This may well be the most exuberant spring season that we’ve seen in years! Expect to see a lot of exclamation points! I would have to start our conversation with an effusive endorsement of COLOR! There have been many scholarly discussions on the effects of color, but you don’t need a degree to know that glorious, unapologetic, entrance-making color brightens the room and makes YOU feel pretty amazing too. It’s a cause-and-effect kind of thing. If you zig, the world will zag. Add to that the extra punch of powerful PRINT, and you’re a double head-turner! Technology has armed the designers with even more tools in their creative arsenal, so expect to see an explosion of elaborate, photographic and digitized prints.

Designers have clearly tapped into our GLOBAL ways. They took us away from it all with inspiration as far-flung as the South American jungles, the beaches of Hawaii, Africa, as well as the prettiest gardens of the world. The prevailing mood is at ease and playful, ladylike at times, beautiful without ever being precious or self-conscious.

I have to add that shoes and handbags have reached new heights of design and desirability. No longer are they an “accessory” to the main act, but quite frequently they can command the stage themselves.

Welcome to this vivacious and enlivening new season. I hope that you’re as uplifted by these exceptional collections as we are!

Color My World

Think Pink, in all its shades from Pretty to Shocking. Nothing says “I am Woman” more than this spectrum of color: Ballet Pink, Bubble Gum, Carnation, Cotton Candy, Peony, Fuchsia and
Hot, Hot, Hot!

Go Day-Glo! These electrified neon brites mean intense fun. Whether highlighting a seam or full on and all over, you can’t miss this one!

Fall into Spring—this shady palette was the season’s surprise. Who would have thought? Deep Forest Green and Evergreen look so right for summer, fresh now and again, later.

Like a visit to Ladurée, even all the pretty delectable pastels are delicious.

Can’t decide which amazing color you like best? Wear them all in blocks and stacks, all within one delirious outfit.

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Sun Kissed

If we have to shout out ONE color that perhaps outshines the rest and shifts our outlook up a notch, it would have to be one of the oh so many happy YELLOWS!

You will smile just saying their names: Canary Yellow, Sunshine, Lemon Chiffon, Buttercup, Egg Yolk Yellow, Saffron.

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Tribal Beats

Designers trekked and traveled to bring us back this rich yet primitive trend. They mined cultures as far-flung as Indonesia or Africa, not to mention Cubist painters’ renditions of primitif motifs.

Materials looked to nature: Ikat and Earth Dyes, Leather, Raffia, Basket weaves, Wood and Feather all held a spell over us.

The jungle of prints and patterns were dense with Zebra, Leopard, Ocelot, Python, and the lush vegetation itself.

Neutrals and earth’s spices were a clear message. Of note—Mud, Sand, Camel, Cumin, Turmeric, Pepper and Paprika.

Shapes were strong and powerful as would befit a warrior goddess or fashion native. Breastplate corsetry and tribal ornamentation stood out.

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Sports Max

Athletic details played out everywhere. Game on! This was luxed-up sport with an urban edge.

Details that counted were either zipped, hooded or drawstring.

Fabrics could look or be weather-resistant, dressed-up tech, and were frequently mesh, perforated or “protective” in essence.

Scuba is the sport du jour. Think graphic outlined seam work, tank-style shoulders and purposeful zippers.

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Black, White and So Right

In a season of color, BLACK and WHITE, alone or together, are forever favorites.

Bold, potent, strong compositions­­—just a black sleeve here, a bold stroke there, a diagonal swath, overall artistic pow!

Mix materials, textures and weights within one tonal look. Interplay sheer against solid, lace with crochet and textured knits.

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Prints Gone Wild

Whether vegetation, flora or fauna, the mix mastery of prints on all scales is a thrill.

Visit the Farmer’s Market at Dolce & Gabbana­—peppers, eggplants and tomato prints abound.

Menswear foulards and heritage scarf patterns at Stella and Pucci.

The birds call most sweetly at Reed and Carolina Herrera.

Hawaiian Islands and Polynesia will call you at Altuzarra. Flowers of every species are everywhere! Rodarte, Marni, Peter Som.

Deluxe Deco-era geometrics at Gucci and Etro.

Paisley, Provencal, and Photo-collage at Jil Sander, Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten.

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Beauty Notes:

Set the Tone with the latest looks from the runway

View more from our March Magazine