Since runway shows for men’s collections are so few and far between, the Madison Park Collective show was a welcomed departure from the usual. The collection, designed by a showroom owner Trey Alligood III, whose experience and direct contact with retail buyers undoubtedly gives the market what it needs, did not overwhelm.

For a mainstream casual line distributed in many of the major retailers, most of the XCVI knits, jersey separates, and accessories had just enough of that little detail that managed to push them across the line from basic & boring to interesting.

There is only one word that can describe Dubai–based designer Furne One’s Fall 2012 collection, “c-r-a-z-y!” I was transported, along with a packed house at Vibiana during Style Fashion Week LA. It was wild being backstage watching the laborious work that went into getting those costumes on those models.

This Bosnian-born designer and FIDM graduate has definitely embraced the glitz and glamour of L.A., here in her new hometown. Ina Soltani is still loyal to leather, as seen by the body-conscious shift dresses, fitted pants, halter tops, and jackets in black, orange, white, and metallic leathers.

Octavio Carlin’s Fall/Winter 2012 runway show at Vibiana maintained his trademark feminine, classic vibe, but added enough “Hollywood” and quirky touches to keep it interesting.

Sitting just a few seats away from the late Zelda Kaplan, I watched the Joanna Mastroianni fashion show and was distracted by the commotion of the respected socialite’s untimely demise. The news that centered Kaplan’s death unfortunately took the spotlight away from a much deserved, and under-publicized successful new collection from Mastroianni.

Zac Posen’s Fall 2012 Collection was definitively Eastern in its influence. The parade of gowns worn by recognized top models, were distinctly themed with embroidery, origami folds, and oriental draping.

Held at The Studio at Lincoln Center, Zang Toi’s Fall 2012 Runway “Glamour at GSTAAD” showcases luxurious fabrics and fine tailoring. Can you say “white for winter?” the collection started out in white and had long coats for men, cocktail dresses with fur etching, wide-legged pants, sweaters and coats with silver rhinestones.

The Stage at Lincoln Center had a hum of anticipation as the audience waited for the first model to come out the gate at the Vera Wang fashion show. Known for her impressive silhouettes and depth of colors, fabric, appliqués, and “just always gets it right” sense of style, Vera Wang has been creating winning collections since her very first collection all those years ago.

Mathieu Mirano showed in New York for the very first time at The Box at Lincoln Center last February. His was a presentation full of Chinese inspirations and bold colors of red and shiny gold; other colors consisted of more muted tones ranging from browns, blacks, and blues.