New York Report

With New York fashion week coming to a close it is hard to resist the beautiful new collections that were on the catwalk for next season. For the first time since 9/11 the vibe was back in New York to prove it is indeed one of the great fashion capitols of the world.

Highlights of the week were Diane Von Furstenberg who pulled in a star studded crowd for a very feminine and commercial spring summer 04 collection. The theme of urban glamour was mixed with a hint of sex & the city with an array of beautiful floaty chiffon dresses. Slinky jersey for evening and abstract Egyptian ibis motifs for prints. Proenza Schouler, who showed outside the tents at the North Pavilion, is best described as a "sporty but fragile" collection, with nautical looks and Chanel-inspired black and white tweed jackets.

Perhaps the most anticipated show (and the hottest) was Marc Jacobs at the Armoury. Keeping his press and buyers waiting for almost an hour in the unbearable heat, he showed a collection that was commercial and wearable; focusing on relaxed tailoring, floral dresses, velvet skirts in blue, green and coral hues and menswear-tailored trousers that didn't disappoint. Equally well-attended was the after-party at the newly opened Maritime Hotel in the fashionable meatpacking district, where the models and stars danced to electro-pop in the ship's hull inspired hotel basement.

Brit designer Luella Bartley changed locations at the last minute and turnout was less than expected. When the show was further delayed, Hilary Alexander, infamous fashion editor of The Daily Telegraph, shunned the New York non-smoking law and was seen lighting a cigarette. Bartley's designs were floaty and breezy and moved away from her neon prints of the current season. With a handbag collection that is quickly gaining cult status, she is proving a force to be reckoned with.

Don-Alvin Adegeest