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