However, as New York Fashion Week wrapped up Thursday, it was clear that Ralph Lauren's interpretation of 1920s chic was the best. His show was so good he received a standing ovation from fashion front-rowers, including Vogue editors Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley and Elle creative director Joe Zee.
Lauren, Fashion Week's longtime czar, started his 57-look fall runway presentation with a bevy of trouser looks, but instead of grays, olives, and tans, the preferred hues of the old-school era, Lauren electrified his ensembles with shimmering cobalts and burgundies.
The Fall 2012 Ralph Lauren woman isn't afraid to don a top hat or suiting with jodhpurs and a checked vest.
One of his most memorable looks was a sleek-haired model wearing a fluid smoking robe with a contrasting red shearling collar. The flannel wide-legged trouser gave an aura of soft seriousness.
And the handbags he paired with these looks are a signal to me that bags are finally taking a turn toward the tiny.
Lauren's entire collection wasn't all smoking-jacket and manly. Like many designers this week, he felt the pull of femininity in a beautiful group of long-sleeved gowns in jerseys, silks, and velvets.
The body-skimming eveningwear is luscious and sultry. And the best part isn't just the confidence that comes from covered arms, but also the reverse views that expose toned backs. Talk about strong and girly.
American sportswear designer Michael Kors also began his luxe collection with a menswear theme, but his was louder, in chunky plaids and herringbone prints.
Kors made fashion financial news when his company's stock surged 27 percent on Tuesday. So maybe channeling the mood of his festive finances, he did his gowns in glitter-exposing cleavage with keyholes in the bodice.
