the typical intern stuff - pattern archiving, carrying sample returns to the factory, making trips to Sil Thread for invisible zips - and to sew things like blind stitches on hems, button holes, and garment labels on newly delivered pieces.

I recall seeing the pattern as a rough digital print and thinking, "Gosh, that's too bold and busy, even for me!" But once the print was developed and the colourful racks of camisoles, tie-front blouses and dresses came back from the factory, I was completely sold.

I'm not sure if this collection ever made it to the stores, though; around that time, Sari had just announced that she was opting to close her line for the foreseeable future.

There was to be no more Barneys, Bergdorf or Shopbop for the Sari Gueron brand, and as part of the wrap-up, she held a private sample sale at her Flatiron, NYC studio.

I remember secretly praying that no-one would choose the dress - I had just enough cash on my person to buy it, right there and then. There was one lady who came in and tried it, and even though the sundress was too long for her, she still wanted it.

So I said my goodbyes, wrapped the dress up, and was about to get a receipt for her. But then, she swings around in a flurry of long hair and a rackful of selects, and decides to leave the piece behind.

Turns out that she was Woody Allen's wife, Soon-Yi...

Another chatty woman fingered the dress, hemmed and hawed, and modeled it in front the mirror  before eventually leaving it behind, as well.

Clearly, this dress was for me, non?

As the last shopper exited the studio, I whipped out my wallet, all ready to purchase my dress, when Sari says, "Why don't you pick out four things that you want?"

I nearly passed out with glee.

But not before clutching the summer dress for dear life...

Wearing: Sari Gueron cotton summer dress

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