On day 3 the KOONHOR Fall 2014 collection was the first show I attended.  The show was at the Hudson Hotel. The brand based in Italy was created by the designers Koon Lim and Catrine Thé. The collection was designed for the dynamic, modern woman. It expressed refined boldness through metallic-coated black blazers, dresses and structured wool flare skirts. Buckle accents were used on both belted coats and classic ankle-boots. Biker jackets featured strong, stiff cuts with pink metallic-coated collars detailed on a few of the pieces. Most of the looks were predominantly black and white with an occasional accent of color like army green wool-blend pants and denim skirts.

On February 7 I attended Carmen Valvo’s fall 2014 collection at Lincoln Center.

Inspired by a trip to Istanbul, Valvo’s Fall/Winter 2014 collection incorporated elements of historic Ottoman landmarks. These influences were reflected through metalwork and mosaics that adorned pieces ranging from bodices to riding coats and footwear. The color palette was mostly black, red, and navy blue. The runaway show included mid to long embroidered skirts, lean tunics over skinny pants, and lace gowns.

Seated in the front row were well-known public figures including the actresses Vanessa Williams and Adepero Oduye, fashion entrepreneur Fern Mallis and journalist Katie Couric.

The designer Yuna Yang’s fashion show was the last one I attended on my first day of New York Fashion Week. The designer presented her fall 2014 collection at Alvin Alley American Dance Theater. The collection entitled “Butterfly Mother” was inspired by the Miao culture, an ethnic group from southwest China.  The collection was a mix of prints and boyish cuts with feminine embellishments. Black lace was juxtaposed against bright neon silks, ornamented sweaters with midi silk skirts, silk dresses with slouchy socks paired with sneakers, and vibrant blue dresses.