It was strange headgear galore this past week in New York City and the fringed fascinators at Alon Livne were only half of it. With each new designer presentation, New York further proved why it is fast overtaking Paris, London and Milan as the trendsetting fashion week to watch. We break it down for those of you who want to start preparing, mentally and physically, for the winter clothing season. Good luck.

Trends

Kooky hats

Good news for all you masters of disguise out there: The inspector hat is in! Lay low and embrace everything suspicious with these designs by (from left) Cushnie Et Ochs, Dion Lee and Tibi.

Ski chic

At Tommy Hilfiger, models emerged wearing ski goggles, ponchos and beanies. Channel those Sochi Olympians and hit the slopes in style.

Slogan tops

If you have something to say, say it with a shirt. The irrepressible popular kid-favourite Brian Lichtenberg continues his love for brand satire with the Marlboro sweatshirt, while Wildfox works the Pride and Prejudice angle and Tim Coppens keeps it simple.

Coloured fur

Much to the dismay of PETA advocates everywhere, fur is back in a big way. But just plain animal print will not suffice; purchase your coats, jackets, vests and throws in (from left) pale pink at Kaelan, multicolours at Altuzarra, pale lilac at Mathieu Mirano and red, white and green at Custo Barcelona.

Dominatrix

Things are getting a little risque on the runway and the results are not for the faint-hearted. Black, leather and restraints rule, whether lit up at Chromat, buckled up at Zana Bayne or full-length at Mathieu Mirano.

Highlights

The hair at Wildfox

Whimsical wood nymphs sprung to mind during the Californian label’s collection. Hair was dotted with flowers and fabulously tousled, making us want to run away and frolic amongst nature.

The streaker at Prabal Gurung

The beautiful creations of Prabal Gurung were slightly overshadowed by the man who appeared on the runway mid-show wearing nothing but a crown and a g-string. The surprise guest was a young Ukrainian journalist whose motivation for the stunt was nothing more than a propensity for pranks.

David and Harper Beckham

Papa Beckham brought his adorable two-year-old daughter along to the Victoria Beckham show to support her mummy. She was so well-dressed it didn’t matter that she was picking her nose. She’s just a toddler after all.

The Aussie brigade

Say it with us: “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!” It was an Australian affair at shows like Zimmermann (left) where Australia’s Next Top Model winner Montana Cox flaunted neck ribbons and structural jackets, while designer Dion Lee debuted a beautifully-tailored collection in neutral hues (far right). The front row was also packed with the Aussie fash pack with (centre, from left) blogger Candice Lake, model Lara Bingle, designer Rebecca Vallance and model Nicole Trunfio.

Karen Walker

The Kiwi designer (who is a favourite in Australia) created a collection for the history books, sending her models down the runway in techno-bright florals, playful printed sweatshirts and preppy dresses.

A “Toddlers and Tiaras” moment at La Rox

Puerto Rican accessories designer La Rox sent child models down the runway bedecked in crowns and jewels. It was eerily reminiscent of the popular reality show and, although the models were very sweet, turned out more creepy than cute.