By Hannah Yakobi

Photography by Kareen Mallon

Models strut down the catwalk. Hundreds of photographers argue in the photo pit. Designers frantically run around to make sure everything is ready. Reporters share gossip and file stories from their computers in the media lounge. Televisions everywhere broadcast the latest from the runway.

People. Fashion. New York. This is Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Let’s take a look at some of the best shows this season.

Carolina Herrera

I have been following Herrera’s work for decades. Open the door to one of her stores and it’s reminiscent of walking into a mansion of a very well-respected, well put together woman. No wonder then that Herrera has dressed many First Ladies, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Michelle Obama.

For fall/winter 2013, Herrera brought back geometric prints and plenty of fur in different colours. Knee-length skirts and floor-hugging silk gowns were particularly popular. The designer also created a strong resurgence of the 40s, while the hair of some models was very à la Russian princess.

Herrera placed a strong focus on the waist via belts of varied thickness and style. The entire presentation was classic and very dramatic.

Michael Kors

He has always been associated with New York City – hop into a yellow cab during fashion week, and a video interview with Kors will have him tell you what he loves about putting a show together; stroll through the city and you will see his work on display in the trendiest neighbourhoods; and the front row of MBFW is always filled with his Hollywood admirers.

This season, Kors’ collection is quite futuristic: think parachute-like extended back peplums, leather bodices, funky sunglasses, and accents in the form of buttons or zippers.

For the gents, Kors signals the return of minimalism, with suits, a couple of short-sleeved sweaters and mostly dark tones, punctuated with earthy greens.

Rachel Zoe

Zoe is just as renowned for her clothing as she is for being a street style celebrity.

This season, she puts layering centre stage (how convenient for winter!). Leather was a popular choice at MBFW last month and Zoe’s collection was no exception. She focused on muted tones with black, grey, dark green and deep blue.

This was a very wearable collection – definitely something that would look good for a day in the office.

Tracy Reese

Increasing numbers of designers are bringing animals to the runway – we’ve seen piglets in Toronto, for example, and dogs in Ottawa. Reese decided to add the cute factor as well, and had the model walk with a grey cat on a leash.

This presentation was flirty and very sexy. Think plunging necklines, sheer fabrics, dresses and floral patterns. Winter doesn’t have to be boring after all.

Falguni & Shane Peacock

The Peacocks never disappoint. Their ability to combine multiple patterns, feathers, fabrics and sequins into one crazy, rock star piece is always eye-grabbing. It can even be hypnotic.

This season, they showcased million-dollar-looking gowns – with their hair pulled back and cat-eye make-up, models looked powerful and sexy. This collection was filled with statement pieces, punctuated with a touch of fashion experimentation.

Diane von Furstenberg

Sleek metallics, fuchsias and reds, paired with the looks of ’70s – Diane von Furstenberg made the runway come alive.

We spotted caftan-style blouses, blazers, halter dresses and plenty of silk. Unexpected shoulder cut outs added a feminine touch.

The designer seemed to be having a lot of fun with this collection, as she strutted down the runway herself in the end, to the beats of Chaka Khan’s I’m Every Woman. She even sang along.

Joanna Mastroianni

This line was very structured and cohesive.

The primary focus was on cocktail dresses and evening gowns that had a feel of East Meets West. Leather and oversized brooch-accented coats were particularly memorable.

Badgley Mischka

The primary look here seemed to embody a sexy businesswoman who then transitions into a Red Carpet star. There was a slight return of the peplum, some suits and elbow-high silk gloves. This was followed by delicate gowns that tightly wrapped around models’ bodies.

A particular highlight was a neutral-toned floor-length piece, with a thigh-high slit, paired with shoulder and belt embellishments.

Naeem Khan

Naeem Khan has been in the news quite frequently in the last year, partly due to the gowns he has been creating for Michelle Obama. He even dressed the First Lady for her surprise appearance at the Oscars.

During MBFW, he had one of the most intricate collections. Khan said he was inspired by Art Deco, Ottoman and Byzantine era. A truly spectacular result.

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DID YOU KNOW: You can also read this article on eBay’s Fashion Notes!

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