As the runways in New York showcase some of the best international designers throughout February, we bring to our readers the highlights and our favourite shows.

Headlined by supermodel Karlie Kloss, this was one of the strongest runway shows of the season.

The fall/winter 2015 Carolina Herrera woman has attitude, elegance and power. Metallics are combined with neutral tones, occasionally highlighted by shades of deep red. Geometric shapes on some pieces were almost reminiscent of abstract reflections in a swimming pool. Once again, Herrera used one of her favourite combinations: silk and fur.

– Hannah Yakobi, Editor-in-Chief

Badgley Mischka

Updos infused with chic gowns and luxurious fabrics were the highlights of this collection. Minimal make-up with the occasional cat-eye accents, drew full attention to the clothes. Various shades of gold and red were the key colour choices by the designer duo.

In terms of trends: peplums, floor-hugging strapless gowns and above the elbow gloves, added an Old Hollywood feel to the entire showcase.

– Hannah Yakobi, Editor-in-Chief

Reem Acra

Sparkle and shine were central to Reem Acra’s presentation this season. Puffed sleeves and voluminous skirts of some looks were contrasted with the sleek looks of others.

The fashion house used the trendy mock neck on the silhouettes throughout the collection. Sometimes covered from head to toe, there was a touch of sexiness and daring added to the clothes through the use of sheer fabrics, a recurring theme seen on the runways during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

– Katherine Ellis, Executive Editor

Desigual

As the name of the brand implies, Desigual (Spanish for “unequal”, “uneven”, “different”) is all about contrasts. This season was no exception: abstract patterns; various shades of red, green and blue; and kaleidoscope-like designs filled the runway. Floral prints and geometric shapes took centrestage, with silk, jacquard and wool being the primary fabric choices.

Walking on the catwalk among other models were Behati Prinsloo and Chantelle Brown-Young (a.k.a. Winnie Harlow). As many of our readers may recall, we first saw Chantelle several years ago at Toronto’s Arts & Fashion Week, and she had captured us with her grace and elegance. After appearing on America’s Next Top Model, Chantelle has been working with many international brands and is currently the face of Desigual’s campaign that is featured all over the world.

– Hannah Yakobi, Editor-in-Chief

Donna Karan

Fifty shades (and shapes) of black were on the runway this season for Donna Karan‘s Power and Poetry collection. An almost entirely black line, the dark looks were brought to life by the mixture of textures, geometric cuts reminiscent of New York City’s skyline – one of the influences of the collection – and strongly cinched waists. Pops of bronze, metallic brocades and gold made the pieces stand out on the runway (though I enjoyed the dark silhouettes, I think the clothes would have made a stronger impact on a lighter background and white catwalk).

The Donna Karan woman in fall/winter 2015 exudes sexiness, power and confidence – a definite highlight for fashion week this season.

– Katherine Ellis, Executive Editor

Monique Lhuillier

This season, Monique Lhuillier focused on sleek and luxurious looks, which included jewel tones, lace details, bead work and sheer panels. Using Kate Moss as a muse, Lhuillier also incorporated more “alternative” versions, with deep Vs, high slits and voluminous jackets that were paired with skinny pants. These looks were tempered with 1920s frocks, embellished by deep colours and patterns.

Since Lhuillier’s work has been strongly present on Red Carpets, we will keep an eye out for some of these pieces during the award season.

– Katherine Ellis, Executive Editor

Herve Leger

The collection had clear architectural lines with sharp edges created by heavy fabrics and mostly golden details. The sharpness and graphic details in some looks pleasantly contrasted with the sexy hourglass shapes created by the studs and other details.

A punk vibe was felt throughout, seen in the colour=blocking, graphic textiles, oversized coats and more. Though it did have a few pops of colour, the overall looks were very monochromatic.

– Katherine Ellis, Executive Editor

Lacoste

Tennis-inspired looks were at the forefront for Lacoste at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this season. With shirts stating René did it first (an homage to the brand’s founder René Lacoste, the eponymous French tennis player who founded the company in his post-tennis career) and Tennis anyone?, the brand looked back at its heritage, while simultaneously modernising the looks for fall 2015.

Colour-blocking, layering and mixing of textures were strongly present on long jackets and leisure suits, hence adding a trendy touch to all pieces. The pleated skirts à la 70s and stripes also livened up the runway with pops of bright colour.

– Katherine Ellis, Executive Editor