TV Togs : Emmy-Nominated Designers Dress Beverly Hills Windows

“I’d vote for ‘P.S. I Love U,’ ” said the vice mayor of Beverly Hills, Maxwell Salter, eyeing a trio of Connie Sellecca look-alikes modeling slinky evening gowns with thigh-high slits.

“They’re so chic looking, very Rodeo Drive,” agreed Allan Alexander, a Beverly Hills City Council member and a past mayor.

The 1992 Emmy nominees for best costume design in a television series were paraded at Beverly Hills City Hall Monday to kick off window displays of the designs at I. Magnin, Tiffany & Co., Fred Hayman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Two Rodeo Drive shopping center. The awards will be handed out Aug. 30.

In the meantime, the nominees (except for “I’ll Fly Away’s” Tom McKinley, who was on location in Atlanta) fielded questions from the savvy crowd of luxury hotel keepers and fashion retailers. “P. S. I Love U” designer Jerry Skeels seemed miffed by comparisons to Bob Mackie, and he made sure that his glass beads were not mistaken for sequins.

The Beverly Hills Hotel’s Kerman Beriker was surprised to learn that his favorite look came off the set of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” “They’re so elegant and festive,” he said.

“Star Trek” designer Robert Blackman explained that his choices were less futuristic than historic. A wedding gown was inspired by Balenciaga.

There was no mixing up some shows and their designers. “Quantum Leap’s” Jean-Pierre Dorleac wore a silk suit with a lapel converging into the jacket--like those worn on the show. And Linda Bass could have walked off the set of “Brooklyn Bridge,” in her mid-calf polka-dot dress and matching heels.