>> If you're on the lookout for statement outerwear — and we mean a coat that no one else in the room will have — then Libertine's Fall 2012 collection will speak to you. This bunch redefines outerwear, making each piece just as amazing as what's underneath it. Whether you're looking for plaid, houndstooth, fur, cropped, or a cape, Libertine has dreamed it up for Fall. A few nonouterwear pieces, including eye-catching accessories like colorful beaded necklaces, also made appearances on the catwalk. But the most important message from Libertine — besides that loud outerwear is in — is mix things up with prints, colors, and textures.

>> Though she may have cited some hard-edged references — "mechanics, cobblers, and leathermen" — for Fall 2012, Cynthia Rowley still managed to churn out exactly the kind of collection she's known for: feminine, whimsical, and steeped in art. Here, the art and whimsy manifested itself mostly in kaleidoscopic, tortoise-shell prints; painterly shades of vermillion and orange; and jeweled turtleneck collars — courtesy of the girls at Dannijo. But don't go thinking that Rowley can't do tough: the designer also offered up straightforward silhouettes inspired by coveralls — and plenty of them came in leather.

>> Whitney Pozgay knows how to do prep — and she should. The designer cut her teeth working at Kate Spade and Steven Alan before launching contemporary label WHIT two years ago. But what makes Pozgay's particular brand of prep so appealing is that it leans just slightly askew. This season, that means a mod little coat in a brilliant shade of blue, a heavy dose of metallic, and far-out planetary prints.

>> Night falls on Kimberly Ovitz's Fall 2012 collection. That is, dark, serious hues — mainly black and brown — defined the edgy pieces that came down the moody runway. Draping, asymmetry, sheerness, layering, and a play on proportions and textures consumed the powerful clothes. And except for a few minidresses and some sheer tops, there was barely any showing of skin — proof that sexy has a new badass face. On the accessories front, Kimberly kept things minimal, save for a couple off-kilter sashes and neck scarves made from pitch-black hair.

>> Jenni Kayne's ability to tap effortless elegance was in full effect earlier this afternoon at New York's Chatwal Hotel. The designer was inspired by the English countryside — and particularly men's hunting clothes — for Fall 2012, and the result was a polished assortment of Kayne signatures with just a hint of aristocracy. Outsize coats were cut in lurex houndstooth, willowy dresses were done in poppy autumnal prints, and — for that unexpected jolt of cool — there were knits and trousers in crisp citron hues. Also of note were the highly covetable accessories: two-tone sunnies, shiny loafers, and perky fur trapper hats.

>> It's fitting that David Bowie's "Oh! You Pretty Things" would be playing during Giovanna Randall's Fall 2012 Honor runway show. Not only were Alexa Chung and Shailene Woodley sitting front row, but the clothing coming down the catwalk was nothing short of lovely. Silhouettes were streamlined, femme, and totally unfussy in a lush palette of printed silks, patterned sheers, blanket-striped wools, and laser-cut organza. "It's a love story between a preppy boy and exotic Argentinean girl," Giovanna Randall explained of the mix. "The merging of two worlds — very refined and earthy with tapestry prints, and a modern take on art deco."

>>Fashion's obsession with stripes and florals continues with Richard Chai's diffusion line, Richard Chai Love. The designer sent down an equal amount of striped and floral pieces for Fall 2012. On the floral front, it was mainly in the shade of red, with black providing a strong background. More daring floral pieces include blazers and wide-leg pants, while more subtle florals are found on sheer blouses and frocks. As for the stripes, they were less classic and more edgy, with gray, maroon, and blue combinations on dresses, pants, turtlenecks, and blazers. Traditionally stripes and florals can be super-femme, but this season's offering leans more toward the masculine side with boxy cuts overwhelming flouncy bottoms.