New York Fashion Week S/S15

"Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future… This is known as Fashion Week."

I doubt there's ever a more appropriate time to quote Carrie Bradshaw than during New York Fashion Week.

From September 4th to September 11th a selection of the world's greatest designers kicked off fashion month by showcasing their S/S 15 collections in the city that never sleeps.

It's not just the clothes that were breathtaking - the shows themselves were a spectacle to behold. From Marc Jacobs presenting his army to his audience sat on bubblegum pink shag pile carpeted benches and wearing Beats by Dr Dre headphones, to Tommy Hilfiger's homage to Glastonbury and DKNY's unmistakably New York inspired collection, the bar really was raised sky high. Veteran street-style photographer Bill Cunningham rendered many fashion editors star struck, and the celebrities were out in force on the FROW, from regulars Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo, to relative newbies on the fashion radar like Uzo Uduba.

As with most SS collections there were florals - hello, Victoria Beckham - but a stand-out pattern for me was gingham. The checkered pattern cropped up on numerous catwalks in various different hues and sizes, and I for one couldn't be happier! I can't wait for this to filter through to the high street next year!

(GIF SOURCED FROM blog.tightsplease.co.uk)

Here's my selection of stand-out looks from some of my favourite designers. I've included the ones I fully expected to excel - Oscar de la Renta and Jenny Packham - and those that surprised me, like Erin Fetherston and Lela Rose.

Vogue has a comprehensive coverage here (as does Stylist here), and unless stated otherwise all catwalk photographs below are sourced from the Vogue galleries.

BIBHU MOHAPATRA

CAROLINA HERRERA

DIANE VON FURSTENBURG

ERIN FETHERSTON

HERVE LEGER BY MAX AZRIA

HUGO BOSS

J. MENDEL

JENNY PACKHAM

LELA ROSE

MICHAEL KORS

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

RALPH LAUREN

REEM ACRA

I'm torn between Oscar de la Renta's pastel gingham, Monique Lhuillier's fairytale Elie Saab-esque gowns and Michael Kors's belted shirt-skirt looks as my absolute favourites. As the weather starts to turn and we head well and truly into autumn, the collections and trends highlighted at NYFW show how exciting the S/S 15 season is going to be.

For now, though, bring on London!