The fashion briefing

From the latest Marc Jacobs collection to the coolest take on flared jeans, there's plenty to excite at this year's New York fashion week, says Simon Chilvers


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  • Marc Jacobs’s runway is one of the most studied – and he is unveiling his vision for autumn/winter 2011 in the Big Apple this week. His ­current spring ­collection is a mash-up of Taxi Driver, ­vintage YSL and ­Studio 54, with a splash of Naomi Campbell’s birthday. ­Translation: floppy hats, ­lurid colours, long frocks, crimped hair and satin flares. In contrast, the previous ­season was all midi and ­minimal. But about turns are v MJ. Whatever next? Exactly.
    New York fashion week: Marc Jacobs, 2011

  • London in New York

    British duo Preen, known for bodycon dresses, monochrome, left-field tailoring and minimalism with a twist, unveiled their latest collection in New York. Meanwhile, on home turf, their first collection for ­Debenhams is arriving in stores – alongside ranges by Jonathan Saunders and Jonathan Kelsey. Top Preen Debenhams picks: a black frill-layered mini-dress with signature double straps (pictured), a biker trench in stone, and a ­pillar-box red cocktail dress. Go forth and buy. £50, by Preen Edition, debenhams.com
    New York fashion week: Preen

  • Menswear in New York

    Tommy Hilfiger also showcase its ­collections in NYC – this time round, ­menswear was given a solo unveiling at hip Manhattan joint The Lion. The Tommy label excels at all things preppy: its current ad campaign is a cacophony of cricket jumpers, tennis dresses and such like, worn by a bunch of superbly good-looking types. This navy jacket, in stores now, is a great ­between-the-seasons buy. And yes, that model’s chinos are pink. Delight! £250, tommy.com
    New York fashion week: Tommy Hilfiger

  • Join the queue

    Hot American denim brand Mother’s USP is the creation of a fabric that feels like cashmere with stretch. The Briefing, for reasons unknown, loves the word “stretch” almost as much as the fact that this pair of flares are named Drama. Mind you, it’s totally fitting cosidering they are indeed excessive in the leg fabric department. Anyway, ­expect these to shift like hot cakes. £230, 020-7580 8644
    New York fashion week: Mother's Drama flares

  • Trending

    Is there any underwear more iconic or New Yorky than Calvin? Note: if you’re super-fashion, it’s customary to drop designer’s surnames as you see fit. Current Klein undergarment of choice are these jaffa orange women’s briefs. Colour blocking at undie level? You know you want to. £21, 020-3100 2900
    New York fashion week: Calvin Klein underwear
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