Alberta Ferretti's 23-look collection for Philosophy revolved mostly around the juxtaposition of boyish tailored coats (these in navy wool and tweed) and girlishly sexy little dresses.

"It's a new way to coordinate the masculine and the feminine," explained Ferretti. "It's the mix that's interesting." In its many variations, Ferretti's outerwear had terrific appeal, but the lion's share of attention went to the dr ...

"Minnie Mouse meets Helmut Newton", declared Zac Posen, minutes before his autumn/winter collection hit the catwalk.

Posen saved the best for last - a truly romantic parade of shirred, ruffled, finger-tip pleated tulle.

The skirts were sometimes like ballet-dancer tutus, or otherwise swept the floor, but many were 'hooped' or reinforced with wire so they dipped and swayed like crinolines in Gone with the Wind.