>> There have been a lot of hints this week that volume will be big for Fall 2012. A few days ago, Marc Jacobs had some very large-scale skirts in his mainline collection, and there were several oversized coats on Vera Wang's runway as well. Even Narciso Rodriguez offered up a full-bodied take on his trademark minimalism.

Last night's Proenza Schouler collection may have been the tipping point. Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough riffed on the idea of clothing as protection, and the duo offered it up in boxy silhouettes and very generous proportions. Moto jackets and trousers were cut in powerful, ample shapes, while t-shirts, miniskirts, and long-sleeve dresses all had an element of architecture and structured slouch.

Also worked into the collection was another emerging trend: the Far East. However, Proenza Schouler's version was of the more minimal variety — and a lot less literal than we've seen thus far. Theirs came in the form of kimono shapes, clean lines, obi belts, asymmetric closures, and some beautifully embroidered oriental brocades. "It's Asian, but in a New York way," Hernandez explained.

>> Ladylike has been a key trend for Fall 2012, but Anna Sui decided to go against the grain with bohemian silhouettes, '70s-inspired prints, and bold colors. Most of the models the designer sent down the catwalk were clad in bright-colored tights, round sunglasses, and flowy, floral prints. These pieces are definitely not for the fashion meek; it takes mixing and clashing to be part of the Sui clan.

>> Where does one begin? So many beauties to choose from. Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig have always been master creators of exquisite red-carpet-worthy gowns, and Fall 2012 is no exception. Tulle, embroidery, lace, feathers, sheer . . . no kind of lavish fabric has been untouched this season. These gowns are for gals who have somewhere important to be and want to be noticed from miles away.

>> Eenie, meenie, miney, moe, which Olsen twin sat front row? Both did, actually — but that's beside the point. Or is it? By now, Giles Mendel's J. Mendel line is just as known for its red-carpet gowns as it is for its signature furs, and two pint-size megastars perched beside the runway really hammers that home.

But on to the main event. For Fall 2012, Mendel said he was inspired by Gaudi's architecture in Spain, as captured in an old Helmut Newton-lensed editorial for Vogue. "I feel like it spoke to the DNA of the brand. There's the luxury of materials, rich textures and curves, which I see sliding over the curves of a woman's body." To that end, there was plenty of luxury to be found — and plenty of architecture as well. The former came in the use of cashmere, alligator, fox fur, and silks, the latter in sculptural draping and geometric cutouts. Separates and outerwear were sharply-tailored with plenty of feminine charm: belted leather jackets and decadent fur coats draped easily over soft wool suits, wide-leg trousers, and long-sleeve frocks.

And the gowns? No disappointment there. The styles were as varied as they were breathtaking, with plenty of elaborate detailing: there were flowing chiffons, dramatic slits, embellished deco motifs, and some very artful asymmetric draping. A dress for every mood — and every red-carpet queen.

>> Come next season, Alberta Ferretti's Philosophy girl will be looking mighty polished. The designer focused on power-dressing with a side of softness for Fall 2012, and the result was ladylike, wearable, and plenty chic. For day, there were neatly tailored coats and belted suits in camel and Winter-white; for evening, there were crystal-embellished blouses and cocktail frocks in shimmering silver or dusky gray.

>> As if there were ever any doubt: these street-snapped pieces are proof positive that an amazing bag and a killer pair of shoes are all you really need. Click through to see all the New York Fashion Week goodies — from lucite-heeled oxfords to colorblocked satchels — right here in our accessories street-style roundup.

>> "I thought about the '30s and those glamorous Hollywood couples — the Clark Gables and Carole Lombards," Michael Kors explained of the inspiration for his Fall 2012 collection. To that end, there were shimmering deco dresses, slim cashgora suits, and an eye-popping array of coats piled high with fur. Kors also riffed on the idea of "rugged elegance," and so there were plenty of Winter-ready fabrics in the mix: buffalo checks, mohair, alpaca, and nubby tweeds. It was a luxurious, tactile offering — and quite a visual feast.