Distilled – I understood the line better after speaking to Matty Merrill (designer). Think Seattle grunge meets London underground club. It was created with the hipsters in mind.  The color purple as found in details in pocket interiors and hoods were the attraction of the show. However, the full fledged one toned ensembles were too much to handle. Watch out for the zig-zag stitching on the jackets. They’re sure attention getters.

Yoko Devereaux – Making the studious look attractive. Edgy and stimulating. This fall students will have no excuse as they head to their college campuses. According to Laurent who works close with the designer, some changes will be made to the cuffs of the pants before production. However, this line was cohesive and meticulous. I fell in love with the shorter, tapered trousers with zippers on the inside of the leg.

Andrew Buckler – Thoughtful, insightful, detail oriented, and most importantly, ready for the shelves of any retail store. I was flabbergasted by the presentation. That is the true way to start Fashion Week: a haute couture show for a men’s collection! Truly the push menswear needs at this day and age. The originality and creativity tied up with each outfit was impressive. Andrew certainly took the time to study and understand his clientele. I look forward to seeing and buying more of his collections in the future.

Elie Tahari - Menswear is soft and sophisticated transitioning well from a day in the office, to an evening at the theater, or a weekend drive to the Hamptons.  Black and grey were the predominant colors.  Womenswear was elegant and classic. Young and chic. The hemlines were the attraction: short skirts with wide waistbands and low rise pants with very long cuffed legs. Neutrals were very predominant (black, grey, ivory) but the accents of deep purple and green stole the show. Once again, Tahari is doing it right!

Nautica - Technological innovation in every athletic piece: second-skin layers under quilted vests and sweaters and comfortable cotton sweatpants. For the every day man Mirian Lamberth created sleak cargo pants, windbreakers, cable sweaters, scarves, caps, and gloves. For the more refined palate there were plush velvet blazers in rich colors of grey and blue, dark denim jeans, brown, navy, and winter white peacoats, and tuxedo pants.