NEW YORK - American designers are having their moment in the spotlight at New York Fashion Week and, in the process, they're building a bigger base of fans.Steven Kolb, executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, said Thursday that he's heard from buyers at the chicest European stores that they're increasingly looking to the U.S. for new talent. Derek Lam, for example, is one of the best-selling lines at London's Harvey Nichols, according to Kolb."Today's designers are talented and they're marketers. That's part of the excitement about American fashion - it's part of the enthusiasm. And the established designers really want to nurture the young designer. That's very American," he said."American fashion is alive and well," agreed Style.com's Executive Fashion Director Candy Pratts Price, noting that so far this month her Web site has had some 9 million visitors. "New York is looking strong this season. There's long, there's short, there's clothes to grab and go. They reflect the modern way of dressing."Fashion Week was set to wrap up Friday with shows by Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan, among other designers.Vera Wang : Poise. Grace. Elegance. Those are the words for Wang's spring collection and the designer herself, who went on with her show Thursday despite the death of her father earlier in the day.She placed a piece of paper on each seat with a simple note that her presentation was dedicated to the memory of C.C. Wang. When she took her bow at the end of the show, it was clear she had been crying.Immersing herself in fashion is probably a comfort for Wang. It's where she practices - and excels - at her craft.Wang said she was "exploring the emotionally charged space of the geisha's wardrobe and the ballerina's rehearsal layers" in her light, delicate collection.A lame negligee gown with oversized embellished pockets, worn over a nude tulle T-shirt, was like liquid gold, while a whisper-light blush crinkled chiffon dress with an open back was - in a word - stunning.Outfits that looked like the simple, inviting styles a ballerina might wear after a rehearsal actually had many intricate details woven into each one. One of the best examples: a black kimono blouse with a sheer organza back, a navy wrap tutu skirt with black floral embroidery and sheer black drawstring warm-up pants.