Images via NYMag

Elie Saab was a runway of dazzling sparkles and flowy chiffon for Spring 2012. The collection went from elegant to glamorous in a flash. It was a haven for crystals, sheer bodices and belted dresses. The show opened with blush colored looks, and then revealed a rainbow of colors in marigold, peach, emerald green and cobalt blue. These gowns were Oscar worthy right up to those thigh-high slits. Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parker should definitely take a few of them for a walk on the red carpet.

Images via NYMag

Miu Miu went the minimalist route for Spring 2012. The pieces were clean and unfussy, but they were accompanied by lace dresses and satin capes. Red and burgundy infused optimism into a black and gray color scheme. The collection centered around frocks and coats, A-line to be specific. Skirts were paired with mid-driff baring blouses. This season was all about simplicity and form at Miu Miu.

Images via NYMag

Louis Vuitton was elegance personified with a 21st Century interpretation of the 1950′s for Spring 2012. It opened with sheer, feminine looks in a pattern reminiscent of the eyelet material; matching translucent bags accompanied them. Blush, cream, peach, baby blue and pale yellow had my heart racing as they walked down the runway. It was lady-like and delicate, yet very modern. The marigold coat was a standout because it was a statement piece, so bold and eye-catching. Feather was affixed to the skirts of dresses for an almost angelic flow. This collection was gorgeous because Marc Jacobs has an intuitive understanding of how women want to dress and feel.

Images via NYMag

Alexander McQueen was a clinic in sculpted details and perfectly crafted shapes for Spring 2012. The show opened with fitted looks that took on an hourglass form, the silhouette was on display. Gold, blush, ivory and a black and white print helped to convey this larger than life romantic story. It was aided by ornate and textured textile, and luxurious print. This collection was lingerie-inspired, it was visible in the lace designs on the dresses. The plunging necklines were also a clue. These pieces were pretty and feminine, but in a way only Mcqueen could pull-off. The beautiful floral mini-dresses had texture, proportion and volume, they were wearable art. Leather and lace were paired together for contrast, the hard against soft. The sandals were an updated gladiator-styled. The collection had all the drama one would expect from this fashion house.

Images via NYMag

Karl Lagerfeld reinvented Chanel for Spring 2012. This was evidenced by the leather jacket and pearls combination. It was one of my favorites because of the the message it conveyed. It said the fashion house is also courting its client’s younger daughters. The collection was young and modern, think minis and printed dresses in blush, pink and mint green. There were many pretty pieces with colorful, graphic prints. The signature Chanel looks were also present in tweed, but they had new silhouettes. It was easily one of my favorite runway shows from this label in recent seasons. Lagerfeld was recharged, and it was obvious. The bathing suits were sexy, yet concealing, modest. I loved the architectural details and extra puff on the sleeves and hemlines. This show was exciting because it was unexpected. The designer wisely opted for minimal hair to keep focus on the clothes.

Images via NYMag

Valentino brought the red carpet to the runways of Paris for Spring 2012. Each piece was more beautiful than the next. The dresses were gorgeous, and rich in feminine details. Black and white looks opened the show, but we were soon treated to salmon, baby blue, black and pink. Leather added a rocking edge to those pretty confections. Their signature red made its appearance throughout, but it was the lace gown with cap sleeves that caught my eye. This was a parade of beauty in lady-like silhouettes.

Images via NYMag

Chloe was the epitome of chic for Spring 2012. A white and tan color palette was brought to life with turquoise and salmon. They also had a floral print to add to the brights. Gorgeous crochet made its way down this runway with lady-like elegance. The neutral leather jacket, and shorts added an edgier element to these beautiful pieces. Hemlines fell below the knee without being prudish, it was quite the opposite. The stripe dresses were the standout because they managed to be feminine without a single ruffle. This collection was easy, and unforced, and that made it ultra chic.

Images via NYMag

Yves Saint Laurent was the home of structure and color-blocking for Spring 2012. It was reflected in the jackets and great fitting trousers, and a jewel-tone color palette. Think sapphire, burgundy, purple, green and navy, all were right at home for the season. The halter dresses took on the volume needed for drama and effect. A gorgeous gown in a paisley print was flowy, and perfect because of its movement. The backless tops were sexy, but were paired with knee-length skirts or slacks to off-set the allure. This collection was feminine and rich in details, like the ruffles blouses worn with flirty skirts.

Images via NYMag

Giambattista Valli revealed a runway of pretty and polished dresses for Spring 2012. They were beautifully proportioned and embellished with sparkling crystals. Those mid-thigh hemlines indicated youthful sophistication. A gorgeous gown with a sheer skirt was a standout because of the eye-catching floral pattern. The color palette was a seasonal white, yellow and pink. A dark tribal print was exotic against the lighter pastels. This collection was rich with texture and dazzle, it held a ton of visual interest for the eye.

Images via NYMag

Stella McCartney brought sexy curves to the runway for Spring 2012. They were in the designs themselves, the bodice and hems. The color palette had various shades of blue, in addition to white, salmon and numerous pattern looks. The collection showcased leg-baring minis, some loose fitting, and others body-hugging. A luxurious lifestyle was on display, but it was restrained. In the end, it was all about relaxed-ease.