Favorite collections: Oscar de la Renta. Effortless and beautiful, it's a wardrobe that never dates, and defines chic. Narciso Rodriguez is becoming more masterful and ever more inventive in his subtle constructions. Each piece of Calvin Klein's collection was perfectly cut. Naeem Khan is the best of luxury bohemian out there and Rodarte's collection was ethereal and beautiful.

Michael Fink, vice president and women's fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue

What's the fashion news in New York?: Not much. Elongated silhouettes that emphasize the waist. A newer slouchy attitude in sportswear separates. Ubiquitous polished looks in barely there colors or infused with shine.

Big moments: Ralph Lauren's anniversary evening; sensory overload at Oscar; Zac Posen's refined spirit; Francisco Costa's purity of soul; Donna being pure Donna.

Spring pick-me-ups: High-waisted pants and skirts, ethnic prints, citrus colors, mid- to maxi-length skirts and dresses, one-shoulder tops and dresses, shoulder bags, eclectic jewelry, skinny belts.



Nicole Fischelis, vice president and fashion director of women's at Macy's

Favorite collections: I thought Michael Kors was especially refined, modern, new couture-like, true color magic. He had all the must-haves of the season. Among the new generation, I saw Thakoon, Peter Som, Tuleh, and they were truly exquisite — artful with wonderful workmanship and attention to detail and fabulous prints. Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta were exceptional. The artistry of Marc Jacobs. I love the new tailoring from Ralph Lauren, the peplum and shock of color; Anna Sui; Betsey Johnson, and Vivienne Tam is going to the next level.

What's new: The evolution of embellishment, fabric manipulation, artful and ethnic prints. The new voluminous skirts and full dresses and the freshness of all the dresses — strapless, one-shoulder, the new halter, the whole femininity, ruffles and bows treatment. I think there is a lot of new direction. I see the fusion of the active aesthetic, safari chic and cargo has a new angle. There's the importance of the jacket, dresses, blouses and wide-leg pants. Tailoring is coming back, fitted, cropped jackets and dresses. I love the season overall because it's two sides of the brain. I find that each of the runway shows was treated like a woman's closet with all the sensible pieces, the ethnicity and the artistry.