Burberry Prorsum

The autumn/winter collection from the Brit’s Burberry Prorsum began with models sauntering out to an Misty Miller’s accusative cover of The Turtles’ classically sweet song "Happy Together." It was the perfect sound to accompany romantic heart patterns and classic animal prints—jaguar, giraffe and leopard. Oh, my! To be sure, the brand’s signature trench coats continue to inspire American designers who long for that London fog, and navy blue, black and camel are the cornerstone of the collection’s outerwear. But even this international brand took some risk in this collection with sheer, rubber skirts, tops and jackets. A chance to show off this fall? Absolutely.

[Shown Above: Burberry Prorsum]

[Shown Above: Burberry Prorsum]

[Shown Above: Burberry Prorsum]

Donna Karan

It’s all drama with Donna this fall, and nothing plays the part better than jersey. An effortless jersey body-dress with a sheer inset at the waist, covered by a matching stretch jersey wrap, avoids being "matchy-matchy" by celebrating the bold and beautiful quality of confidence. Karan brings a bounty of capes and shapes, asymmetrical and sweeping, to her 2013 collection. An interesting use of leather throughout, and plenty of layers are functional in the season’s more loved palette: black.

[Shown Above: Donna Karan]

[Shown Above: Donna Karan]

[Shown Above: Donna Karan]

[Shown Above: Donna Karan]

[Shown Above: Donna Karan]

Jason Wu

Michelle Obama famously wore Wu to two inauguration balls, and who would have thought that things could get more feminine than dressing our First Lady? In this collection, which Wu calls "Extreme Femininity," natural beauty comes into focus by virtue of synched waist lines, strong shoulders and immaculate tailoring. Suits in black and white, a fur coat or collar, are all that’s needed to feel powerful, assertive and beautiful this winter.

[Shown Above: Jason Wu]

[Shown Above: Jason Wu]

[Shown Above: Jason Wu]

Valentino

Back-to-school fashion is all tongue and cheek with Valentino this season, which is focusing on daywear in a singular collection for the first time. The theme is incredibly sophisticated, drawn from seventeenth and eighteenth century archeological oddities like shells, sea creatures and taxidermy. These delicate motifs appear throughout in subtle and significant moments like the zodiac signs appearing on purses or a herringbone pencil skirt. Sophisticated looks incredible this fall season in elegant and thought-provoking design.

[Shown Above: Valentino]

[Shown Above: Valentino]

[Shown Above: Valentino]

[Shown Above: Valentino]

[Shown Above: Valentino]

Micheal Kors

After appearing on Bravo’s "Project Runway," this American designer quickly became a household name for watches, clothes and jewelry—the all-American, tan voice of fashion. An advocate of American sportswear, military and urban influences have shaped this color-blocked collection into a suspiciously androgynous story. Intriguing bits of camouflage make their way into the collection, along with quilted purses and over-sized sunglasses. Masculinity looks great in electric blue, taxicab yellow and couture that’s both easy and ready-to-wear.

[Shown Above: Michael Kors]

[Shown Above: Michael Kors]

[Shown Above: Michael Kors]