The shoes at Christian Siriano’s show were killer. No, that’s not a compliment. They nearly killed at least four models. One girl took a tumble and multiple others tripped, faltered, or stumbled; one was so completely irritated by them that she took them off during the finale walk in a huff.

But how did the clothes fare? Black orchids were the inspiration, and they appeared throughout the show as prints and later in 3D incarnations.

The first half of the show brought a fair amount of restraint. Tweed, leather, and chiffon somehow mixed effortlessly in a palette of grey and black. An occasional asymmetric panel appeared on dresses and skirts, but nary a huge pouf or exaggerated ruffle was to be seen. Snug turtlenecks were paired with some pretty fabulous trousers with over-sized cuffs. A maxi tulip skirt with a simple turtleneck was the best look in the show. Has Christian finally nailed sportswear?

Given the architectural lines and graphic patterns present in up-and-comer Jonathan Simkhai’s fall offerings, it’s pretty fitting the New York designer chose to hold his presentation at the Zach Feuer Gallery in the heart of the Chelsea gallery district. Working with the same menswear-inspired aesthetic that’s earned him many fans among the fashion flock, Simkhai mixed double-breasted camel blazers with skinny cranberry-colored pants and leather tees with side-buckled flannel mini-kilts. While certain elements of his collection felt a bit familiar–how many iterations of the chunky V-neck sweater layered atop a buttoned-all-the-way-up oxford have we seen now?–there were also plenty that seemed fresh and new.

Lyn Devon‘s Fall 2011 look is undoubtedly inspired by the Halston era. But unlike some of the uber-referential collections we saw last season, hers is a more subtle, studied reflection. Along with the ultra suede and long lines, there was a theme of travel. Devon’s customer can mix her cashmere drawstring bottoms, silk blouses, and graphic dresses to create hundreds of brand new outfits. A drawstring waist jacket in Colombo cashmere–black, mustard, navy, or grey–serves as the finishing piece.

While Devon doesn’t seek out red carpet attention, her long jersey bustier dress is sure to garner some. We see a lady like Cate Blanchett–or perhaps Julianna Margulies?–pairing it with a dripping diamond necklace and nothing more.