Before today’s show, I just remembered Malan Breton as the eccentric, Count Dracula resembling contestant on the last season of Project Runway. Even though he didn’t make it to Bryant Park via Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, the fashion newbie generated enough buzz on his own and showcased his first collection in the Tents for Spring 07.

Breton’s AW08 presentation today was quite impressive and gave off a “tres luxe et riche” feel. I say this in French, because there were definitely some strong French influences on the runway, starting from the swanky music, to the rouged lips and heavy eyeliner on the models, to the use of neutral blacks and off-white colors contrasted by bright reds.

The silhouettes were clean and simple and the garments were impeccably tailored and timeless, with swing coats, trenches, sheath dresses and wide-leg pants being the most prominent. Because of the simplicity in colours and shape, his garments seemed as though they would be best fit for the “untouchable” woman – polished, lady-like and always immaculate, like style icon, Jackie O.

I loved the elbow length leather gloves, stylish umbrellas (not sure they were added to poke fun of the dreadful weather we’ve had all week?) and classic handbags and clutches. It seems like our Project Runway cast-off, Malan Breton, will be around for the long haul…