Cyberpunk, ’70s Glamour and Biker-Chic were a few of the hot trends for 2011 revealed last fall during Fashion Week in New York. With daring new designs and the incorporation of never before seen materials on the runway, it seems that 2011 will be the year of vexing futurism intertwined with vintage glamour. There was a new found bravery seen on the runway, even in the material used for the clothing and footwear premiered. With leggings made of PVC, stiletto-heeled shoes of recycled hardware and other unexpected fashion risks, many designers have found success in the over-the-top trends that hadn’t taken off in previous years.

Perhaps it’s the current state of the Country, critics and columnists discuss in response to the minimalistic, yet edgy monochromatic theme of the Fashion Week Runway. The debates continue as to what the success of these daring fashions can be attributed to. Perhaps it is a believable bleak faith in humanity, a new severity of uncertainty of the future that has finally opened the door for fashion to go where it’s never dared to go before.

The dark-futurism of what has been dubbed “cyber-punk” is hard to not be quite intrigued by. The cyber-punk style is bold and while attempted, hasn’t been as seamlessly pulled off as it was with the pieces previewed during Fashion Week. The materials are mainly leather, PVC and latex, which sound to the naked ear as if they would appear trashy and forceful in person, bordering on fetish-wear.

This was somehow avoided completely by designers this year, as the post-apocalyptic, nearly threatening appeal of these cut-throat pieces is a definite success for designers like Nicholas Kirkwood. In his Rodarte shoe-collection, where the daring extremes of industrialism and futuristic design of heels made of tarnished hardware reach a new level of daringly sexy, without a hint of fetish-store feel.

Not all designs revealed were dismal or dystopian, as many happily found throw-backs to the ultra-glam of the ’70s were seen during Fashion Week in New York. Pulling away from the commonly seen bohemian look of the ’70s in current fashions, new trends lean toward the sophisticated socialite glamour of the disco era. There was a whimsical look of ultimate quality seen in the array of floor-sweeping dresses of the Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2011 Collection.

As shown in extreme thigh-high slits and opaque materials, the dresses touch on the delicate late ’70s with a bold new approach. Other ’70s sophisticate looks that are making a come-back in 2011 will be hot-pants, jumpsuits and slinky fabrics, all particularly recognized to have a Studio 54 feel.

Biker-Chic, the essence of genuine motorcycle gear meets a high-end version of 1988′s Thriller video, was instantly recognized as what will be a new wave of fashion trends in 2011. With statement pieces like motorcycle jackets, motorcycle boots and skin-tight leather pants, this decipherable look has already appeared on the cover of Harpaars Bizarre in a photo-shoot with Jennifer Anniston, and the essence of young Miley Cirus’ album cover for her new release, “Can’t Be Tamed.”

Designer pieces by Balmain and Burberry showcased an attractive attention to detail and quality in the statement motorcycle jackets. Bringing a splash of bright color to pieces otherwise seen only in matte black, Burberry revealed a body-hugging silver motorcycle jacket with zippered sleeves and buckled detail was recognized as a must-have for fashion enthusiasts upon first glance.

There comes a distinct level of both strength and sophistication with bold new color choices and detailed leather that is quilted, padded and paneled. Chanel revealed a new motorcycle boot that has already been spotted on celebrities like Kiera Knightley. With a bold, buckled, two-toned leather appeal, it’s hard to not fall in love with this trend. The same zippered, detailed feel of genuine leather pieces will also appear in pants, skirts, shoes and jackets in 2011 as part of the biker-chic phenomenon.

The intention seems abundantly clear as the minimally jeweled models strut the Fashion Week Runway in New York. The fashion trends of 2011 will be mostly monochromatic, featuring one strong statement piece. A new focus on minimalistic, high-quality pieces is seen throughout most 2011 designer collections. The prices do not appear to be going down anytime soon in regard to high-end designers. In fact, it seems that they are rising in accordance with the quality of simplistic pieces. This is Fashion Week in New York, of course, where all rational of current economic standing does not dare to stand toe-to-toe with upcoming trends.