Designer Collections For Fall 2011 -- Part 2

Last week we brought you part 1 of the Nordstrom 2011 Fall Designer Preview, benefitting the Starkey Hearing Foundation showcasing designers like Chanel, Gucci and Michael Kors. This week we are highlighting the other six designers that showed off an impressive fall collections. Look for these hot runway trends to be making waves on the rack this season.

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Directory

Scene 6: Akris

Akris showcased many of this season's hottest trends: tweed coats, high slit skirts, red dresses and plaid. The collection began with a cropped black leather jacket that was the perfect combination of hard leather and a feminine cropped cut. A crimson dress followed, keeping with the trend of red-hot fall dresses. Plaid followed with a fitted saffron alpaca jacket with detailed pockets. Akris shied away from accessories with models wearing suede boots and no jewelry. While this collection lacked the cohesiveness that previous collections had, each garment highlighted a unique fall trend.

Scene 7: Marc Jacobs

Subtle polka dots were at the heart of Marc Jacobs' collection. Found even on the fur collar of the opening brown tweed jacket, polka dots added a feminine feel to Jacobs' looks. The polka dot tights and rubber rain boots that every model wore added a lightheartedness to this sophisticated collection. Ruffled tops, floral printed dresses and pencil skirts completed this collection, accessorized with charming mini berets with chinstraps.

Scene 8: Valentino

Valentino's collection opened with a breathtaking ivory chiffon wedding dress. The ruffle capped shoulder detail and waist bow made this simple dress shine with a Pippa Middleton-esque ease. Each look in this collection had beautifully feminine details, from the ruffle necks, to the lace bodices, to the dainty bows. The final look was a stunning ruffled red chiffon gown with a sheer overlay and bottom ruffle. Each look was accessorized with simple black headbands, large handbags and nude or black pumps.

Scene 9: Givenchy

Givenchy used prints in a subtle way- a flowered printed skirt, a printed top with a crystal collar and a discrete panther printed dress (if you're not looking closely, you might miss the panthers). High collar dresses and hemlines falling just above the knee added a bit more of a conservative feel to this collection. Givenchy's black Milano sheath dress showed a bit more skin with a sheer neckline.

Scene 10: Oscar de la Renta

A cropped tweed jacket and a red chiffon dress were both on trend, but it was Oscar de la Renta's detailed dresses that really stood out on the runway. Fitted bodice tops were paired with full, pleated skirts and each skirt had gorgeous detailing- beaded blue teardrops, flower appliqué and tulle overlay. The real showstopper was the final look -- a bold and flowing magenta gown with a super sexy slit up the side to show off the model's toned legs and silver strappy heels.

Scene 11: Lanvin

Lanvin favored blacks and neutrals this season, using a selection of black, grey, navy and white. Each look was simple and clean with modest and subtle details, from the clasps on a cape to the waist belt on a dress. Accessorized with floppy hats and large black flowered headbands, each headpiece complemented its look.

Nicole Crosbie loves fashion and shopping, she has lived in Minnesota her whole life and loves finding new places to shop, eat and explore in the Twin Cities. She has degrees in public relations and psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.