Donna Karan leads New York into the serious age

New York Fashion Week drew to a close yesterday with shows featuring such high-profile designers as Donna Karan and Tommy Hilfiger. Also making an appearance was a collection by the former model L'Wren Scott, Mick Jagger's current squeeze.

Many of this year's spring collections have seen a move away from the acres of exposed skin and flowery girlish patterns that have become synonymous with spring/summer design. Critics have cited this year's abundance of more serious, tailored clothes as indicative of the changing mood of the times.

Robert Burke, a luxury consultant, said a youthful look no longer fitted with America's consciousness. "There's uncertainty and things are more serious," he said. "The stock market's been all over the place and elections are coming up. People want to look more serious and sophisticated as opposed to frivolous and girly."

Highlights of the week have included Jennifer Lopez's collection, JustSweet, which had the usual hallmarks of saccharine, sparkly design, not to mention giant butterflies hanging from the ceiling.

The eight-day show even had Snoopy taking to the catwalk this year, as more than 20 designers made a Peanuts-inspired line for charity.

Now the world's fashionistas will be leaving New York for Britain, as London's Fashion Week opens on Saturday.