New York fashion week autumn winter 2012 - in pictures

Simplicity, wearability and restraint - not to mention plenty of colour blocking - were the defining features of the BCBG Max Azria collection at the Lincoln Centre
Photograph: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

"Embellishment was sparse," noted the Associated Press, "with the emphasis on geometric shapes, intricate pleats, sheer panels and unexpected mixes of fabrics" Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Dresses fitted at the waist were a notable feature of the Chadwick Bell show. This spotty, 3D-effect dress epitomises the spirit of adventur that informs the collection Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

The Costello Tagliapietra show featured plenty of florals as well as some sleek solids. "We kept thinking of romance," Robert Tagliapietra told Ecouterre Photograph: Allison Joyce/Reuters

Cynthia Rowley says her autumn collection was inspired by "mechanics, cobblers and leathermen". Welding and oil slicks also received a nod of gratitude from the designer
Photograph: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

A bold pink creation from the Honor collection, developed under the watchful eye of head designer Giovanna Randall, a former opera singer and medical student Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

The John Bartlett collection. "Bartlett returned to luxury, mixing immaculately tailored country woolens with an extra dose of edge," wrote The Shophound Photograph: Allison Joyce/Reuters

Los Angeles-based label Libertine is rarely anything other than boldly expirmental, and the textured and eclectic collection on display in New York was no exception Photograph: Allison Joyce/Reuters

Drawing on menswear for inspiration, Richard Chai used topcoats, tweed jackets and pinstripes to create a disctinctive and powerful look for women Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters