THAKOON

A disco-ball dress for Michelle Obama? Probably not.

But before Thakoon Panichgul famously dressed the now-first lady, cool model types wore the designer's clothes. That's who he seemed to have in mind for his new fall collection, never mind that White House social secretary Desiree Rogers was in the front row next to Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour.

The Thakoon runway was filled with graffiti-paint fur _ a "so-what?" statement to the down economy, perhaps _ narrow sheaths and cool coats. The finale look, a sequined one-shoulder dress with a dramatic bow to top it off was a fine piece of handiwork with the beads appearing to float between layers of tulle.

MARC BY MARC JACOBS

Add scrunchy socks and high-top sneakers to the list of '80s styles making a comeback.

Marc Jacobs gave his punk princess something to wear during the day at his Marc by Marc Jacobs show on Tuesday: cozy jumpsuits, colorful stripes and schoolgirl plaids.

Many designers have taken a more somber tone. Not Jacobs, who presented an explosion of mustard, red, purple and green _ sometimes all in one outfit.
Pants with a loose fit, many with zippers down the side revealing inset patterns, were tucked inside socks for a more wearable harem pant silhouette. Footwear included high tops for men and women, along with fur-covered boots. 

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

The new British invasion came with an explosion of color on the catwalk of designer Matthew Williamson.

And it wasn't just one or two wild brights in a sea of black, as other designers have done. Williamson instead created a kaleidoscope of crimson, coral, mint green and turquoise _ and then shook it up.

He had success with metallic jacquards, both a sunset-colored sunburst that brightened up a minindress and a mint green-and-silver, skinny-leg pantsuit, and a slinky Spirograph-print column dress with a high neck and beaded sleeves was fresh and modern even if it was something the coolest housewife on the block would have worn in the 1970s.