Exclusive: Lori Goldstein Behind-the-Scenes at the CFDA Photoshoot

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Introducing Racked National's first celebrity guest blogger: Lori Goldstein. One of the most iconic fashion stylists of our time, Lori is also one of the most sought-after creative visionaries in the industry.

She's worked with celebrities including Madonna, Demi Moore, Julianne Moore, and Anne Hathaway, has held the position of Contributing Editor at Italian Vogue and Allure, and has worked as a creative consultant for brands including Vera Wang, Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, BCBG, and TSE. Lori currently has a featured fashion line with QVC called Logo Instant Chic.

My CFDA: I had the wonderful opportunity to style the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Awards Program. It was an amazing four day shoot with photographer Solve Sundsbo, creative director Trey Laird, hairstylist Peter Gray and makeup artists Christian McCullouch and Jeanine Lobell.

For me, everyone's a winner, and I love them all. I love the process of a shoot—from learning the cast, to talking about ideas with Trey and Solve in hour and a half conference calls—it being midnight in London where Solve is based— to speaking to everyone about what they are bringing to the shoot and shopping for the extra items needed for the shoot. Everyone was amazing, and a lot of the people I knew, some for years, others I met for the first time.

That's what is great about my work, meeting new people and collaborating on amazing pictures—and of course this was an easy group since everyone has their own unique style. I loved keeping my CFDA fashion diary so that I have all the memories for years to come. More importantly to bring them to you, exclusively for Racked.

Iman, what can I say: gorgeous, smart, funny and nice. She is, without a doubt, an icon, let alone a fashion icon. She is one of the most sincere and hardworking women I have ever met, and by the way, threw one of the best parties that I had been to in a long time last night at The Standard Hotel's new Black Room. We danced and had so much fun, and I will cherish my friendship with Iman forever.

I met Jason Wu (Swarovski Womenswear Designer of the Year) for the first time, I adore him and have since gone to dinner to find he is a riot (along with being super talented). One big secret about Jason, he loves RuPaul... I mean hello!

Richard Chai, we worked together when he was just a baby at TSE Cashmere. I loved him then; love him now. After his win for the Swarovski Menswear Designer of the Year award, I am so proud of him—to watch his talent and business grow has been like a proud mama.

The Rag & Bone boys, Marcus Wainwright and David Neville—David is married to the fab makeup artist Gucci Westman (who is always saying I gave her her first job). With my connection to Gucci, I have watched these guys turn a small menswear company into an amazing "have-to-have" brand now for men and women. I'm obsessed with all things Rag & Bone. To see them Monday night accept their Menswear Designer of the Year Award was so gratifying for all the work Marcus and David put into the brand.

Iris Apfel, again, what can I say? Alexis Bittar (Accessories Designer of the Year) told me on numerous occasions that I was the first person to ever call in his jewelry, many moons ago for a shoot with Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue—and the rest is history. I cannot even do a shot now without Alexis' jewelry. At the shoot, he brought Iris as his muse. I called her on the phone to go over the day, and we were instantly friends. She is inspiring and totally committed to fashion—still shopping and supporting. She's one, once she returns from Florida, that a dinner date is a must.

Eugenia Sheppard Award Winner Kim Hastreiter—Kim was one of the first people I met when I moved to New York 30 years ago. I watched her uniqueness grow and follow her own beat as she opened Paper Magazine. She is so dedicated to her truth and finding new, brilliant talent that is not necessarily the norm. I love that she has stayed on her own path, as have I, and trust me, it's not easy, but it's always rewarding to stay true to oneself. So, bravo Kim.

Another one of those first people I met in New York was Marc Jacobs (Womenswear Designer of the Year). I worked at Fiorucci and this young, adorable boy would come and hang out with me every weekend and talk about being a designer. Talk about dreams coming true! It makes me so happy when people achieve well beyond any dreams that they set out to do. Need I say Marc is brilliant and will go down in history as an icon.

And speaking of icons, I had never met Sarah Jessica Parker (who delivered a touching speech about Alexander McQueen). I knew the scoop: came from Cincinnati, where I am from so it was to be love already; and Carrie Bradshaw was a Sunday night staple for years. She exceeded every expectation and any idea of who she was. She's real and present and engaging and lives for her fashion in the best way. She's one that dies over it and wants to know everything not for any other reason than she loves it. I am now her biggest fan--not that I wasn't already. You'll notice the photo includes Trey Laird, SJP's friend, and the true mastermind behind this great shoot.

The entire program is available online, take a look as there are several other amazing talents nominated for the awards that space doesn't allow here.

xx, Lori

p.s. Make sure to tune in tomorrow night to QVC from 6 to 7 p.m., as I will be on air with Logo Instant Chic

· Logo Instant Chic [Facebook]
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· @LGInstantChic [Twitter]
· All Lori Goldstein, all the time [Racked]