NEW YORK, Feb 15, 2010 (AFP) - Some fashion designers face financial difficulties, other are going through an expansion, but Catherine Malandrino and Yohji Yamamoto showed this Sunday 14 February that fashion, above all, will always be a product of technical prowess.

A Malandrino collection named "Khan" was inspired by Central Asian steppes - Photo: AFP

During the fourth day of New York's Fashion Week dedicated to fall-winter clothes that is moving forward at a frenetic pace, journalists, photographers and cameramen were shuttled between various venues in Bryant Park, Chelsea Museum and Park Avenue by bus.

French designer Catherine Malandrino, who has been living in New York for about a decade, chose a traditional catwalk display to the rhythm of disco music.

This way of presenting designs is more economical and allows access to a greater number of viewers.

The clothes were also displayed on about 40 stationary models placed on pedestals, which allowed photographers and fashion editors to examine the designs up-close as they took notes.

A Malandrino collection named "Khan" was inspired by Central Asian steppes -- with added sophistication.

The French designer has a passion for leather, fishnets, crochets and plaid fabrics, using high mastery in all her techniques without forgetting any of the collection's esthetic impact.

The models displayed rusted red and gray, leather jackets, mini plaid skirts as well as a wide range of necklaces, bracelets and other accessories inspired by Central Asian motifs.

The stationary models on pedestals, who were served water from time to time, showed impeccably flowing dark blue dresses made of satin, crochet and other fabrics and appliques.

As in other fashion displays, furs were also present. But they were never long, trimming jackets or bolero capes.

Malandrino, whose designs have already conquered Russia, is now preparing to move into China with dozens of boutique-style stores. She also has a line of shoes that remind of equestrian boots with a feminine touch provided by high heels.

On the other side of town, Yohji Yamamoto presented his collection labeled J3, which belongs to athletic apparel maker Adidas, with which the designer has been cooperating for several seasons.

The 66-year-old Japanese, whose company was placed under bankruptcy protection last fall, remained true to his style. Once again, he showed that he was a master of styling asymmetries and minimalist elegance.

With a laser display on the background, a succession of male and female models displayed untraditionally structured coats with superimposed pieces of fabric, samurai-fashioned pant skirts, capes with sleeves and without them, with hoods or without them and other modern urban designs.

In the afternoon, designer Diane von Furstenberg presented her "yin and yang" collection dedicated to those who live the life of man trapped in a woman's body.

On Monday 15 February, fashion critics will be treated to a collection by Marc Jacobs, who is expected to display his creations at 8:00 p.m. (0100 GMT Tuesday 16 February). by Paola Messana