Gems of the New York Fashion Week

Australian model Madeline Stuart, who has Down's Syndrome, was the star of this season's New York Fashion Week. She presented the Spring 2016 collection by Italian label FTL Moda. Just 18, Stuart has been modeling for less than a year and already has a number of international gigs lined up. One other handicapped model, Rebekah Marine of the US, who has an arm prosthesis, is also walking.

A native of San Francisco, 34-year-old Erin Fetherston is already a much decorated designer and known for creating multimedia projects, mixing fashion and film. Her Spring/Summer collection is chic and elegant, making the most of fine fabrics - but without overdoing it: Her pieces are even suitable for the office.

Don't pack up your leg-warmers. According to BCBGMAXAZRIA - the Los Angeles-based label of Tunesian designer Max Azria - they're here to stay. Chunky heels, by the way, too.

BCBGMAXAZRIA's accessories stayed colorful, with these ethnically inspired practical hats. Designer Max Azria was born in Tunesia, but lived in Paris before moving to Los Angeles in 1981. There, hats definitely come in handy.

At the Nicholas K show, designs were reminiscent of pre-historic nomads with earthy tones and draping layers. The label was created by a brother and sister team in 2005. Nicholas Kunz (the sister) had worked at all the top labels, from DKNY to Calvin Klein, before founding Nicholas K. Her brother Christopher Kunz had been a biochemist and molecular biologist with an MBA.

New York-based designer Daniel Silverstein doesn't need a bin in his studio. His designs are entirely waste-free. He uses patterns and mosaics to absorb excess material into new creations. Silverstein's spacy outfit is featured at the New York Fashion Week (Sept. 10-17), which features 300 shows before the fashion world jetsets to London, Paris and Milan for the rest of the season.

Lauren Conrad rose to fame as the star of MTV series "Laguna Beach." She's since gone into fashion, and her designs have a distinct California flair. Fashion Week has moved locations this year, dumping Lincoln Center to head downtown to Moynihan Station on West 33rd Street and Clarkson Square in SoHo. It's also dropped Mercedes Benz as its main sponsor - and scratched the carmaker from its name.

It's just females this time. Men's wear has been postponed to a separate fashion event in July. While 362 shows were held last year, only 308 are scheduled for this week. Features are designs for Spring/Summer 2016, like these creations by Sachin & Babi. The husband-and-wife duo are known for their embroidery and appliqué elements.

The New York-based label Rhié was created by Rie Yamagata. What began with just knitwear grew to incorporate a full line of designs.

"I love to merge art, fashion and design," Lisa Perry says of her work. Indeed, her retro inspired designs recollect great artists like Andy Warhol or Jeff Koons. She prefers minimalist lines, but doesn't shy away from color in her Spring/Summer 2016 collection.