All About Nature at Tracy Reese

Tracy Reese's nature-inspired fall 2008 collection, unveiled Sunday under the tents at Bryant Park, was a colorful nod toward environmental awareness. Intended to reflect the weather's impact on moods, Ms. Reese's patterns and fabrics often clashed. For example, a bright "green grass" patterned slim skirt was worn with a striped cowl-neck shirt and muted plaid reefer coat. Floral patterns, in brilliant azalea pink and rhododendron rose, were covered with sequins and distorted enough to look abstract, while "raven's wing feathers" graced a lace overlay frock. Metallics permeated the collection: A shimmering asymmetrical, striped copper Lurex dress called to mind the forest after a rainstorm.