1. Ralph Lauren
Ole! Ralph Lauren took his all-American girl on a journey to Spain for his dynamic Spring collection. We saw matadors in his ruffled blouses, cropped embroidered jackets and ankle-length pants; gypsies in floral chiffon dresses, lace skirts and pretty beaded tops; and passionate flamenco dancers in fiery red separates and the closing series of jaw-dropping gowns. There was also a nod to Mexico with a multi-color serape shawl. Despite the foreign influences, Lauren’s signatures, such as the suiting and white shirt, felt right at home. The collection was sophisticated, youthful and energetic — exactly how you feel after returning from a trip abroad. Tina Chadha
2. Anna Sui
Riot grrrls girls came out to play at Anna Sui’s Spring show. Models in Manic Panic-esque pink and blue wigs wore short dresses in feminine florals and prim Victorian motifs — but with a tough twist. The opener, a forest-print jumpsuit, came zipped low to reveal a sassy leopard print bikini bra; a poufy rose-print dress was layered over punky fishnets. In another look, a chiffon beaded top was matched with a low slung plaid shirt in gold Lurex. It was as if Sui was trying to say no matter how short or frilly the hemlines, don’t mess with these girls. TC
3. Michael Kors
Like Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors dressed his girls in head-to-toe stripes. But instead of Marc’s swingin’ mods, Kors’ models were pure prep, from their slim rugby sweaters to their full, pleated skirts. The colors were appealing — big, bold primary colors like red and blue and yellow. Much of the collection felt too safe, except for the va-va-voom black cut-out dresses that closed the show: Those sizzled. Raquel Laneri
4. Louise Goldin
The mega star power of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian can steal the spotlight from anyone. Although the duo sat front row, it was the British designer’s sexy, futuristic Spring collection that commanded attention. Goldin’s signature structured knits included sleeveless sporty tops spliced above the waist and stretchy pencil skirts with sheer peek-a-boo trims. But the piece we couldn’t take our eyes off was an understated cool blue sweatshirt with sculpted, football player-like shoulders. We could see every woman wanting it in her wardrobe in the very near future. TC
5. Rachel Zoe
You can’t shake the ’70s out of Rachel Zoe. And for Spring, that’s a good thing. Inspired by the generation’s style icons Jane Birkin and Ali MacGraw, she kept her silhouettes long, lean and flowy. They gave looks such as the white floor-length skirt suit and blush diaphanous gown an effortlessly cool confidence. Zoe’s a master at putting together an outfit, and she didn’t disappoint with all the cinching (thanks to luxe-looking leather belts and fanny packs); and layering (floppy hats, fedoras and gold rope necklaces) on the runway. Her only misstep: the dresses covered in paillettes seemed like an old trick. You can find those at any chain store now. TC
