If you are anything like me, you waited with bated breath for this year’s New York Fashion Week. Sadly, it has come and gone, but not before my favorite designers unveiled some of the best collections I have seen in years. Of course, as much as I enjoy discussing the collections I loved, those that disappointed won’t be let off the hook.

In total, 76 collections were scheduled to be shown at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week between February 13-20^th. Although I can’t cover them all, I will try my best to cover as many as I can in a three part series. So, here goes Part 1.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a Diane von Furstenberg fan. With that said, I tried to view her collection as objectively as possible, but it was still a huge miss for me. This bold designer is known for her use of prints and patterns, but they were way too over the top. From the drab and ill-fitting coats to the awful pom-pom headpieces, there was little redeeming about her collection this year.

The Badgley Mischka collection, on the other hand, was a brilliant example of how to use metallics (which Diane von Furstenberg tried and failed at miserably). All the dresses were feminine and beautifully cut. It was the detailing, however, that made the collection. Who wouldn’t want to wear a dress by designers who clearly understand a woman’s body. With ruching that the draws the eye to all the right places and pretty pleats that are girly yet still sophisticated, there is no denying that Badgley Mishcka got it right this year.

Calvin Klein was a bit of a toss up. Although the men’s collection was a sight for sore eyes (or was it just the men?) the women’s collection was simply lackluster. The dress colors were uninspired. The silhouettes boxy and often oversized. The men’s collection, thankfully, was well-tailored and put together. Kudos to Calvin for designing suits that men would actually want to wear.

Well, that’s all for today. Stay tuned for more. And if you want me to cover a certain collection or designer, please leave a comment and I would be happy to oblige!