NEW YORK, January 31, 2008 – A trip to the Scottish countryside, taking in a fabric mill or two along the way, was the inspiration behind Scott Sternberg's Fall collection. But this was no Highland Fling in the Alexander McQueen meaning of the phrase. Sternberg, a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nominee, has built a cult following on his tweaks on traditional schoolboy/girl style, and he mostly stuck to that engaging, low-key formula for Fall. There were cashmere rugbys worn with windowpane plaid minis and a drop-waist shirtdress in a brushed-cotton checked twill. But, said Sternberg, "I wanted her to grow up a little and to do something romantic, too." So also in the lineup were a sublimely simple camel coat with leather buttons, another in midnight with a luxe raccoon collar, and the show's standout look, a gray flannel three-piece suit with a smart double-breasted vest and full, flaring pants. Adding to the charm was the set: a 1940s living room that looked like it had been invaded by a Scottish forest.

– Nicole Phelps