RSVP : Would They Cast Off Chanels for These?

Never mind that many of the women who filled the ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Saturday night were dressed in the best designer labels known to humankind. By evening’s end, they were won over by fashion nobodies.

“There are a lot of pieces I’d like to have,” admitted Annette O’Malley, who typically wears Chanel. “I think they’re truly great clothes.”

The Otis College of Art and Design’s 13th annual “Critics Awards” fashion show is a presentation of sportswear, evening wear and children’s clothes by students who work directly with leading designers including Gus Tassell, David Hayes, Leon Max, Nick Hilton, Harriet Selwyn and Pamela Barish.

There’s no doubt it has its fashion moments.

When television newscaster Tawny Little, filling in for Hayes, stepped onstage to present his award in a mini red trench coat, skin-tight leggings and spike heels, she definitely provided one of them.

Elaine Goldsmith, chairwoman of Otis’ board of trustees, who each year wears the work of a student, provided another when she appeared in elegant white trousers and embroidered navy organza jacket.

Even the acerbic “worst-dressed list” auteur Richard Blackwell turned to mush after seeing the students’ work. “It’s better than Paris,” he cooed. (His own ensemble for the evening was a traditional tuxedo garnished with a jeweled flower brooch.)

“It’s always amazing what youth can do,” offered Briget Martens whose husband, John, runs Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills.

Nancy Vreeland, the benefit chairwoman, admitted she worried about filling the ballroom and meeting the goal of raising nearly $500,000 for scholarships.

After all, the party didn’t have any big-name entertainment to offer. Nordstrom--which received the school’s “fashion achievement award”--was the biggest star on the program. “The people who come love fashion but they also like the idea of supporting something very sincere and very basic--simply supporting youth in their community,” said Vreeland.

Vreeland and her husband, Tim, brought along their good friend, New York costume jewelry king Kenneth Jay Lane, who normally circulates in the highest fashion echelons with pals like Oscar de la Renta and Betsy Bloomingdale.

Even he was impressed.

“Good show,” Lane said shortly after the lights dimmed. “It’s a very good show.”