If there were any Oscar nominees in the house tonight, they're likely putting in their requests for dresses as we speak. Monique Lhuillier's Fall collection was filled with the kind of full-on dramatic glamour the designer's become known for — the kind that would light up any red carpet. This season, Lhuillier hones in on her craft with a dark, sexy tilt. Cutouts, black and red lace, and edgier leather accents gave Monique's girl a vixen-esque quality, albeit one with a hint of the retro-inspired. Models hit the catwalk with slicked waves and red lips to further the '40s feel; we get a sense of the era's sultry side and a touch of the fashion forward in leather bands and angular sheer insets and cutouts. She marries both classic glamour and a modern sophistication effortlessly in every piece. It's one gorgeous design after the other — a rich palette and a wash of embellishment, lace, or a thigh-high slit to amp up every showstopper. But even when the show closes there's a sense that it still isn't finished — part two will be seeing our A-listers take the looks to the red carpet.

• Trends: Lace, leather, sequin embellishment.
• Colors: Red, black, and gold.
• Key Piece: The black, white, and red lace gown; the gold sequin-embellished pieces.
• Accessories: Wide leather belts at the waist, ankle-strap pointed-toe Manolo Blahnik heels.
• Who Would Wear It: You'll see it all over the red carpet.

Christian Siriano brought a sophisticated, edgy glamour to his Fall runway, showing easy cool-girl looks like tweed pants and blouses, tailored pantsuits, and chiffon gowns under leather jackets. Our full review to come, but for now, click through to enjoy Christian's collection.

Just when we thought we couldn't swoon any more over Joseph Altuzarra's creations, the designer sent us on a dizzying trip around the world via brightly hued Moroccan-chic knitwear, chunky fringe, plush shearling, and quirky coin embellishments. From 1940s Parisian silhouettes to ultra-tailored naval coats and equestrian-inspired jodhpurs, to the whimsical markings of a visit to a Marrakesh marketplace, this collection was all about mixing it up. The result? A sultry blend of super-structured jackets, pants, and fur-lined outerwear paired perfectly with eclectic fringe-laden skirts, Indian-braid schoolboy sweaters, and coin-infused cocktail dresses. Slick, tasseled, patent-leather ankle boots and knee-high riding boots completed each look — a fitting accessorized finish for the well-traveled style setter who knows where she's going next.

• Trends: Global traveler, fringe, coin embellishments, equestrian-inspired silhouettes, fur-trimmed collars, quirky updates on the Fair Isle print.
• Colors: Earthy brown, black, navy, ivory, gold, and bright pops of Moroccan oranges and reds.
• Key Piece: The vibrant coin-sashed orange dress embodied Altuzarra's worldly take on his Fall '12 lineup.
• Accessories: Chunky cummerbund belts, patent-leather ankle boots, and knee-high riding boots, complete with slick tasseled add-ons.
• Who Would Wear It: The downtown cool girl with a flair for spontaneity, like Kate Bosworth, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ashley Olsen.

Inspired by the "1960s rogue girl with a Japanese street sensibility," Gwen Stefani chose to show off her latest L.A.M.B designs against a collage of black-and-white New York City street snaps and closeup shots of girls getting their eye makeup done, all while Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Were Made For Walkin'" boomed overhead. Each look seemed to reflect a moment in Gwen's iconic style evolution. Case in point: her "Hey Baby" houndstooth print made a serious comeback, landing on everything from sporty totes to bomber jackets; her "Sweet Escape" moto-edged attire popped up in zippered jacquard jackets; and those Clueless-worthy platforms? That's just a classic Gwen staple. While the outerwear was athletic and tough, the attention to feminine details was also spot on. Look to the Peter Pan collars, sexy Morgenthal Frederics cat-eye glasses, impeccably pleated circle skirts, and sheer knee-high nylons for proof of Gwen's girlier side. No matter how you spin it, this is an ultra-wearable lineup of '90s-cool gear with a hint of retro and a pop of graphic-print modernity.

• Trends: Houndstooth print, pleated skirts, sportswear-inspired outerwear, and Peter Pan collars.
• Colors: A dark, cool palette — red, black, gray, and ecru — with surprise pops of neon yellow.
• Key Piece: The gray pleated circle skirt paired with a sweet collared top makes a sexy take on schoolgirl classics.
• Accessories: Sporty tote bags, cat-eye secretary glasses, knee-high nylons, and '90s-style chunky platforms.
• Who Would Wear It: The girl with a sportier fierce edge when it comes to dress, like Rihanna.

Alexander Wang staged a dark and dramatic show tonight at Pier 94, setting the mood for a high-impact show complete with a tricky "runway" configuration, strategically placed mirrors, and our favorite highlight of the night, a surprise appearance from Gisele Bundchen. "I personally think he's a great guy, a great person, and he's always so sincere," said Bundchen. "He asked me and I'm very happy that I was able to be here." The show kicked off with a vast array of structured, lacquered wool coats paired with laser-cut fishnet turtlenecks — pulled over part of the face to look like a mask — and waxed suede manipulated to look like leather. The latter was used to create black- and oxblood-hued military-inspired dresses and sexy front-slit skirts. Then came the fringe, thus far a burgeoning trend on the Fall runways, juxtaposed on crisp collared shirtdresses and tops. The surprise closer of the evening featured top models like Karolina Kurkova and Bundchen facing the mirrors — then peeling off their half-masks. Mystifying? Yes, but there's no confusion when it comes to Wang and his modern way of thinking.

• Trends: Lacquer, laser-cut details, fringe.
• Colors: Black, oxblood, white.
• Key Piece: A cropped hoodie jacket, leather minidress, any of the botanical ombré pieces.
• Accessories: Lacquered and leather knee-high boots, stacked ankle boots, leather gloves, leather duffel bags, small crossbody bags.
• Who Would Wear It: Downtown girls like Alexa Chung, Zoe Kravitz, and Erin Wasson.

True to the Rachel Zoe manifesto, her Fall '12 lineup delivered a unique mix of nostalgic and contemporary-cool pieces. Inspired by the rock 'n' roll glamour of 1960s London — think Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull — the collection boasted all the trademark elements of that oh-so-cool era. Knit minidresses, sequined gowns with updated twists, tailored menswear-inspired suits in jewel-toned velvets and tweeds, and an arsenal of must-have shaggy faux fur coats set the retro tone without ever seeming outdated. To top off these sweet rocker looks, the models also showed off something entirely new to the Zoe brand: chunky art-deco jewelry and cozy-chic Winter accessories. Translation? She's given us even more reason to accent our cold-weather attire with luxe snoods, statement collar necklaces, and bold fur cossacks. While the effortless feel of Rachel Zoe's collection may be rooted in old-school shapes and silhouettes, her execution proved that she's designing for a modern woman with a playful penchant for stylish throwbacks.

• Trends: Ultra-tailored menswear-inspired suits, sequins, oversized faux fur coats, flared pants, and rich textures like velvet and tweed.
• Colors: Jewel tones (emerald, fuchsia, ruby red), gilded embellishments, and stark whites.
• Key Piece: The artfully draped multihued print dress looked insanely cool styled up with a suede merlot messenger bag, luxe snood, and killer boots.
• Accessories: Plush fur head gear, long leather gloves, messenger bags, sequined scarves, super-slouchy knee-high boots, and art-deco jewelry.
• Who Would Wear It: For the retro-glam girl with an eye for clean silhouettes and fur toppers, like Mary-Kate Olsen, Kate Moss, and Sienna Miller.

Taking us beyond the label's bandage dress, Max Azria delivered his signature sexy with rich equestrian details and a new sense of strength for Fall. For every curve-conscious silhouette, the strapped bodices and gladiator-inspired footwear counter with militant, almost dominatrix-feeling toughness. If it takes a confident woman to pull off Léger's more typical body-con wear, for this season's offerings — complete with leather harnesses and fur detailing — only the fiercest of fashion enthusiasts need apply.

• Trends: Fetish, harnesses, leather, fur.
• Colors: Black, white, nude, burgundy.
• Key Piece: The white maxi paired with the fur-trimmed black leather harness.
• Accessories: Slick mirrored clutches, gladiator-style knee-high boots with shin guards, open-toe ankle boots.
• Who Would Wear It: Hervé's fans; the risk-taker with a taste for sexier fare.