by Maria Esteves

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York Fall/Winter 2011 (MBFW/FW2011) presented by IMG Fashion, commenced February 10-17, 2011 at three runways in Lincoln Center and venues throughout New York.

This season designers who showcased their outstanding Fall/Winter 2011 Collection included Academy of Art University, ADAM, Adrienne Vittadini, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Azria, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Behnaz Sarafpour, Betsey Johnson, Badgley Mischka, Calvin Klein, Carlos Miele, Carolina Herrera, Chado Ralph Rucci, Christian Siriano, Custo Barcelona, CYNTHIA STEFFE, Diane von Furstenberg, Diesel Black Gold, Donna Karan New York, Duckie Brown, Elie Tahari, Farah Angsana, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Ivana Helsinki, J. Mendel, L.A.M.B., Jill Stuart, Lela Rose, Luca Luca, LUBLU Kira Plastinina, Mara Hoffman, Michael Kors, Milly by Michelle Smith, Naeem Khan, Nanette Lepore, Narciso Rodriguez, Nicole Miller, Odd Molly, Perry Ellis, Prabal Gurung, Ports 1961, Ralph Lauren, Richard Chai, Ruffian, Tadashi Shoji, Tess Giberson, Rebecca Taylor, Timo Weiland, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Tracy Reese, Venexiana, Vera Wang, Vivienne Tam, Yoana Baraschi, Y-3, Zang Toi, and many others.

New established and emerging designers who showcased their collection were Allegri, Callula Lillibelle, CHRISTIAN COTA, Elene Cassis, Frank Tell, G-Star RAW, GUiSHEM, Irina Shabayeva, Joy Cioci, LUBLU Kira Plastinina, Maisonette 1977, Porter Grey, Sachin + Babi, Son Jung Wan, Tess Giberson and VACCA.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster in red made its debut at the show.

The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2011 Fashion Show presented by Diet Coke, Swarovski, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and AOL was held at the Theatre, in Lincoln Center, Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 7PM. The Heart Truth Red Dress symbolizing women and heart disease awareness featured 70 top fashion houses and 150 celebrities. Celebrities and designers who participated included Alison Sweeney in Tadashi Shoji, Archie Panjabi in J. Mendel, Dita Von Teese in Zac Posen, Gayle King in Donna Karan, Julianne Hough in Swarovski, Katrina Bowden in Oscar de la Renta, Linda Gray in Pamella Roland, Pattie LaBelle in Zang Toi, and Suzanne Somers in Ina Soltani.

Christian Siriano Fall/Winter 2011 Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York commenced Thursday, February 10, 2011, 7PM at the Stage in Lincoln Center. This season designer Siriano was inspired by nature. His Payless Gold debut integrated his fall collection superbly such as the tweed blazer with silk wool sleeve in black, silk organza draped cocktail dress with petal skirt in mauve, tulle ball gown with ruffle appliqué pleated skirt in deep moss, and the silk organza ruffled ball gown skirt in mauve.

Rebecca Taylor Fall/Winter 2011 Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York commenced Friday, February 11, 2011, 2PM at the Stage in Lincoln Center. This season, the 1970s style influenced Rebecca Taylor’s runway show. Her fall 2011 collection included a lofty tweed jacket with shearling trim panther ruffle silk blouse with electric blue piping, patched flannel dress with purple trim, a peacock silk ruffle dress with a silver shearling coat, and a Bordeaux autumn flower organza dress.

The American Legend Diane von Furstenberg Runway Show Fall 2011 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York commenced Sunday, February 13, 2011, 4PM at the Theatre in Lincoln Center. This season designer Diane von Furstenberg celebrated chic with gorgeous colors that sparkled such as the gold sparkler dress, winged green washed silk twill dress, red sequin chiffon gown, and the black crepe dress.

Carlos Miele Runway Show Fall 2011 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York commenced Monday, February 14, 2011, 11AM at the Stage in Lincoln Center. This season, designer Miele fall 2011 collection of gowns and dresses in autumn colors, deep blues, and metallic gold were captivating and exquisite.

The Fall 2011 Tracy Reese collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York commenced Monday, February 14, 2011, 1PM at the Studio in Lincoln Center. This season, designer Reese celebrated Hollywood glamour and the 1970s. Her dresses, skirts, and trousers are in graphic and floral prints of amber sunsets and autumn botanical gardens, in tones of toffee, black, brown, and grey with metallic.

SON JUN WAN Fall/Winter 2011 Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York commenced Thursday, February 17, 2011, 12PM at the tents in Lincoln Center. Son Jun Wan debut her fall 2011 collection of tweed belted jackets, evening silk gowns and dresses in nude, silver, and black satin colors were beautiful and sexy.