Monique Lhuillier used the hard to balance the softness in her Spring 2012 collection.  She combined the masculinity of leather with the delicacy of silks and vibrant prints.  The colorful nature of the pieces were appreciated at first sight; they were decadent.  Think strawberry, blueberry and lemon, and they were equally delicious.  The black, white and yellow print gown was a favorite because of the proportion, fit and fabric design; it had all the qualities of a red carpet contender.  A sleek pontail accompanied each look, allowing the dresses to take centerstage.

Christian Siriano brought citrus brights to the Spring 2012 season in yummy lime and tangerine.  The bold colors were subded by the elegant designs.  My favorite look was the long green skirt paired with a coral T-shirt.  This look showcased the refinement in American sportswear.  Those colors were lively and energetic, and their enthusiasm were contagious in the audience.  a neutral palette was also served up, but the vivid pieces ruled the runway. 

Costello Tagliapietra was a story of prints, jewel-tones and exquisite drapery for Spring 2012.  The designing duo created coveted pieces that will have you counting down the days to the warmer months.  There were high and low necklines created from beautifully manipulated fabric.  This collection was simultaneously feminine and clean, the silhouettes also had an avand garde feel at the hemline.   Each look had movement, and an element of grace that was visible on the runway.

Douglas Hannant’s Pink presentation for Spring 2012 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week offered polished looks with a ton of edge.  Special attention was given to the buttons, hems and cut of the garments.  It was all in the details, and that made room for a youthful line with feminine sensibilities.  The brights were complemented by desirable floral prints.  These pieces were colorful and fun, exactly what is called for during the season. 

Tadashi Shoji gave us flowing gowns and knee-length cocktail dresses for Spring 2012. It was all about texture with this collection, and this was evident in the floral embroidery, chantilly lace and painted fabric. The designer also gave us silks and chiffon in subtle tones like ivory and sand. A neutral color palette often appears more elegant and graceful. This runway had romance and charm from beginning to end, and it was achieved through design and good textile selection.

Nicholas K opened Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with a stylish roar.  The label showcased ivory and white, alongside earth tones and bluish-grays.  Layering was the central theme of this show, and it was done right, chic and effortless.  There was a lightness to the dresses that was very appealing, it must have been the precise draping; the kind that allows the fabric to flow.  Those jackets were equally desirable with their perfect proportions, and

Chanel debuted its 2012 Cruise collection in Paris last night.  It was a black and ivory color palette with a lively multi-colored print mixed in.  Texture and embroidery played a central role alongside lovely tulle in all its translucent splendor.  The hemlines were modest and below the knee, but some looks were accompanied by low-cut necklines or peek-a-boo cut-outs.  These pieces embodied romance, it was evident in the flowy chiffon and gorgeous lace.

Louis Vuitton brought an opulent military look to the runway in Paris for Fall 2011.  The outerwear and accessories took the lead.  Coats and jackets took on the same stature as the iconic bags.  They had a military inspiration, evident in the silhouette and the button details.  Each garment was accessorized with military caps and boots to complete the look.  The boots came in mouth-watering colors like apple red and emerald green.  Leather, plaid, sequins and fur formed an extravagant collection.  Marc Jacobs continues to move this fashion house forward each season; this was all the luxury one would expect from Vuitton, and more. 

Miu Miu was a tribute to the 1940′s for Fall 2011.  The story was conveyed in the silhouette, the exaggerated shoulders and angular neckline details.   A color palette of black, blue, mustard and cream was a little subdued, and it maintained the retro vibe.  This collection was all about shapes, the volume was in the sleeves and the bodice.   Some looks were cinched in at the waist to emphasize the coveted hourglass figure of that time period.  Hemlines fell right at the knee, a modest and respectable length during the 1940′s and equally chic today.

Elie Saab delivered red carpet elegance onto the runway for Fall 2011.  The dresses were adorned in beautiful beadwork giving them a lustrous shine.  Flowing chiffon added ethereal beauty to this catwalk; the draping was noteworthy on both the jersey and chiffon.  Luxurious fur and leather jackets were paired with both day and evening wear.  A color palette of black, red, eggplant and taupe was lavish enough to match the gorgeous designs.  The print was a canvas of fall colors – mustard, olive green, eggplant and rust.  Elie Saab was timeless and classic for the season.