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• September 17, 2008
• Runway and Shows

16 Top Trends

Our greatest hits from New York Fashion Week. By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi


Fashion Week in fall is always a little jarring. Most of us are still re-programming ourselves out of the slower pace of summer, and then the Tents go up, taxis disappear, and fashion is once again in session. Perhaps in keeping with the frenetic pace, the recent spring/summer shows conjured a lot of strong opinions. Critics, buyers, and enthusiasts loved or hated them. And many called the collections a disappointment. We don't agree. Even though the economy is in the shitter and loads of designers are being a tad more conservative with their output, we discovered several shows that revealed vitality and risk in good measure. In particular, we loved the pattern of opposing forces at work: Some designers went soft and feminine, while others embraced sexy, hard-edged, and angular; some went with black or inky winter shades as the other side adopted powdery pastels. The yin-yang excited us, and as a result there were a lot of top moments to choose from. Here we go…again—our top 16 trends of NYFW…get 'em while they're hot.

1. The Malibu Palette—Warm, sun-kissed shades of melon and hot-pink had a Miami Vice feel in a good way. From left: Alexander Wang, DKNY, Shipley & Halmos, Alexander Wang

2. More Elegant Jumpsuits—We were on the one-piece track a few seasons ago…and we still are. Thankfully, these designers are, too. From left: BCBG, Derek Lam, Catherine Holstein, 3.1 Phillip Lim

3. Peek-a-boo Sheers—Instead of looking tacky, these sheers felt avant garde, revealing just a hint of skin through abstract designs and burnout shapes. From left: Alexander Wang, Preen, Alexander Wang, Juan Carlos Obando

4. Sculptural Ruffles—We'd even call it the Season of the Ruffle, but these artful waves and curves were our favorite fantastical interpretation. From left: Preen, Karen Walker, Preen, Yigal Azrouël

5. Short Suits—Want 'em. All. From left: Alexander Wang, Daughters by Obedient Sons, Karen Walker, United Bamboo