Minimalism
Céline-signature sparseness continues to wipe the slate clean with pared-down, less-is-more styling. Shots of shocking colour at Jil Sander and MaxMara make serious simplicity, dare we say, thrillingly maximal!

Pictured from left to right: Céline, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein.

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Yves Saint Laurent
The recent retrospective at the Petit Palais in Paris cast a chic spell on the spring catwalks. Designers channelled YSL’s ’70s glam with gypsy dressing, vibrant colour blocking, tuxedo jackets, jumpsuits and the red-lacquered lips of Guy Bourdin imagery.

Pictured from left to right: Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Gucci.

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Nomad
Luxe, boho hippies take a multi-culti trip embracing a feel-good ’70s vibe. Maxidresses, laced safari shirts, whipstitched skins, fringe and exotic prints all come together in the name of LOVE.

Pictured from left to right: Emilio Pucci, D&G.

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Punk
Anarchy rocked the couture houses! Twenty-first-century proto-punks invaded the runways to a London beat in zips, rips, studs, safety pins and perfecto jackets.

Pictured from left to right: Balenciaga, Jean Paul Gaultier, Balmain.


Editor: Denis Desro

On the next page… Colour, White, Ballet and Orientalism.

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Colourama
Mixing strong primary colours with abandon showcases fashion’s optimistic message for spring in intensely saturated hues bordering on fluorescence: safety orange, highlighter pink, acid green and magenta.

Pictured from left to right: Jil Sander, Aquilano e Rimondi, Burberry Prorsum.

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White
If colour isn’t your thing, turn toward the light. Simply put, white is the new black! Even Dolce & Gabbana focused on an almost all-white collection based on the idea of a hope chest. Chic pantsuits and versions of the little white dress speak volumes, making the LWD the new LBD.

Pictured from left to right: BCBG Max Azria, Dolce & Gabbana, Céline.

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Ballet
Dance-recital stylings—slicked chignons, leotards with scooped backs, flyaway pleated skirts and ballet slippers—return to the urban stage for a romantic, graceful performance in feminine flou.

Pictured from left to right: Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Chloé.

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Orientalism
Journey to the Far East and discover silk kimonos, obi belts, Mao-collared jackets, the exotic colours of Chinese florals and Japanese woodblock prints for an oriental-modern mix.

Pictured from left to right: Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton.

Editor: Denis Desro

On the next page… Androgyny, Sheer and Stripes.

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Androgyny
Girl meets boy and then raids his closet. Explore masculine dress codes: Dries Van Noten offered oversized BF blazers, Burberry Prorsum’s models got tough in biker jackets and Bottega Veneta, playing on relaxed urban swagger, showed softly tailored pantsuits.

Pictured from left to right
: Bottega Veneta, Dries Van Noten, Burberry Prorsum.

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Sheer
Designers had nothing to hide as they played with transparency in a game of peekaboo. Veiling the body in chiffon, cotton voile, tulle, organza and lace added mystery and textural interest to the simplest of shapes that were so airy, they threatened to float away.

Pictured from left to right: Proenza Schouler, BCBG Max Azria, Lanvin.

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Stripes
Get in line! Bold, graphic stripes are this summer’s hottest pattern. From Prada’s flapper dress to Jil Sander’s pink-and-white candy stripes, these vertical and horizontal lines—whether prisoner or sailor—are jostling for attention.

Pictured from left to right: Céline, Prada, Jil Sander.

Editor: Denis Desro

On the next page… Shirts, Pants, T-Shirts.

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Shirts
The classic men’s shirt—ubiquitous on the runways—is a definite must. Crisp and white, in cotton or silk, short- or long-sleeved, tucked in or left out, this staple instantly updates everything this spring.

Pictured from left to right: Giambattista Valli, Dries Van Noten, Céline.

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Pants
“Hang loose” takes on a whole new meaning as trouser shapes skim, flow and fall away from the body. Worn low, this season’s masculine, full-legged pants in easy, fluid fabrics have become another It item.

Pictured from left to right: Donna Karan, Hermès, Max Azria.

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T-Shirts
The coolest basic just went chic! A crewneck tee, whether in cotton, leather or silk, is your new BFF: plain, ripped, wrinkled, two-tone, neon, striped, long-sleeved and even maxi length—effortless summer fun.

Pictured from left to right: Jil Sander, Dries Van Noten, MaxMara.

Editor: Denis Desro

Watch:
Burberry Prorsum: Spring/Summer 2011
Biker chic makes a strong come back at Burberry Prorsum.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label: Spring/Summer 2011
Bring on the meanswear. Vivienne Westwood’s lean suits, pencil skirts and plaids combined well with her signtaure flair.