Scents of a Woman

The fragrances associated with these collections are in no way affiliated with the designers, collections or shows discussed and are purely an opinion expressed by HersToKnow and their writers. (Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and Daisy Wong.)

Designers sent models sashaying down the runway in feminine yet structured shapes during Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. From the garden fairy nymph to the downtown 'It Girl', the creations of this season's designs are decidedly ethereal through the use of floaty fabric, yet empowered and polished at the same time through the use of structured forms. Taking the lead in this new trend were the collections from Milly, Tibi, Maria Pinto, Willow and ChoCheng.

Milly

The Milly girl is feminine, punky and preppy, strutting down the runway with side-swept pony tails tied in giant, sheer black knotted bows and necks adorned with chunky layered necklaces - the ultimate 'It girl' accessories this season. The collection is dominated by short hemlines with an emphasis on shorts paired with luxuriously embellished and boxy jackets, as well as flirty mini dresses in black and bright punchy colors including bright pink, yellow and splashes of orange. Milly's punky-prep princesses exude sass and confidence in city-chic silhouettes, bold embellishments, and rich textures. 

The overall look is smart, sexy and sophisticated, calling to mind everyone's favorite Gossip Girl characters. Whether you are channelling Serena, Blair or Jenny, the Milly collection has something for everyone that captures the elusive quality that is the uptown girl with a downtown-vibe - enough to hear the familiar echo "You know you love me. XOXO ..."

The scent: Juicy Couture, Gucci Envy Me, 

Miss Dior Cherie 

Tibi 

This season, Amy Smilovic's collection for Tibi was inspired by the supermodels of the 90's whose unmistakable star quality had them known simply by their first names: Christy, Linda and Naomi. True to her inspirations, the overall look is unabashedly pretty and feminine but decidedly minimal and versatile. Pastels and soft colors were spotted on easy, breezy ensembles, as well as pretty and feminine silhouettes. Icy pastels, rosettes on skirts, and flowing open backs evoke the awakening of spring and the image of a lush garden party. 

Maria Pinto

Maria Pinto's collection was inspired by the raw passion and tension of the Argentine tango. The sensual and fantastical collection featured a deep palette that convey the dark and  mysteriousness nature of this sensuous partner dance, with the occasional punch of color and pastel capturing the fiery and romantic movements of the tango dancers. Feminine textures were created with spiral chiffons, whisper soft leathers, stretch wools and shirred jersey.

Dramatic nest-like hairstyle and shimmery makeup on models paired with the sumptuous fabrics transformed the show's Meatpacking District studio into a woodland dreamscape. In particular, the majestic, canary yellow shredded chiffon gown is complimented by exquisite hand jewelry, giving it a regal and glamorous edge. 

The princess of the flock will no doubt be attracted to the visually intriguing and luxuriously embellished mini dress. Pinto's outerwear rounded out the collection in more structured shapes in rich fabric and regal hues. From sleek black leather jackets to the floor-sweeping canary yellow and silver brocade full coat.

Heavy-metal trim and rope-like neck adornments add toughness and modernness  to soft draping, while delicate shell embellishment take you back down to the ocean floor. Feminine shapes are embodied in the strapless corset dress which hugs every delectable curve, while high structured collars and defined padded shoulders give a strong and dignified silhouette. Hemlines have also taken a hike above the knee, adding some playful seduction to the overall look. 

Willow brings an organic quality to city wear and the work week without sacrificing exquisite tailoring and thoughtful shapes that belong anywhere but the bottom of the ocean.

The scent: Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey, 

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio, Cool Water by Davidoff

About the Author: With a passion for fashion, Daisy Wong brings you the latest report on style and trend. Originally from Hong Kong, she has cultivated an eye for fashion and developed a unique sense of style through her upbringing in Hong Kong, schooling in Paris and New York,  and travels around the world. 

Editor: Miko Laube is excited to attend a wide range of American and international shows this season in New York, from the well known to the emerging designers who divulge such a vivid fashion palette to savor. The next best thing to being there is hearing it firsthand, so stay tuned!