Manic Prints, Sexy Tailoring

Whether bold, floral, tribal or frisky, we absolutely can’t get enough of prints for spring—which ranged from graphic and festive (Marc by Marc Jacobs) to nature-inspired (Zero + Maria Cornejo, Costello Tagliapietra). Our hats off in particular to Brooklyn-based Costello Tagliapietra (who lives in my ’hood) for their waterless printing technique called AirDye—as reported by WWD—and to Anna Sui, whose opening look transported me back to my ’70s baton-twirling summers…

Anna Sui, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Proenza Schouler, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Costello Tagliapietra, Thakoon

Or if you’re not feeling quite so explosive, try these tailored looks from Rachel Roy and 3.1 Phillip Lim, who paired a gathered neck, double breasted maxi vest with “Hardy” bootcut trousers.

Metallics and pinstripes by Rachel Roy, belted vest and trousers by 3.1 Phillip Lim...

Feeling Breezy, or More Structured?

Donna Karan was lauded for the creativity and delicate splendor of her collection, while Matthew Ames found inspiration in geometry and color expression to celebrate “the freedom, ease and simplicity of American design.”

Matthew Ames, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein

Looking to the Past…or the Future?

You choose. Here, one of Zac Posen’s chicadelic creations for spring, and Victor De Souza’s presentation of designs that have an “…avant-garde and futuristic feel while being light, playful and sophisticated.” It was a smashing month for Argentina indeed: Del Potro takes the US Open, and De Souza (also Argentinean) hit the fashion jackpot with a cover and spread in Vogue Italia’s September Couture edition. Fabulous. (We also liked that some models had alien-esque paraffin gloves—with nails peeking out—courtesy of Creative Nail Design.)

A look from Zac Posen's spring 2010 collection

Striking a futuristic pose at the Victor De Souza presentation