The Fall 2014 New York shows brought us on quite an adventure this season. In the literal sense, Alexander Wang made news when he listed a Brooklyn address on his show invites, forcing editors to make the big trip to the “other side” to catch his latest efforts. It was well worth the trek. He made a big statement with his brightly colored fabrics and amped up shapes, all inspired by the concept of survival. (More importantly, will we survive if we don't get our hands on those suede down puffers or those boots?)

Iconic names like Diane von Furstenberg and Donna Karan, took us on a journey down memory lane. DVF celebrated 40 years of her famous wrap dress, and Karan paid tribute to her label’s 30 years of making easy basics. There was nothing easy about those fabulous DK coats, however. (Many front-row members would have liked to borrow one on the spot to brave the artic cold temperatures we were dealing with all week.)

At Marc by Marc Jacobs, it was not about the brand’s history but about future and the new attitude of label, which is now under the helm of Luella Bartley and Katie Hillier. They did not disappoint—their girl power, dressed-up skater girl collection proved to be one of the most dynamic shows of the week. It was fiercely defiant and at the same time, quite romantic.

Other highlights were brought to us by a few several of the usual suspects—Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler, Narciso Rodriguez, Maria Cornejo, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, and Calvin Klein. The recurring story seemed to be about refined elegance, ease, muted pastels, and coziness. Not at Proenza Schouler, however. Proenza Schouler’s show has come to be a crowning moment of NYFW and this time around, the boys flexed their muscles showing us exactly why that is. Their series of hyper-real, geometric prints and strict silhouettes was breathtaking. It was the perfect evolution of the Proenza Schouler girl.