The designer: J. Mendel Front row: Jena Malone and Katherine Heigl. The catwalk collection: Furs, leather, velvet-draped dresses, slinky gowns, and fitted coats in earthy copper, burgundy, moss, and royal blue. Claim to fashion fame: This label has history: Established in 1800 in Paris by Joseph Breitman, the luxury brand moved to New York and is now run by the fifth-generation heir. Related Articles Rachel Zoe Michael Kors

The designer: Michael Kors Front row: Hilary Swank, Michael Douglas, Anna Wintour, and Jada Pinkett Smith with daughter Willow. The catwalk collection: Inspired by bright lights, big city, Kors unveiled his classic sporty chic, from stylish tailored suits to dresses in bright, electric colors mixed with black, white, charcoal, and olive-green. Claim to fashion fame: Everyone from Michelle Obama to J. Lo have worn the luxe sportwsear designs of this former Project Runway judge. Related Articles Nanette Lepore Rachel Zoe

The designer: Rachel Zoe Front row: Miley Cyrus and mom Tish, Nigel Barker, Coco Rocha, and Joanna Coles. The catwalk collection: An ode to the ‘70s, Zoe’s collection showcased bell-bottom suits, leather equestrian outfits, furs, sleek dresses, and rock ‘n’ roll ensembles in caramel, chocolate, and green with a splash of baroque, gold, mulberry, and cobalt. Claim to fashion fame: The celebrity designer – who stars in her own reality TV show – is known for her “boho-chic” style, which…

The designer: Nanette Lepore Front row: Patricia Clarkson, Steve Buscemi, John Forté, and June Ambrose. The catwalk collection: Furs, sequins, lace, and silk dominated this flirty runway collection in dark hues of purple, army-green, and bright pops of red floral. Claim to fashion fame: This FIT alum makes a splash with her frisky, contemporary designs that fill the famous closets of Eva Longoria, Scarlett Johansson, and Freida Pinto. (New York Fashion Week photos by Jenny Karakaya) Related Articles The Brando…

The designer: Vivienne Tam Front row: Carmen Electra, Angela Simmons, Kelly Bensimon, Russell Simmons, and Fern Mallis. The catwalk collection: Inspired by “cultural dialogue, change, and awakenings,” Tam’s designs were dominated by black, red, and white ensembles, from one-shoulder gowns sprinkled with Chinese characters to military-influenced outfits. Claim to fashion fame: Vivienne Tam’s Chinese heritage inspired the “east meets west” style highly popular among the likes of Madonna, Julia Roberts, and Petra Nemcova.

The designer: Diane Von Furstenberg Front row: Katharine McPhee, Olivia Palermo, Diane Sawyer, Nicky Hilton, Rachel Zoe, Coco Rocha, Seth Myers, Chelsea Handler, Fran Lebowitz, Andre Balazs, and Graydon Carter. Hello VIPs. The catwalk collection: The Studio 54-style collection – long live glam rock – resurrected sexy halter dresses, chic pantsuits, and classic wrap dresses that were an ode to DVF’s signature style and the infamous disco era. Claim to fashion fame: DVF introduced wrap dresses to women in 1974.…

The designer: Custo Barcelona Front row: Spanish supermodel Almudena Fernández, Miss J. Alexander, Angela Simmons, Olivia Palermo, and Alyssa Campanella (Miss USA 2011). The catwalk collection: Appropriately titled “The Beauty and the Beast,” the eccentric, pattern-possessed collection included animated designs, tribal prints, funky patchwork, sequins, brocade, metallic studs, embroidery, and multicolored graphics. Claim to fashion fame: Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman have both worn Custo designs on-screen.

The designer: Tracy Reese Front row: Angela Bassett, Angela Simmons (Rev Run’s daughter and Russell’s niece), and Shenae Grimes of 90210. The catwalk collection: Sassy safari-inspired animal prints, from elegant cheetahs to zebras, paired with flirty florals in daring hues. Claim to fashion fame: Reese designed the shimmery pink-and-silver-blue dress that Michelle Obama wore to the Democratic National Convention. (New York Fashion Week photos by Jenny Karakaya) Related Articles Rachel Zoe Nanette Lepore