FLASHFLOOD Studios

Luke Aaron: It appears that the young designer held a Grace Kelly film festival (with costumes by Edith Head) before designing his Spring/Summer 2013 line. Many of his feminine offerings, in celadon chiffons and a lovely muted floral print, looked ready for retail. Fabric on skirts and gowns was gathered up in intricately draped origami-inspired folds. A gown built of deep blue tulle under a peacock-print sheer was elegant without feeling old-fashioned. Where Aaron was less successful was with heavier satin dresses and pleating and folds that lacked the flow of his chiffons.

FLASHFLOOD Studios

Victoria Dominguez-Bagu: Her show could have been titled “Evening in St. Barts.” Dominguez-Bagu described her inspiration as the beach at sunset, and that feeling was well represented with a circular tropical print that dominated the start of her show. There were subtle nautical details, such as small grommets hammered into shorts and blouses. An orange jersey stripe fabric was a clever play off the traditional navy and white stripes associated with old men and the sea. But it was Dominguez-Bagu’s eye for detail that was most impressive. A full length black evening gown featured a dazzling surprise: A gold necklace dangling over an open back.

Melissa Ostrow

Emily Muller: Muller’s palette of dark, green-infused teal, in addition to gray and black, may not have evoked spring, but the light and breezy flow of her loose-fitting and intricately gathered dresses were the proper weight for a warm evening dinner party. Muller’s dress-over-dress approach gave the impression of a stylish woman who casually throws a nightie over her day clothes, and then hits the town. The deconstructed looks were a sharp contrast to Muller’s 1970s-influenced Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Spring/Summer 2013 was dark, lovely, and ghostly.

Melissa Ostrow

Candice Wu: Welcome to the Thunderdome. Candice Wu’s lady warriors marched like soldiers down the runway in studded headpieces, thick chains, and imitation leather trousers. Her focus was on construction, with pieces such as a structured shoulder alligator mesh dress with a removable gown dominating her show. Shoulders were exaggerated, as if giving her models a layer of armor. The drawback to her warrior looks was the material. The faux leather looked a bit too faux.

FLASHFLOOD Studios

Avni Trivedi's designs represent the "new" green.

FLASHFLOOD Studios

A design from Firas Yousif.

FLASHFLOOD Studios

A design from Texas-born designer Sam Mendoza.