Sketch this: Lauren Bacall, Bauhaus & flirty dreams are inspirations for fashion week fall collections

It's a little bit like the grown-up version of Project Runway All Stars. Before creating an outfit, a designer sketches out an idea that eventually ends up on the catwalk, hopefully to huge applause and big sales. That's what happens twice a year at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where America's top designers unveil their fall 2012 collections. To kick off our coverage, we asked a mix of seasoned pros and fresh faces to send us a sketch, along with a sentence or quote that sums up their inspiration for the season. 

Tommy Hilfiger: Military meets prep

Carmen Marc Valvo: The uncomplicated glamour of Lauren Bacall

Tracy Reese is coloring her world bold, with pops of fiery tomato orange energizing the classic contrast of black and white. 

DKNY: Flirt

Nicole Miller: Freedom, power, and whimsy

Pamella Roland looked to her home-away-from-home favorite, Aspen, Colo., for inspiration, with colors of charcoal grey, mink brown and midnight black mixed in with splashes of ice blue, fire red and autumn marigold.

Pamella Roland's Apsen-themed collection also includes winter white and starlight silver.

Rachel Roy: Modern landscape architecture

Herve Leger: "Our collection is inspired by modern architecture, equestrian details and automotive interiors." – Lubov Azria

Costello Tagliapietra: Hauntings and dreamlike states of being

Monika Chiang: “This season I was inspired by the jolt to the senses experienced when seemingly unexpected elements combine.” 

Helios & Luna by Patricia Clyne: "I became obsessed by the paintings of British conceptual artist Martin Creed. His graphic bold strokes and colors reflect the spirit of the woman the collection is designed for."

Dennis Basso: “For this season’s collection I looked to the late 1930s, and the early days of the Orient Express. Smokey, smoldering shades with pops of bold color evoke the sense of glamour, allure and mystery.”

BCBG Max Azria: "Our collection is inspired by the Bauhaus movement; Manifesting an architectural aesthetic.” – Lubov Azria

Doo.Ri:"The silent strength in motion"

Tadashi Shoji: Golden Age of Shanghai

Tadashi Shoji: Golden Age of Shanghai

Tadashi Shoji: Golden Age of Shanghai