NEW YORK, December 10, 2007 – Narciso Rodriguez has joined the growing number of designers showing their pre-fall collections on a catwalk. About 50 editors and retailers gathered at the designer's Irving Place studio on Monday morning for a 23-look presentation strong on suiting options and outerwear. Narrow-waist, flaring-hem jackets worn with ankle-cropped trousers echoed some of Rodriguez's Spring looks; new to the mix was a cropped bolero that topped a twill shirt and slim pants. The fluffy, chin-grazing collars on a pair of double-face cashmere coats added a feminine note to the proceedings, as did the short, simple, and sweet cocktail dresses, the best of which fluttered to the knees from an empire waist. But there was nothing girlie about the show's standout piece, an über-chic belted shearling number with contrasting leather piping.

– Nicole Phelps