Marc Jacobs gives New York a boost

Manhattan's fashion darling Marc Jacobs last night unveiled his second spring 2010 collection in two days, with a fun and somewhat subversive show for his more affordable 'Marc by Marc Jacobs' line (left). Jewel-box bright colours - blue, orange and emerald green - were juxtaposed with bold graphics to sometimes jarring effect. Pink Minnie Mouse bows, for instance, were worn with red blazers.
 
Tuesday's show followed his signature show on Monday night, when Jacobs gave a recession-weary New York Fashion Week crowd just the boost they needed - a stunning and theatrical collection that invoked Pierott the clown, Arabian dancers, Japanese geishas and underwear-as-outerwear (right).

The latter might have been inspired by Madonna, who snuck in to the Armory with boyfriend Jesus Luz just before the lights went down at 8pm sharp. Jacobs, once notorious for starting his shows late – to the fury of US Vogue queen bee Anna Wintour – managed to be bang on time on Monday. Late arrival Lady Gaga was forced to watch from backstage.
 
New York Fashion Week has seen many designers play it safe in a commercially uncertain market while La Wintour has even taken to the streets to convince ordinary New Yorkers to inject some cash into the city's struggling retail industry. By contrast Jacobs unleashed ruffled pantaloon playsuits, dropped crotches, see-through dresses and lattice-work PVC crochet leggings. ·