I was really disappointed that I missed the grand fashion week debut at Lumiere Place. I got a sneak peak at the venue and it was as well appointed as any New York runway scene. So as I was explaining to designer Rachel Pally that I wanted to preview her show, but I wasn’t going to be around for the main event, we found out how small the world really is.

She joked that I’d better have a good excuse for missing her show and I told her that indeed I did. I had bought tickets to soul-singing-powerhouse Jill Scott’s concert at the Fox Theater months before. Rachel said that was indeed a good excuse and told me to look out for her newest fashion adventure — designing a line for plus-sized women which is now sold exclusively at Nordstrom. As fate would have it, Rachel is the exclusive designer for Scott’s latest tour. She sent her a trunkful of dresses including the mocha caftan that retails for $248, according to shop.nordstrom.com. (By the way that’s a promotional shot at right shot by Keith Major).

The loose fitting dress with a deep V-neck stopped at the knee, had a Empire waist and featured kimono-like 3/4 sleeves. It looked as cozy as pajamas but wonderfully fetching (I miss that word, “fetching”) and wildly flattering for Scott’s curvy physique.

That wasn’t the only role of fashion during Scott’s show. In the lobby, an infomercial played on a loop touting the new Butterfly bra by Ashley Stewart that was inspired by and designed with the help of Miss Scott for the voluptuous woman. See the video at http://www.ashleystewart.com/AS/butterfly/home.html.

Scott’s hair which is wonderfully diverse was styled in a mohawk hybrid that peaked on top with a light shade of tawny honey brown. The lighter shade crested her scalp and then snaked down the back of her head in a curvaceous line that ended at the nape of her neck. The rest of her hair color was a reddish brunette. I still haven’t decided whether or not I liked it. But regardless Scott’s persona outweighs any style choice. One word: Phenomenal.

She later made a minor production of a shoe change during the last quarter of her infectious, exhilarating performance. Scott began a melodic chant of “pinkie toe, ball of foot, pinkie toe, ball of foot” that was so cute that the audience was singing along. On cue, two young men ran out from stage left and right to remove her very high heels and replace them with flip-flops. Scott did a little jig to show her approval and then on with the show.