Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY and Herve Leger have all wowed with their collections at New York Fashion Week

Marc Jacobs packed his Autumn/Winter 09 show with 60 models – double the average 25 at other shows – wearing acid-coloured micro minis, studded ankle boots, sculpted corsets and thigh-high boots in purple suede or black leather.

Jackets were angular and shirts boasted bold, structured shoulders, offering a fresh take on retro.

Clashing colours were also heavily featured in the show, with pink fuchsia dresses paired with green tights and silk scarves.

Coats came in a variety of primary colours – most notably the bright pink, hooded jacket – while a strong display of eye-popping bags also made their way down the runway on models’ arms.

Diane von Furstenberg delighted onlookers with a bright and energetic collection inspired by the nomad.

Fashion director Hilary Alexander enthused: “The colourful collection veered from wonderful to wacky and sometimes downright weird.”

Diane mixed knits, leopard prints and paisleys with plaids, black and white geometrics and gold and silver beading to dazzling effect.

Noted pieces included tunics over camouflage leggings, pom-pom hats, platform clogs, tartan coats and metallic tweed micro dresses.

The audience responded well to the show, especially legendary singer Diana Ross who sat resplendent in a gold satin Diane von Furstenberg blouse in the front row, and appeared delighted when the models sashayed down the catwalk to a mega mix of her songs for the finale.

Donna Karen’s DKNY collection was characterized by neat tailoring, cinched waists and a pallet of jewel colours.

Key looks included a pair of green patent shoes, bright checked tweeds in pink and grey – used for jackets and over-the-knee pencil skirts – pinafore dresses, a pillbox hat and elbow-length gloves.

Celebrity favourite Max Azria – showing his Herve Leger collection – opted for a series of body-conscious dresses in a range of snakeskins and metallics.

Fans of Azria’s infamous bandage dress were not to be disappointed – he updated the staple, featuring it as a halter-neck, scoop-neck, V-neck and off-the-shoulder piece.

Photo: Models of Marc Jacobs