New York Fashion Week Highlights Fall 2016

1 The Fashion Crowd at Ralph Lauren

While bloggers usually take front-row spots and street style is an unavoidable frenzy outside the shows, I relished just a moment when things seemed restored to their old order. Between the Lauren family, Sienna Miller, Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, and Virginia Smith, this is about as old-school, big-name fashion as it gets. Not to mention, Ralph Lauren himself taking a bow.

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2 Rihanna's Runway

On the heels of Kanye West's spectacle at the onset of Fashion Week, I don't think any of us knew exactly what we were in for at Rihanna's Fenty x Puma collection — would there be a concert? Who would be front row? Would Zoolander pop out for a walk-off?

The pleasant surprise was how normal the show was. Rihanna took a bow — yes, sans pants — but there wasn't more of a spectacle. Gigi Hadid closed the runway, and Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour sat front row, but the vibe was very much like going to just another show on the Fashion Week calendar — no free swag, no chanting from the crowd, no ranting from the designer. And, it was a nice touch when Champagne was served to all the guests after the runway wrapped.

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3 The Beauty at Rosie Assoulin

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Hannah McKinley

I could have stayed for hours at Rosie Assoulin's quiet presentation, and not just to avoid the snow outside. The entryway was lit with a row of candles, and in the center of each room, a wood frame was covered in rainbow-colored tapers. It was so pretty that it gave me chills.

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4 When Anna and Jenna Do Their Thing

No matter how many shows I've been to or how many times I've seen Anna or Jenna Lyons in person, there's a certain thrill I get watching Anna tour around collections and seeing fashion industry heavyweights like these two at work.

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5 Brother Vellies and Butterflies

Image Source: David X Prutting/BFA.com

The shoes were the stars at Brother Vellies, but the butterflies quietly making their way around the room and landing every now and then on a model (or guest) made the set feel alive with natural beauty.

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6 Anna Gets Political

Image Source: Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris

The room may have been buzzing about Lady Gaga on Marc Jacobs's runway, but I only had eyes for Anna. When she showed up front row in her Marc Jacobs-designed Hillary Clinton tee, she got my vote for most memorable Fashion Week moment.

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7 Girl Power at DVF

Diane von Furstenberg's shows are always a celebration of femininity. This season, I couldn't get enough of her supermodel cast, her interactive presentation, or the sing-along/dance party she hosted postshow.

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8 Valentine's Day With J.Crew

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Hannah McKinley

J.Crew brightened every guest's Sunday — and Valentine's Day — with adorable bouquets. On each was a sticker that read: "Sorry you have to work today. At least we're together." How sweet is that?

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9 Simplified Style

Image Source: IMAXTREE / vincenzogrillo.com

Sure, some people were running around in sandals and skirts just looking to get frostbite, but I've had my fill of foolish street style. The real style heroes are the women, like Miroslava Duma, who stuck to smart footwear, classic coats, and a great bag. I had to stop myself from clapping for her as she walked by me on the street.

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