New York, Feb 8 (IANS/EFE): New York Fashion Week returned Thursday to the runways of Manhattan's Lincoln Center, showcasing the fall-winter collections of designers from across the Americas.

Coming on the heels of catwalk shows in Paris, Milan and Barcelona and preceding an event in Madrid, the New York extravaganza will focus its attention on fashion houses and designers on the other side of the Atlantic.

Latin American designers will be well represented but a growing Spanish presence also will be felt at the semi-annual gathering.

US fashion houses Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors; Venezuela's Carolina Herrera; and Mexican-American Cesar Galindo will be in the spotlight over the next eight days.

Kenneth Cole, meanwhile, will be making its return to New York Fashion Week after a seven-year hiatus.

Among the Spanish fashion houses, Custo Barcelona will be part of the official schedule and show off its collection at Lincoln Center Stage, while DelPozo will be making its first appearance at NYFW and Barcelona designer Katarina Grey is returning after a successful debut in Manhattan last September.

Venezuela's Angel Sanchez and Dominican Oscar de la Renta also will showcase their designs outside the official schedule. The latter's collection has generated anticipation due to media reports that disgraced former Christian Dior designer John Galliano has joined the Oscar de la Renta team.