Without further ado: The Diva’s Guide to New York Fashion Week.

Best Newcomer

Infamous stylist and totally bananas TV personality Rachel Zoe launched her first collection this season. The clothes weren’t too unique, but as predicted, everything was styled beyond belief. Look at how the model’s hair matches the shoes and the purse. Unbelievable. The dark lips with the white suit pieces – it’s a delicious combination. Better yet, all these pieces work as separates, meaning they’re actually wearable. I approve.

Most Powerful Power Suits

I DARE YOU TO IGNORE ME IN MY ORANGE SUIT. When I’m Oscar de la Renta’s attorney, this is what I’m wearing. (Well, actually, I’d be wearing Oscar if I were his attorney, but you get my point.)

Gorgeous. Michael Kors does beautiful simplicity like no other American designer. This luxe, creame-colored suit feels a little 70s-inspired, but not in a costumey way. Simply beautiful.

Stunning. The cut of that jacket is simply superb. And I love that the pinstripes in the skirt are skinnier than the ones in the blazer – the effect is super-slimming and elongating.

I know that nobody but Kiernan Shipka could pull this off, but I would kill for this outfit. (But only if I could get a matching one for my Barbie.)

Coats, Winter Fashion, and Knitwear

Probably the most flattering knit dress I’ve ever seen. I never thought I’d say this, but the legwarmers are perfect. Great accessories, and the model is working the hell out of this look.

Orange was everywhere this season, from splashes of accessories to full suits and dresses. I love the skinny belt and the oversized collar – definitely a modern twist on Joan from Mad Men.

This girl is so white that I actually can’t quite believe she’s a living, breathing human being, but this is also the most fabulous winter gear I’ve ever seen. The white-to-gray fade of the dress, coat, tights, and boots – it’s just incredible.

Most Fabulous Prints

I can’t get over this moon-print dress! I wish I could see it in real life, to determine how much texture is really going on. If it’s just a print, it’s sort of weird, but if it’s a bit three-dimensional, that could be pretty epic.

The ocean-during-a-thunderstorm color palette is exceptionally beautiful.

SUPER cute print. Love the abstract feel, love the color.

Cocktail Hour

Gorgeous. There’s something very mod/ballerina about the turtleneck, the silhouette of the skirt, the bit of feathers poking out and those fabulous strips of color at the bottom. Absolutely fabulous.

I love that mustard-olive skirt, and the little black lace mask matching the lace top is spectacular. And those little polka-dotted stockings are my new obsession. I can see those being hugely trendy next fall.

A simple silhouette, but with enough design elements to keep you interested. The juxtaposition between the prints, the soft bodice, and the metal-looking shoulder piece is really fascinating.

The styling pushes it into Minnie Mouse/Betty Boop territory, but every piece is still fantastic.

It’s not really New York Fashion Week until you spot a teeny, frilly, chiffon-draped cocktail-bridal gown by Marchesa. But despite the label’s consistency, I’ll never tire of dresses like this. If it actually covered my cooter, I’d wear this to my wedding.

Head-to-toe, a perfect runway look that would look laughably ridiculous in real life. But on this model, with the bondage stockings and the silly pink shoes, and that over-the-top neckline – it’s absolutely chic.

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Want to see the glitziest, most Hollywood-worthy ball gowns from New York Fashion Week? I’m working on your Red Carpet Predictions post as we speak!

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© Democracy Diva, 2011.