The essentials: Silk satin and charmeuse dresses, belted tunics, viscose tops, bodysuits, bustiers, long skirts, black tights.

The palette: Black, jade, midnight blue, violet, yellow.

Bottom line: Using a variety of textures, draping techniques, and flashes of brilliant color, Karan succeeded in her goal--to celebrate a woman's "ability to seduce with power and light."

Beauty report: Karan's futuristic headgear should be reserved for the runway, but the shimmery eye and soft pale lip are versatile and universally flattering.