Winter is approaching, and as the seasons change, so do the fashions. With new fashions come new soirees and a whole host of heady celebrations. From extravagant galas and decadent balls to exhibition previews and even a secret, chic ski-resort, we have compiled the ultimate list of events and exact ensembles to make an entrance.



Schifahren in St. Anton

Who: Austrians in the know.
What: Skiing, après-skiing or simply being seen.
Where: St. Anton, Austria's chic-yet-discreet skiing Mecca.
When: When the snow falls thick and fast.
Wear: Sonia Rykiel white fur coat over Stella McCartney polar bear sweater-dress. Finish with functional Marc Jacobs hiker boots, Stella's matching polar bear bag and a pair of fabulous Fogal tights.
Why: There is no better place to show off this season's snow-inspired trends than the slopes.
www.skiaustria.com/stantonaustria


Paris vs. London

Who: The crème de la crème of the Brit art world and possibly some of the French.
What: Preview of the Louise Bourgeois Exhibition at the Tate Modern
Where: The Tate Modern, London.
When: Evening of October 9th.
Wear: Versace gator fur coat, completed with Christian Larcoix biker bag and Louis Vuitton leather t-bar heels.
Why: An outfit of understated strength and esteem is what is called for at an event like this.
www.tate.org.uk

In conversation with Alber

Who: Every fashion insider quick enough to secure a ticket, including Linda Evangelista and Chloë Sevigny.
What: Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz speaks and accepts the Couture Council award.
Where: The Rainbow Room at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
When: September 5th.
Wear: Lanvin cream silk and black fur dress, Miu Miu patent ankle-boots, Chanel gathered black clutch and an optional black-bobbed wig.
Why: Elegance and gratification all in one hit - to wear any other label would be the ultimate fashion faux pas.
www.fitnyc.edu, www.lanvin.com

In honor of Chuck

Who: Anyone who is anyone in the art-fashion and art world.
What: The 2007 Whitney 'Shades of Gray' Gala and Studio Party in honor of Chuck Close and sponsored by the German fashion label Akris.
Where: The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.
When: October 22nd.
Wear: Jonathan Saunders' Daniel-Buren-inspired black and gray number with Jil Sander patent platforms and Calvin Klein black gator clutch.
Why: Saunders is the perfect meeting point between art and fashion, and he knows how to sew a sculptural seam or two.
www.whitney.org


A bygone time

Who: Young ladies of leisure and young gentlemen of gentrification.
What: Sipping "green fairies" out of the hands of men in custom-made suits.
Where: Zeppelin, 21 West Ninth St., New York.
When: Opens in September.
Wear: Anything with elegance and intrigue, such as this Prada sleeveless mohair jacket with feathered skirt and two-tone satin heels. Possible embellishments include a Solange Azagury Partridge Surrealist-inspired ring and Martin Margiela authentic croc shoulder bag.
Why: The ring is all you need to pay heed to the '40s feeling inside; the outfit is what you need to get you through the door.


An eco-empire

Who: Remains to be seen. Predicted clientele include local yummy mummies, photographic fathers and trend arbiters from the East.
What: Acorn House, the restaurant that transformed the way Londoners eat out, is extending its already-popular name into Hackney, with premises which are apparently even more convivial to the environment than its King's Cross debut.
Where: Orsman Rd., Hackney, London.
When: Scheduled to open in late October.
Wear: Marc Jacobs fur pom-pom coat over Balenciaga Middle-Eastern-inspired dress, to contrast with a pair of Marni silver platforms.
Why: East London is the home ground of British eclecticism, so mix it up.
www.acornhouserestaurant.com


Backstage beauty

Who: True fashion-followers.
What: Thomas Zanon Larcher's exhibition of dreamy backstage photographs commissioned by Comme Des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto.
Where: Antwerp ModeMuseum.
When: Opening night is November 22nd.
Wear: Sophia Kokosalaki's lambswool coat with Hermès over-the-knee boots, Hugo Boss woven bag and one of Victoire De Castellane's fine jewelry designs for Dior.
Why: It's understated avant-garde – that's Antwerp sewn up.
www.momu.be