Couture: New York Fashion Week (Fall 2009)

I can't help but notice the adverse effects of the gloomy economy on the New York Fall 2009 show last week. Guest lists trimmed, after-show parties reduced, less glamorous runways. Is it just me, or is the New York Fashion Week more badly hit by the financial crisis as compared to other fashion capitals?

Getting right back on track, we have some of the menswear highlights featured during the New York fall shows. I noticed simpler designs and darker hues, probably reflecting the gloomy days in their collections. CK hits right on spot with their trademark simplicity, while Marc Jacobs seems to be the most flamboyant due to a hang-over from his recent Louis Vuitton-Stephen Sprouse project. MJ features layering and high-cut shoes in his collections.

While the Michael Kors man looks elegantly smart and classic, Tommy Hilfilger displays street-smart collections that seem to be targeted at the mainstream American audience with checkers and aviators. Turtlenecks might be raging this fall in bright hues as I've picked up orange, red and purple pieces in some collections.

Perhaps less is more, for the coming Fall.

Photography credits due: MenStyle.com