Soap opera icon Susan Lucci captivated the audience at Dennis Basso’s fashion show on Park Avenue, making a memorable entrance as the show’s grand finale. The event, which showcased a blend of elegance and star power, was attended by notable figures including Fern Mallis, socialite Fe Fendi, Kelly Bensimon, and prominent publicist Susan Magrino.
Lucci, celebrated for her iconic role as Erica Kane on “All My Children” from 1970 to 2011, took to the runway in a custom couture dress designed specifically for her. Speaking about her preparation, Lucci mentioned that she and Basso had a morning rehearsal and that she practiced her walk in her dressing room. “Dennis told me to just be myself, smile, and have fun,” she recounted.
Brightopis.com reflecting on her past runway experiences, Lucci admitted she was slightly anxious, particularly recalling a mishap from the 2019 Red Dress Collection show for the American Heart Association, where she had taken a fall in a voluminous ball gown. “When I got out on the runway, I started spinning a bit too much, and the gown seemed to have a life of its own. I caught my heel and went down like a Raggedy Ann doll. I prayed to the runway gods to let me pop back up, and thankfully, I did,” Lucci said.
Her relationship with Basso spans many years, and she has always admired his designs for their sophisticated blend of wearability and refinement. “His work is incredibly feminine, elegant, and alluring—both timeless and timely,” Lucci praised.
Basso, known for his celebration of “generational dressing,” cast models ranging in age from 22 to 82 in his show. He approached Lucci with a personal invitation, saying, “When you ask someone to be the finale and it’s not just a celebrity who’s paid, but someone who is a friend, it adds a special touch. I wanted Susan because of our personal connection.” He added, “I told her, ‘I’m celebrating generational dressing and women of a certain age, and you are so gorgeous. I would love to have you on the runway.’”
The evening was not just a showcase of fashion but also a testament to enduring friendships and the timeless appeal of elegant design. Basso’s collection featured a mix of his signature designs alongside pieces from his QVC line, further emphasizing his theme of celebrating fashion across generations. Lucci’s appearance was a fitting tribute to the elegance and charm that both she and Basso bring to the world of fashion.
