Van Noten departed from his terrific cross-cultural inspirations and instead, applied that mash-up treatment to various periods of fashion.

tags:

• loose
• , grey
• , flare
• , neutrals
• , fall
• , grunge
• , monochromatic
• , winter
• , rtw
• , ready to wear

Walter Baker served up a savvy collection of commercial crowd-pleasers along with some edgier fare in moto jackets and boyfriend vests.

tags:

• skirt
• , clothing
• , white
• , fashion photo spreads
• , fashion industry news
• , fashion show reviews
• , fashion show coverage
• , runway reviews
• , black and white
• , stripes

tags:

• loose
• , calvin klein
• , notched collar
• , business
• , metallic
• , gray
• , grey
• , rtw
• , ready to wear
• , fall 2009

tags:

• spring 2009
• , clothing
• , 70s inspired
• , womens
• , pleats
• , gray
• , grey
• , billowy
• , sweater dress
• , rtw

tags:

• loose
• , womens
• , fall 2008
• , gray
• , sweater
• , grey
• , flare
• , dress
• , rtw
• , ready to wear

For their sophomore collection, the ex-Trovata duo tried to give their preppy girl a refined, elegant edge with plenty of cocktailwear — fussy stuff rendered in hammered satin and silk jersey — that felt like an afterthought compared with the casual-cool separates (and great men’s wear) for which they’re known.

tags:

• loose
• , green
• , womens
• , empire waist
• , skirts
• , gray
• , grey
• , dresses
• , belted waist
• , boatneck

Comey’s real strength is her prints and patterns: Designed in-house, this season’s are both whimsical (like the “waxing-moon” motif) and versatile (the checked jacquard pieces).

tags:

• three quarter sleeves
• , dresses
• , geometric prints
• , brown
• , grey
• , gray
• , shorts
• , sweetheart neckline
• , womens
• , floral prints

Patrick Robinson is staying positive. “It’s about this wonderful, new, fresh American optimism that’s in the air,” said Robinson of his presentation for the Gap, which drew a packed house, including unlikely Gap girl Carolina Herrera. Then again, Robinson stressed sophistication of the laid back sort for his superfresh lineup. So should Mrs. Herrera find herself in a dress-down mood come spring, perhaps a pair of smart silk khakis rolled at the ankle or a boyfriend blazer in chambray and jersey will strike her fancy.

tags:

• long sleeves
• , skirts
• , shorts
• , bikinis
• , hats
• , womens
• , cardigans
• , orange
• , swimwear
• , clothing