New York Fashion Week wraps up with Klein, Lauren

The more I see of Francisco Costa's intellectual interpretations of Calvin Klein minimalism, the more I'm fascinated by it. Here, Costa was inspired by cars (witness the seamless lines, fin details on jackets, gold framed dresses) and pinups, unlikely models for such a simple, fascinating collection. The modernity was in the shapes Costa explored last season (awkward volume, peplums, proportion) that was married with quietly spectacular fabrics with unfinished edges. The feeling was raw yet still put-together.Kathy Willens/The Associated Press

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Kathy Willens/The Associated Press

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Kathy Willens/The Associated Press

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Keith Bedford/Reuters

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You can tell a lot about a designer by his front row. At Ralph Lauren, who showed on the last day of New York Fashion Week, the bloggers sat at the back while family, friends and print media got the plum seats. See, Lauren is a traditionalist. Kind of old-fashioned sometimes, but he’s got a thing that works. Yesterday, it was a Spanish-themed collection. The first few looks featured striped blanket coats, berets and a bit too many literal references. The evening wear was stunning, however, and just the kinds of flounced, sleek and elegant apparel you’d see society women falling over. Thankfully, he's offering a handbag shaped like a fan for fall, just in case they get lightheaded.Richard Drew/The Associated Press

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