Victoria Beckham has shown her latest collection at New York Fashion Week

The former Spice Girl presided over a parade of 23 structured, tailored dresses displayed in a suite in the Waldorf Towers, dressed in a pewter silk number from the collection.

Using a pallet of purples, red, greys and blacks, Victoria’s latest designs do not include corsets, in a marked difference to the garments she showed in her Spring/Summer 09 collection.

She explained: “This time, we have made the corset as a separate item. I’ve talked to my customers and found they would rather have the option of wearing the dresses without.”

The 34-year-old star has also opted for shorter length dresses, chopping much of this collection off at the knee rather than letting them sit mid-calf.

As well as the shorter styles there are also full length numbers which boast a fold across the bust in a nod to Victoria’s Vera Wang wedding dress.

The collection is modest and covered up – lots of capped or three-quarter length sleeves and no cut-outs.

Victoria explains: “It’s sexy – from a woman’s perspective.”

There are also capes with zips at the front and on the sleeves, and full-length evening gowns with trains.

Other designers to show their ranges over the weekend included Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang and Preen by Thorntons and Bregazzi.

McQueen delighted onlookers with a preview of his limited edition McQ Alexander McQueen for Target on Friday (13.02.09) – including ankle-zip leggings, draped jersey T-shirts and pinstripe suits - although he failed to attend the event.

Wang showed a dark and powerful collection – set to the music of rock band Guns ‘n’ Roses – boasting black leather, stretchy fabrics and cut-away garments.

The cut-out theme was also apparent at the Preen show, although their collection was less biker chic and more 60s mod – think voluminous coats over leggings, body-conscious dresses with cobweb lace and electric bright frocks.

There was also one extra special show held – 51 designers, including Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Diane Von Furstenberg, exhibited specially-designer dresses at an event to celebrate Barbie’s 50th birthday.

Photo: Bauer Griffin / www.beckhamgroupie.com