NEW YORK, Feb 5, 2006/ FW/ --- If ambience could say it all, then Phillip Lim would receive a grand review. Set in the Metropolitan Pavilion with a more art gallery vibe, the models were placed on circular podiums around the room.

Starting the collection off was a throw back camel fur trimmed wool box coat with pearl detailing on the collar.

Truly there was nothing so new or interesting about the collection, but the fabrics and shoes were somewhat amusing. A washed leather two toned band jacket and ecru and blue were strikingly handsome paired with a Victorian shirt.

The shoes were mainly rhinestone-studded pumps very edgy for some of the silk cowl neck gowns with enormous pleats.

Lim's accessories such as his handbags were very strong in black washed leather with large hardware pieces in gold that complemented the size of each bag. His use of nude chiffons and barely there browns were thought provoking.

The antique white satin crepes and winter whites were notable colors along with just a few pieces in charcoal grey and ash black.

Although the clothes were wonderfully entertaining, the real amusement was what the string quartet was playing. As editors and buyers walked around the gallery, we were being serenaded with the tunes of Prince. It was such the right mix of elegance and pop that really brought the collection home.