Helmut Lang looking fierce: High boots and leather

NEW YORK — Fierce is the word for the Helmut Lang fall collection for fall that debuted during New York Fashion Week.

Models walked the runway in higher than thigh-high wedge boots that seemed to morph into their leather pants, jeans and leggings. Long chunky knit scarves were wrapped high around models' heads.

Ken Downing, the senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus, said the line's knitwear is popular and its leather pieces can become collector's items.

"We always look for a super modern and a little bit of an urban take that has a bit of romance to it," Downing said. "I'm always excited when there's an injection of color because they're known for a lot of the very muted tones. The customer always responds to color."

And while the collection, shown Friday, was largely black, white and shades of gray and brown there were burgundy pieces. The line also featured prints, one a mix of acid wash and tie dye that was used for pants, dresses and other separates.

The gritty glamour continued with an array of little black dresses, some with black leather sleeves, and a series of suit jackets without lapels paired with skinny pants.

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