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Neiman Marcus "Fashion Guru" Ken Downing Styles S. Fla. Fundraiser

MIAMI (CBS4) - He can be called Neiman Marcus' "Fashion Guru", but officially Ken Downing goes by the title of Fashion Director.

Downing believes that when a woman looks in her closet, she should see all her best friends looking back at her.

"I do think clothes should be a woman's best friend," Downing said.  "You should never look in your wardrobe and think I can't commit to that today."

Downing flew from Dallas to South Florida for the 2nd Annual Splendor in the Garden Fundraiser at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.  CBS4's Shannon Hori emceed the event.

For the last couple of days Downing's been pulling clothes, shoes, and accessories from the Merrick Park Neiman Marcus for the fashion show.

One of the biggest trends for spring is orange.  Downing said it's everywhere.

"If you can't wear head to toe orange, you at least must have an orange handbag," commented Downing.

WEB VIDEO EXTRA: Interview With Neiman Marcus Fashion Dir. Ken Downing

And Dolphins fans will love this.  Downing recommends mixing orange with the other hot color of the spring:  blue.

Another must for the spring is mixing pretty with provocative.

"Everybody read '50 Shades of Grey' when on holiday while designing collection," Downing joked.  So think pairing lace with gladiator style shoes.

Downing says if you buy just one thing for this spring make it warm weather in, of course, orange.

"Well I'm obsessed with orange," Downing said.  "It's the new neutral."

If you'd like to meet Ken Downing in person he will be presenting another fashion show Friday January 25 at noon at Neiman Marcus at the Village of Merrick Park.

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