Noon by Noor, via Instagram

Earlier today, New York editor Joseph Ungoco was at Carmen Marc Valvo, from where he tweeted: ‘Black on black is the new black’. The designer took inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe and a bit of rock and roll. And it showed: Valvo was taken by black for winter, but contrasted it with ivory, grape, merlot and cassis. It was the perfect show, too, for a cold day: a black trench coat opened the collection, and stunning eveningwear with just enough tension between rock chick and elegance, but always remaining within good taste. We loved the wool and embroidered gowns, the corsetry, panelling, and ruffles.
   Cesar Galindo didn’t shy away from colour for his Czar label, with pastels, red, gold, silver, grey, chocolate, blue and purple, while he was happy for his autumn–winter 2013–14 customer to show a bit of skin, with halter dresses, lavish gowns, and body-hugging dresses. But volume and asymmetry also played their parts in the collection. You can tell Galindo had fun with the collection. He also collaborated with taxidermy artist Beth Beverly on the hats—and knows where the birds come from (they died of natural causes).
   Noon by Noor (above) played it safe with winter colours of navies, greys and burgundies, brightened up with the odd splash of red. Floral prints also featured. Pant suits, cardigan and skirt ensembles, long coats, floor-length dresses and capes gave plenty of staples for buyers to consider. Joseph’s summary: ‘Noon by Noor brings signature eastern sophistication to daytime.’
   At Nautica, Sir Ernest Shackleton was the inspiration, with greys, blues and yellows lifting the mood. We saw wonderful anoraks, parkas, bomber jackets and coats—plus hoodies, which seem to be emerging as a trend over the last two days. In line with the Nautica buyer, we saw well made cardigans and sweaters as well, with well styled layering through the show—quite appropriate during the cold New York day.

Carmen Marc Valvo

Czar by Cesar Galindo

Noon by Noor

Nautica