to a soothing soundtrack of a violinist, the christine alcalay presentation was held in a light and airy photo studio in the heart of the garment district; it was a setting that was totally fitting for the feminine collection (also fitting: the collection was called “after a storm comes a calm,” since a few days before the show there were tornadoes in the area). the collection, which included soft suiting, dresses in watercolor floral and lace overlay, wide leg pants, and polka dot blouses, was based in sorbet colors grounded in black, white, and beige. my favorite looks were the pencil skirts with a pleated chiffon overlay—a modern take on ‘business in the front, party in the back.’