Recession - what recession? New York fashion week was all about girls gone chic. Fall winter 2008 was very much in keeping with the over trend in recent years towards elegance and sophistication in everyday fashion.

Designers tended to explore a decidedly down toned approach. Black was the most popular color on the runway followed by greys and browns. But that is not as sombre as one would expect. In this new minimalism, stylists have found a fresh lean sexiness using trim fitting silhouettes and see-through materials.

The doors to the boudoir where thrown wide open and there was lots of underwear on the outside and translucent materials. A staple in any fashionable woman’s wardrobe this season would be the see-through dress skirt with pants or another skirt worn underneath.

When it came to accessories and hair and makeup there was a juxtaposition of extremes. While clothes were tight fitting and slender handbags, shoes and jewellery were often oversized and clunky. 

Watch our video to see the world's hottest models strutting thier stuff while witnessing the trends unfolding on the runway in New York. Enjoy!