Around the Globe...in an Afternoon

Mercedes-Benz Spring 2010 Fashion Week ended on an international note today, as more than eight designers representing four continents brought their culture, knowledge and sparkle to Bryant Park.

Joaquin Trias, a Spanish designer, presented his collection Lineal Study, inspired by his grandmothers: Frida Trias (onetime muse of Cristobal Balenciaga) and Cristina Sartorius, Countess of Quiroga.

The Joaquin Trias show was followed by the Tent debut of Mongolian designer Cho Cho Cheng and then a survey of five designers from Argentina. The line shown by Benito Fernandez consisted of eight modern designs representing his nation’s heritage, while his countryman Jose Muti for Cardon unviled creations that recalled the Argentinean cultural identity. Juliana Gacio for Eufemia dressed her models in black, with looks inspired by pop rock icons of the 1980s. Min Agostini used simple materials to transform innovative forms through techniques such as enfolding ribbons, overlapping seams and pleating. Onetime anesthesiologist Fabian Zitta (see look at left) mixed things up with a theme of black and peach.

Indeed, Thursday’s runway was inspired by many different places around the world, but at the end of the night, things came full circle with quintessential American designer Tommy Hilfiger, as his collection took New Yorkers for a stroll around the California boardwalk. Among the celebs turning up for Hilfiger’s show included Naomi Watts, Elsa Pataky and Sarah Ferguson. And thus Spring 2010 Fashion Week drew to a close. We’ll miss the buzz it always lends the city, but admittedly, we’ll be happy for the brief breather. After all, Fall 2010 Fashion Week will be here before we know it.—Katherine Martinez