New York Fashion Week began with Kenneth Cole, Perry Ellis and Tracy Reese showing their softer sides in clothes that appeared ready for next year's vacation.

Some 80 shows were scheduled during the week, including Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass, Nicole Miller and Tommy Hilfiger on Thursday, and Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Cynthia Rowley and Zac Posen on Friday's schedule.