"If you brought a wind blower, the dress would be flowing," designer Tadashi Shoji said at his Lincoln Center presentation. "It's that kind of feeling."

Models in pale gowns stood under trees in front a crowd of photographers, pros and iPhoners alike.

Gowns came in muted blushes, soft lilacs and pale golds. Ruffles abounded; one long gown alternated matte chiffon and gold sequins for an understated elegance.

The designer summed up the collection in a few words: "Very ethereal. Airy," he said.