Direction Change at Nanette Lepore

Change is in the air this season, as fashion designers take more risks and create less predictable lines. The high society, fashion-savvy woman was the inspiration behind Nanette Lepore's fall 2008 collection, shown yesterday under the tents at Bryant Park. Out was the bohemian-chic style that most have come to expect from Ms. Lepore, and in was a palette of subdued hues, such as dusty pinks and browns. Pleats and bows adorned high-waisted, fitted skirts, and black lace and buttons were prominent in the dresses. A pink-and-black plaid bouclé coat with oversize collar that formed a bow was the first, and best, look, while a merlot-colored pinstripe corseted skirt was representative of this collection's more sophisticated tone. Also on display was Ms. Lepore's fall 2008 shoe collection, which included pumps in mauve and green with black heels and bows at the toe.