If you’re looking for muted, look away from the Damzels in this Dress spring 2008 collection. The label may have taken a few seasons off from the runway, but its return, thankfully, didn’t lack the sense of drama, kitsch and humor that pairs so well with the 1940s-inspired dresses that strode down the runway with contrasting socks and stilettos, and even a chainsaw at one point. Geometric triangle prints, crustacean appliqués on sailor-striped sheaths and a black rose print all brought a B-movie sense of campy darkness to the collection – perfect for the urban femme fatale. The Damzels brought buddies Play Dead Cult along for the ride – a masculine counterpart to their dark ladies, thanks to punky leather jackets (complete with cartoonish skull logo) and mocking, posturing poses at the end of the runway for that devil-may-care feel.

Kavi Kavi also toyed with femme fatales in their capsule collection that was featured on a firetruck outside of the Fashionweek tents. It was a good match – the young label’s searingly sexy dresses were rendered in fiery shades of satin with glistening gold details that seemed to say “look, but don’t touch.”

Still on the streetwear scene, Gsus Industries trotted through the lamentably greatest looks of the 1980s. Preppy shrunken cardigans, gold lame bikinis, jersey minidresses and cropped parachute windbreakers in bright shades, were a great reminder of the folly, and fabulousness, of youth.

Nada Yousif also interpreted the joys of youth, and playing dress-up, seemingly while under the influence of a sugar rush. Models carried lollypops and sported candy-look knuckleduster rings with colorful satin separates for a Lolita-like feel. Bold color pairings (such as cobalt blue and ultraviolet) and long, caftans in garish prints gave the collection a sense of being pulled from mother’s closet without her knowledge.

But the best expression of glee came at Fashionweek’s closing show. Fans that showed up under the misguided notion of seeing Thien Le’s spectacular evening gowns weren’t disappointed when he showed his new collection of golf wear, cutely named Le T. Golf. Models bounced down the runway, wearing smiles and golfwear that is sophisticated enough to hit the street in, not just the links. Flippy floral skirts and layered tanks in sorbet shades contrasted with more sophisticated (yet functional) sport dresses in technical fabrics with contrast metallic piping. It was little wonder that the last song of the show – and the whole week – was Lionel Ritchie’s Celebration; ‘ keep it light, keep it bright, and you’ll have a good time.‘