Last night was an exciting night in fashion, not just for New York fashionistas and socialites, but also for emerging and established fashion designers, and buyers, all coming together for one big night at the H&M Flagship Store. The reason: to celebrate NBC’s Fashion Star which has turned the world of reality fashion shows to real life. The winning designers have their work featured in H&M stores the very next day. Last night was a rare occurrence in which the designers and their winning designs could be seen together.

It was a chance for everyone – from the winning designers, the featured buyers, and the general public – to celebrate and intermingle under the H&M lights, with the palm trees and lighting giving it a tropic feel. Nicole Ritchie was also on hand last night, reuniting with the winning designers, and decked out in a very flattering tea length patterned dress, with a daring open back. Her hair was up, tight in her signature bun, and I was actually surprised at how warm, and approachable she was with everyone. Amongst the plethora of characters present at the event were John Varvatos, our favorite designers Luciana Scarabello, Ronnie Escalante and Orly Shani, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Julie Henderson, and many more.

It was a great night for H&M, and even if you’re not a winning fashion designer, you could still walk out a winner. I did; complete with my new pink lace scoop neck dress from the Conscious Collection line, and a hot necklace with pink gold metal and intertwined rope, all for under $30. I would call that winning any day.