We take a peek at the very latest New York Fashion Week happenings...

New York, the first leg of the big four, has kicked off with an action packed eight-day schedule. Ethical fashion is finally making a big noise as day one at Bryant Park saw the one-off FutureFashion show. 28 established international labels such as Calvin Klein, Burberry and Stella McCartney displayed their ethical awareness by producing a garment made from sustainable materials. Let’s hope this follows through into their main lines.

Off the catwalks English duo Preen pulled in a very chic crowd, despite the chilly East coast weather, black it seems, is de rigueur, along with a great coat, opaque tights and a rising number of wide-leg pants. Preen, meanwhile; now into their 2nd New York season have been hitting all the right notes with their brand of easy chic. Thrown-on over-sized jackets, relaxed pants and shirt dresses gave the collection a borrowed-from-boyfriend appeal while the latter half of the show revealed signature Preen dresses complete with interesting twists, pleats and gathers.

London-based Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders made his New York debut with a clean-lined, sophisticated collection. No doubt the American market will fall in love with his subtle use of classic camel, grey and black, his vibrant prints that he is known and revered for, however, seem to have taken a back seat.

Elsewhere, DKNY revealed a girly late Sixties/early Seventies vibe with a very thrown-together feel. Eclectic is the appropriate word, and while the busy collection featured some winning pieces everyone seemed to be left wondering where the Karan of old had gone? Diane von Furstenberg, however, stuck to her winning formula of elegant, chic appeal - tapping into Berlin and Shanghai along the way.

Key trends beginning to shine through include: wide-leg pants, shirtdresses, checks and relaxed silhouettes belted at the waist.

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/

JI