Denim meets Blossoms

Rast's rock chic clashes with Tahari's floaty florals.

It may not have been the most dramatic collection, but Carlos Miele's show did not lack theatrics. Unleashing his friend - Brazilian instrumentalist Max de Castro - onto the catwalk, the musician helped to generate an energetic vibe which was somewhat lacking from the garments. It's not that Miele's creations were unseemly, but hardly memorable after days of endless parades.

Still, the press information stated that the designer was aiming for silent and simple sophistication and the results were bang on target. Inspired by his collaboration with artist Sol LeWitt for the Sao Paulo Biennale, Miele utilised geometric patterns and architectural forms. Dresses were teamed with contrasting boleros cut from textured fabrics or jackets nipped at the waist.

However, it will be de Castro's lively guitar rhythms teamed with South American beats that will be the lasting recollection of the Carlos Miele show long after the Bryant Park tents are disassembled.

Despite the countless Facebook groups suggesting otherwise, Justin Timberlake wants you to believe that denim on denim is the next great trend. Yep, you read it correctly - J.T. wants us all to be sporting double denim.

Sharing design duties with Trace Ayala, Marcella and Johan Lineberg, the singer's take on William Rast for next season is a flashback to the '80s. There are studded denim jackets with ample amounts of fringing, acid wash skinnys and blue jean mini skirts. It's Easy Rider meets Thelma & Louise.

But for many this latest nod to all-things Americana may be too tall an order - especially when you consider that even the t-shirts sported shoulder pads.

One couldn't help but wonder if the label lacked Timberlake's celebrity clout whether it would still be so well received. To be brutally honest, the William Rast show was more about an exercise in celebrity than in fashion. Everyone from Paris Hilton to Gerard Butler jostled through the throngs to take their seat, while Jessica Biel sent the press into a frenzy with her front row presence, wearing a black jacket embellished with copper rivets designed by her beau.

Still, Timberlake manages to bring sexy back into everything he does - and it largely accounts for the appeal of his clothes. Whether his idea of fashion turns out to be a vision for modern America, as he claims, is another matter.

Elie Tahari's collection was an experiment in juxtaposition. Elegant silks with a cherry blossom motif were teamed with skirts of animal print and separated with ornate obi belts. The result was not only exceedingly pretty (especially thanks to the dreamy floral prints inspired by artist Tamara de Lempicka) but also financially savvy. Women will be able to buy one or two unique separates in jewelled toned accents of cranberry, raspberry and sapphire blue to give their wardrobe an instant lift. Practicality never appeared so feminine.