Roving Reporter : Comme des Garcons

Comme des Garcons (CdG) is always a flight of fancy. Exaggerated silhouettes were played out in a host of delicious neutral tones. Sheer silk chiffon and organza were blended with quilted silk and brocades to create stunning coats and coat dresses.

Plaid has been suffering a decline overall, but has actually grown in popularity in Asia. Though hardcore devotees (such as Westwood) still use plaid it was great to see CdG play with the traditional fabric. They create beautifully draped pieces that worked really well with the depth of the tartan patterns. Trousers took on a legging form and looked almost brocade like. Rich and steeped in history this was an innovative and fun collection. The cute cropped trenches were a particular favourite.

Those that weren't of the legging variety, were true to form, CdG, wide legged, ankle skimmers. This overall 'baggy' silhouette saw CdG break all the rules with over sized tops and trousers teamed together.

A more wearable than usual CdG collection. Love it

Roving Reporter: Richard Chai

Richard Chai has been developing this tough-looking rock queen for a while now. Building on ideas from his last two collections,Chai presented the fashion crowd with gorgeous tartans, tough leather and fabulous furs. The muted palette of black, green, red, white and blue was combined to create edgy check prints and strong, colour-blocked separates. This strong-shouldered coat in leather had a slight 80s, Matrix feel, while the plaid dress was beautifully draped and very versatile.

There have been a fair few leather biker jackets this week, but none so beautifully tailored as Chai's. With slouchy but tailored trousers in metallic olive and oversized plaid, these were clever and fashionable separates, far too showy to become wardrobe classics, but nevertheless fun, fashionable and perfect for a kooky New York crowd.

Fur-trimmed parkas and full -n fur jackets were a nice change from the cocoon shape that has so far proved popular with other design houses this season. Though plaid is often traditionally Scottish, there was quite a tribal element to the dark tones of these checks.

The collection took a grown-up twist with splendidly tailored suiting tucked into tough, heeled biker boots. Strong shoulders, nipped-in waists and detailed sleeves turned these androgynous staples into specialist pieces. Gorgeous!

This printed, asymmetric chiffon dress was so terribly Kate Moss. A perfect choice of tea dress for the inner rebel. The print looked like a cross between ditsy floral and fireworks; it had a slight British vibe to it (think Luella and PPQ).

My final top pick from the Richard Chai show was this quirky, printed, tux-inspired jacket. The print and style were quite 80s, but the silhouette was fantastic. I love the sheer top and slim-fit trouser. Overall the collection was for the grown-up rebel, and while it definitely suits all the cool kids of NYC, I can equally see Chai being a champion on this side of the pond.