British style invades SoHo

For years, some of Europe's best designers have been kept secret from this side of the pond. But many of the brands have recently decided to come stateside. Last March, Karen Millen, a favorite among young women in the U.K., launched her first store in New York City.

From the outside of the flagship Karen Millen store in SoHo, its historical architecture and off-white color fit in perfectly with the surrounding buildings. But inside is where the transformation happens.

The ceiling is covered with tin tiles, the walls radiate with light reflected off the jagged mirrors, and only the mahogany floors seem to not fit with the modern revolution taking place inside. Around the store are sleek glass clothing racks, laden with the latest collection imported from Britain.

Millen's fall collection contains elements of rock 'n' roll and complete glamour. One of the edgier lines, "Rebel Chic," is inspired by urban cityscapes and street style. The pieces in this collection include fur-lined vests, fringe-covered boots and plenty of leather. Without being too punk, Millen delivers a modernized rebel look.

On the other side of the spectrum, Millen has a "Tuxedo" line that can only be described as red carpet glam. These pieces are inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's classic "Le Smoking" tuxedo for women, as well as vintage 1940s French Vogue meets the 1980s. The silky, lacy dresses, some of which include jewel detailing, are reminiscent of lingerie, and evoke a much softer, sexier feel than the "Rebel Chic" pieces.

The collection as a whole relies a lot on draping, asymmetric folds and ruffles. Most of the shapes are classic and could almost pass as business suits, but Millen adds something unique to each piece. What would otherwise be a boring belted shirt dress is completely transformed with layers of lace and a nude layer underneath. In other plain silhouettes, Millen adds exotic materials or a pop of color to make her piece unique. These form-fitting dresses include strategically placed geometric designs at the waistline; this makes them universally flattering.

Millen's pieces are also unique because of the attention to detail. A big theme of the fall/winter 2009 collection is layered frills. These small details, usually made of silk, add a feminine touch to the more severe pieces.

Most of Millen's shoes are priced between $200 and $300, whereas pieces like leather jackets are marked around $600. Not cheap. But comparatively, Millen offers some of the best deals in SoHo. This British favorite is accessible without being commercial.

In a city overrun with hipsters and the usual designers, Millen offers a new alternative. Thanks to the emergence of stores like Karen Millen, enjoying London Fashion Week stateside has never been easier.

Anna Podkovyrova is a contributing writer.