New York fashion week cranks up the volume

A model practises her steps before the 3.1 Phillip Lim show. Don't mock: you'd need practice to walk in those shoes
Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

After the show, Mr Lim asked the audience to picture a woman who has stolen a glittery dress: “She realizes it’s too much for her, the glamour, so she cuts the dress haphazardly, as if it was cut by the wind and then runs away ..." Well, it's obvious now he's said it, right?
Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP

Debbie Harry and disco were the inspirations behind the Philip Lim 3.1 collection (the 3.1 stands for the age Lim was when he launched his line. That's 31 rather than his toddler years. He's not that precocious)
Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP

The Anna Sui collection was a riot of prints, colours and fabrics, yet it pulled together beautifully. Her inspiration was the American Arts and Crafts movement, but the overall feel was quite folky
Photograph: David Goldman/AP

Wearable boots on the catwalk: we never thought we'd see the day
Photograph: David Goldman/AP

A brocade bag contrasted with the rich sheen of the dress
Photograph: Cary Horowitz/Reuters

Michelle Smith's Milly collection is known for its preppy, youthful look and this was no exception. As the Wall Street Journal put it: think Gossip Girl on holiday in Paris. Young models bounced down the runway in miniskirts and Chanel-like tweed suits, perfect for the Gossip Girl set, but with a European twist.
Photograph: Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

New York fashion week is not traditionally the place for avant garde designs and cutting-edge trends, but Proenza Schouler always try to break the mould. Their collection this season aimed at nothing less than reinventing sportswear
Photograph: Seth Wenig/AP

... though one presumes this outfit was not designed for jogging
Photograph: Seth Wenig/AP

Another day, another celebrity label: this time, Justin Timberlake's William Rast collection.
Photograph: Jason DeCrow/AP

The collection was dubbed "New America", though these moccasin-inspired boots took inspiration from a rather older America
Photograph: Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

A dancer before the AMuse show. Chiropractors have so far failed to comment
Photograph: Lucas Jackson/REUTERS

Gary Harvey specialises in recycled couture: this show-stopping gown was made out of 350 packages of Weleda products
Photograph: Paul O. Colliton/AFP/Getty Images

Gary Harvey used to be the creative director of Levi Strauss, so presumably he'd been stockpiling the 45 pairs of jeans used to make this dress. Impressive, but it must weigh a tonne ...
Photograph: Paul O Colliton/AFP/Getty Images

The Victor de Souza show, also known as "Lady Gaga? Please call me!"
Photograph: Jamie McCarthy/Getty

We don't think this makeup look will catch on
Photograph: Jamie McCarthy/Getty