Already a rising star in Canada, Arthur Mendonca presented his AW 08 collection yesterday in hopes of making a stronger name for himself in the States as well. Although his chosen venue was a trek from Bryant Park (which probably deterred many a high-heel clad woman from attending), I was lucky enough to find an empty cab to make it to the show (and spotted songstress Nelly Furtado in the front row).

The collection was for the strong and independent New York woman. Feminine silk tunics, shift dresses and cigarette pants were sharply contrasted by tailored masculine elements like biker jackets and oversized blazers and by structured bowler hats.

Most of the pieces were in city black, but there were some striking contrasts with bold peacock blue, green and violet. As with a lot of what we’ve seen this week, the looks were accessorized with belts, gloves and colored tights.

The most interesting looks were the bright silk velvet dresses that were unique in texture and the amazing metallic suits that looked holographic and very futuristic.