Ralph Lauren often draws inspiration from the American west (see, for example, last season), but for fall 2011 the master of Americana is headed to China. Which makes sense given that China seems to be the most important place in fashion right now–both as a growing luxury market, and as the site of production for many labels.

Lauren’s theme was anything but subtle: the first model out was Sui He (from Wenzhou, China), the music had a distinctly Chinese twang, models wore dangly jade earrings, and there were pops of bright red–on lips and on lacquered heels–throughout a collection of mostly black and white looks. Sleek white blouses were paired with simple black pants and knee-length skirts, and black suiting was glossier than the black lacquered runway.

For fall 2011, Anna Sui did her usual mod, pop, boho, circus, Portabello Road, Sgt. Pepper thing. But when you’ve got a good thing going, why mess with it? Prints were a swirly, mod and optic, and of course, the requisite paisley. Dresses were mini school girl inspired frocks with Peter Pan collars and floor length boho numbers with peasant blouse necklines. The collection started off black and white and then there were shots of lime green and then every color under the sun followed. Best part? Smiling models (as in Coco, Karlie, Arizona and more superstars) in mouse hats that one-upped Opening Ceremony’s Wild Things collection.

For Christian Cota‘s fall 2011 collection he strayed a bit from the bias cut, painted print evening gowns he’s become known for, and drew on his own experience hiking as the inspiration for this more practical, technical collection. (He also cited “seventies-era rock climbers in California, Alpine ski style, Colonial explorers, early twentieth century female mountaineers conquering the great peaks of the Andes and Himalayas, and Traditional Tibetan costume,” as influences.)

That crazy neon trend from Spring 2011 is running over into Fall 2011. New York’s resident designer for the club kids of the aughts, Jeremy Scott, presented a collection yesterday that was all shock and awe.

Opening with a red tank reading “Enjoy God” in Coke’s signature script with a yellow mini, Scott continued along his rebellious, comedic road for autumn. There was a “Dial a Tee Shirt” tee dress with a real address and phone number, a sequined sports’ jersey mini dress, drug-printed separates, and a new take on Superman’s classic garb.

However, the looks sure to make an impact were the neon pink angora sweaters that add just the touch of pizazz our wardrobes need. The show hit a strange note when a cobalt and orange horizontal striped dress came down the runway, the model holding a faux-fur fox in her hand. Was it a dig aat Prada SS11? Or an homage to the master of tricks?

Narciso Rodriguez’s Fall 2011 show was all about new colors and cuts.

Rodriguez’s norm–body-con silhouettes and a black and white palette–gave way to looser, 3/4 length garments in a variety of painterly colors. It was a fresh look. A lavender wool tweed jacket and a loosely structured dress that faded from nude to red are sure to be big sellers in stores. Gray plaids were omnipresent, appearing in dress and suit form.