NEW YORK, December 7, 2007 – Carolina Herrera has had it with flowers—at least for pre-fall. The designer was in the mood for a change, she said. So she replaced Spring's floral prints and vibrant colors with feathers (both real and embroidered) and a moodier palette of blacks, grays, and eggplant. The collection was full of "mixable" pieces, like long cardigans that can be worn open over full skirts or trousers, and jewel-embellished cropped jackets that would work with something new or an old favorite. For evening, Herrera delivered what her urbane customer craves: understated glamour, in the form of an Edwardian equestrienne-inspired ensemble (white blouse, black floor-sweeping skirt), a portrait-ready lace gown, and a purple-is-the-new-black dress paired with an ostrich feather bolero.

– Laird Borrelli-Persson