Click on image for more looks from A Détacher F/W 2014

White noise and conversations end as lights dim; every person is expecting obnoxiously loud, ear-deafening music to blast. The audience is met with a whimsical surprise when quiet rhythms occupy Pier 59 Studios — soundtrack of “Rocky” (“Going the Distance”) thumps. A Détacher’s first model, with her hair frizzy and voluminous, mimicking feathers of a bird, flutters across the runway.

Designer Monika Kowalska’s 2014 Fall/Winter line incorporates unexpected marriages of funky patterns: checks, plaids and thin stripes that screamed “autumn” with cartoon-like sketches of lightning bolts and rain clouds. Fabrics that are essentials to New York City’s brutal winter, wools and knits, made numerous appearances. Coupled with a warm palette of browns: camel, chocolate and burgundy, the collection altogether exuded an Ivy League, sporty feel.

The collection was filled with items that were mostly knitted tunics, sweaters and oversized coats that overall showed off loose and hanging silhouettes. Accessories that included hoods of the sweater, beanies and hobo bags, were combined with stocky, wooden heels — the Kowalska’s 2014 autumn woman is relaxed with a tinge of bohemian spirit.

The most impressive part of the line is Monika Kowalska’s impeccable consistency with her conservative fittings and silhouettes even while working with different textures. While some models threw on silky, flowing, wide-sleeve dresses, others had wide-sleeve wool coats that never engulfed the women but rather flattered their figures. Kowalska’s seams were never too short or too tight.

On the contrary, the standout piece of the night was a long knitted grey dress that had a dangerously low cut, revealing a narrow vertical strip of the mid chest. There were instant gasps of awe and whispers of “sexy” filling the air.

Make up was kept simple and feminine: girly-pink blush, strong brows and nude lips.

The collection concluded with a thematic sporty track of “Eye of the Tiger,” appropriately paying homage to tonight’s opening ceremony of 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Michelle Lim is a senior editor. Email her at [email protected]