Shimmer dusted cable knits, prim pencil skirts and custom Manolo Blahniks. With so much to like from J.Crew's Fall '12 collection (shown last week in New York) we caught up with the man behind it all, Tom Mora, head of women's wear design, just before he took of for Paris.

What was the starting point for this collection?
Irving Penn was a key inspiration for Fall 2012. His photos were timeless and always chic.

During the design process for Fall 2012, if we had visited your studio, what would we find on your mood board?
Irving Penn photos, graphic black and white prints, foulards and paisley prints. Chunky sweater knit downs and swatches of alpaca fabric.

With all the inspired layering, how would you describe J.Crew's styling this season?
We always love layering but it also feels new to wear a fabrication like a tweed or a print head to toe. Wearing a top with a matching pant or skirt feels right.

What is it about below-the-knee pencil skirts that again feels fresh? What's the modern way to wear them now?
With the beautiful chunky sweaters we showed, the longer length helps to elongate the silhouette.

What was your favorite look in the collection and why?
The abstract fair isle in cashmere and mohair with the python pencil skirt. It showed luxury, warmth and chicness.

What was your knit direction this season?
All the chunky handknits in luxe yarns with a ski sweater feel.

Why did J. Crew decide to collaborate with Manolo Blahnik?
We are huge fans of Manolo Blahnik and they love what we do so it seemed like a good fit. Also, as a brand, J.Crew loves offering the customer something that we admire.

Click here to see the entire collection.