For a modern twist on the architectural, look no further than VPL. This line featured sheer layers of jersey and leather as well as hand-dyed silk. An interesting accessory was the hosiery, presented sheer, stopping above the knee or as a leg warmer resting squarely on the calf.

Doo.Ri is a master at contemporary draping. Using neutral colors and jersey fabrics, this designer captured an easeful elegance from a modern point of view.

The New Frontier

There is a search for new terrain, especially with designers who are invoking the Wild, Wild West in a modern nomadic way. Big floppy hats, long flowing skirts, Western-inspired fabrics. And not just from Ralph Lauren, who always has that Americana edge to his collection.

Mara Hoffman presented what I call "urban nomad." Long, flowing, prairie-printed dresses topped by oversize floppy hats that cradled desert-protecting flowing scarves. Chunky sweaters juxtaposed with sheer dresses and Western boots made for quite a statement about finding the future.

Carlos Miele looked to the great beyond with a collection of prairie-influenced garments, among them an oversize poncho -- perfect for the desert.

Just Right

A few designers always know their customer and always deliver. Two of them are worth mentioning:

Diane von Furstenberg captured in a perfect way an off-the-shoulder sheath dress, a glazed, burgundy leather coat topping slim fuchsia leggings and tons of black-and-white, whimsically patterned dresses, including one featuring hands overlaying each other in black and white.

Michael Kors did not disappoint. He touched on many trends -- sumptuous fur jackets, frontier-inspired plaids with a modern twist, of course, and ladylike leathers as well as demure tops and sheer skirts, stunning yet simple evening gowns. Très American.

Dominatrix

Envisioning today's woman in the position of ultimate power found its way to the runway, albeit much more elegantly that what you might imagine in an S&M club. Most notable was Herve Leger, where Max and Lubov Azria brought a new interpretation to the bandage dress. Stellar (and not scary at all) was a delicate white chiffon evening gown topped by a black leather series of straps cum corset. The model didn't even need a whip to make it clear who was in charge.

Christian Siriano gave a nod to this trend with a gown made of a black leather fitted halter with a full chiffon skirt.

Badgley Mischka presented a beautiful collection of evening wear, much of it simply elegant. They also paid homage to the edge of this woman, with a gold leather bustier dress coupled with a fur cowl.

Harriette Cole is the president of Harriette Cole Media and a contributing editor to The Root. Follow her on Twitter.

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