MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

The new British invasion came with an explosion of color on the catwalk of designer Matthew Williamson.

And it wasn't just one or two wild brights in a sea of black, as other designers have done. Williamson instead created a kaleidoscope of crimson, coral, mint green and turquoise and then shook it up.

He had success with metallic jacquards, both a sunset-colored sunburst that brightened up a minindress and a mint green-and-silver, skinny-leg pantsuit, and a slinky Spirograph-print column dress with a high neck and beaded sleeves was fresh and modern even if it was something the coolest housewife on the block would have worn in the 1970s.

CYNTHIA STEFFE

For the tough chick who might occasionally crave a ruffle, or a delicate wisp of a woman who lusts after a little leather, there's Cynthia Steffe.

The brand, now designed by Shaun Kearny, debuted its fall styles with pieces that fit the overall tough tone the industry has adopted for next season, yet were carried out more subtly. Kearny dubbed the collection, "Tough and Sweet. Rock 'n' roll chic."

The show opened with dresses that walked that fine line, including a buttery black leather dress with a ruffle running vertically down one side and a hunter-green hammered charmeuse dress with a leather yoke and exposed back zipper.

Other trends Kearny hit were peplums, fabric that juts out at the hips, which balance out the strong shoulders. There also was a metallic cocktail dress, another must-do for designers this season, and there was the space-age silhouette, too - his version a stiff gold boucle coat.

TAHARI

The most outstanding pieces from the new fall Tahari fashion collection are those inspired by the Japanese cherry blossoms, which just happen to be a symbol of good fortune and love.

Consider those designer Elie Tahari's good-luck charms for the industry with the black cloud of the economy hanging over the heads of retailers, editors and stylists getting their first glimpse of what clothes will look like next season.

That Japanese motif was used for a printed sequin skirt worn with a short-sleeve, cranberry-color cashmere sweater as well as a long printed dress that loosely resembled a kimono. Another black mesh blouse with puffy Victorian sleeves had a delicate Asian floral applique that paired nicely with a narrow pencil skirt.

(China Daily/Agencies February 19, 2009)