Alissa Walker Live from Spring Show 2009

We ordered and Gelateria Naia delivered. And boy, did they deliver. Six flavors custom-selected for their extreme pairability by yours truly: Stracciatella, Dark Chocolate, Nutella, Salted Caramel, Pistachio and Strawberry Sorbetto. My personal selection? Stracciatella and Salted Caramel. Primo! With lines that stretched across the room, we probably scooped out 400 cups of luscious, creamy gelato. Actually, we is not quite correct, Pamela Williams of Williams + House and Marc English, of well, you know, kilt-wearing design fame, got behind the cart and dished out nearly all the servings, speaking to guests in a gelato-pidgin language combination of Italian, French and Spanish. (”Bonjournito!”) Thanks to everyone who came out!

Immediately afterwards, the President’s Reception began. Glasses of white wine clinked into hands as models streamed into the show wearing the evening gowns by the school’s fashion designers. Elisa Stephens took the stage for some remarks about the show. Her grandfather actually started the school in 1929—which by my calculations, should make riding out this recession a piece of cake for the Academy! She also gave an awesome shout-out to Gelatobaby and everything we’ve been doing here today. So thank you, Elisa!

Judging has begun back here in the graphic design nook, but reviewers continue to stream into the show, with many more expected as the workday ends. No more gelato but plenty of cool work to be seen. Check out the photos by Trent McNair and Jason Permenter, none of which would be possible without the fantastic Linda McNair, Kim Rogala and of course, Randy J. Hunt, who has been released from his top-secret design bunker and is now roaming the show freely. If you’re still on your way, be sure to come find us! We’re the ones wearing these buttons. The only ones. We swear.