After years of indulging in high couture, Lebanese designer Georges Chakra has debuted his new line in New York in stunning fashion.

In marked contrast to the vibe at the New York Fashion Week enveloped in a cloud of economic austerity, Chakra - who dressed British actress Helen Mirren at the Oscars awards last year - kicked off his show Saturday with a bang.

Always respectful of the feminine silhouette, Chakra's skin-tight, glossy dresses in futuristic colors range from red to jet black and silver to hot pink.

Throwing out the somber mood that was tangible at the show's start Friday, with designers toning down their events to fit the financial pinch, Chakra's line, with its taffeta coat dress and wildly over-the-top neon garb, caught everyone's attention.

The designer received a standing ovation for his show.

New York's Fashion Week, which opened on Friday amid an economic recession, will showcase the collections of some 75 designers and is considered one of the most important fashion shows in the world.

On Saturday, the habitual catwalk displays were accompanied by a tribute to Barbie, the doll that celebrates in 2009 its 50th year.