NEW YORK -- Here are eight awards from the eight-day Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to kick off '08:

Best "Wow!" -- Zang Toi, for a succession of stunners featuring day and evening looks for women and two extraordinarily debonair looks for men. His men's black cotton velvet dinner suit with a passementerie closure on the jacket over a white silk organza dress shirt and tuxedo scarf was the picture of elegant manliness. But Toi's breathtaking black-, red- and white-beaded American Indian princess gown was truly the last word.

Best Menswear Collection -- Nautica. Aspirational has never been so accessible, and the line can make an ordinary guy look great for every occasion.

Most Disappointing Collection -- For the second show in a row, Marc Jacobs snagged this award, and not just because he seemed to be dressing high-school rebels. There were some bright spots, such as big-print colored houndstooth jackets for women, but for the most part it was a sloppy flop. At September's fashion week, I described his spring collection as "horrendous."

Best Denim Collection -- G-Star Raw, for avant-garde Mad Max-meets-Matrix looks layered for denimaniacs who like their blues fresh and forward. Innovative, fresh and wearable, the ensembles for men and women were presented in the most creative, high-energy runway show of the season.

Best Black-and-White -- Several designers sent out beautiful, unexpected spectator looks, typically for special occasions. But Naeem Khan's were the most alluring, from a shimmering ink-marbled paillette gown to a chic white peony-embroidered black caftan gown with a long black-and-white coat.

Hardest-working Designer -- Max Azria, who was responsible for an unprecedented three collections during a single fashion week. Herve Leger, BCBGMAXAZRIA and Max Azria all were creative triumphs that should do very well at retail.

Best Preemptive Strike -- Rachel Roy, who showed her collection the day before fashion week kicked off. With the sun setting on a 180-degree view of the Manhattan skyline, her models posed with mannequins in gorgeous daywear and evening looks. Must-have outfit: A Native American-inspired ensemble of a Yuma multicolored silk and leather coat over an Awa black gauze blouse and a Sioux red silk and wool skirt.

Most Unforgettable Runway Moment -- When the redhead wearing the final look in the Zac Posen show fell. It wasn't clear whether the long dress or high heels caused the tumble, but she had trouble getting up. A security guard rushed to her assistance, but not before another model coming back down the runway extended a hand and helped her to her feet. The audience applauded as the model who fell raised her hands and seemed to mouth "Why me?," smiled and made her way up the runway. Posen was the picture of forgiveness and composure as he escorted her down the runway a second time for his bow.