Donna Karan called her fall 2011 DKNY show “New York Mods.” It was an apt title considering the “modernists” inspired show featured sleek city looks in a palette of black, cream and navy infused with shots of color for looks that were distinctly New York: cool without trying too hard. And if you needed any confirmation that this show was for New York girls, a neon sign that read “Something New York,” blazed along the back wall.

Karan’s models looked pulled together, but effortlessly so, their hair just a little bit mussed in that sexy bed-head way. Her city girls aren’t necessarily trying to push the envelope–they like their black skinny pants (but will wear them in red or camel) and pair them with a silk blouse and they’ll go girly in a black lace long-sleeved minidress with a contrast peter pan collar in white or a colorblocked pleated georgette minidress. Karan’s take on the cape is the editor’s cape realized (a blazer draped over one’s shoulders): they are tailored like a men’s blazer with contrast “sleeves.” Usually I’m not a fan of puffer coats (I like my coats to be as slimming as possible at the expense of keeping me warm), but Karan’s version-cropped and knit in bright colors–was a fresh take with lots of appeal.
**All photos: IMAXTREE