PART 2
THE BIG BLOOM
The season’s petal-powered pieces are made for mixing and matching
Silk hat, Missoni
Metal and glass necklace, Marc Jacobs
Silk bracelets, both, Cara Couture
Silk bracelets, both, Cara Couture
Silk and leather bag, Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière
Nylon and elastane bathing suit, Michael Kors
THE BIG BLOOM Act I
Flowers are in full bloom this season, from Balenciaga’s classic watercolor prints on futuristic separates to Dries Van Noten’s organic hodgepodge of tribal batiks. What’s best about this sunny trend is that you’re meant to mix, which leaves lovely room for the vibrant botanical accessories that sprouted up on the runways. The key is to match powerful prints with bold accessories, so go big or don’t bother.
Canvas bag, Marc Jacobs
Suede and leather flat, Prada
THE BIG BLOOM Act II
Look to delicate petal designs for a moody feminine touch, whether they’re romantically splashed on swishing silk, like Stella McCartney’s poppy red dress, or a more abstract interpretation, like Zac Posen’s. When accessorizing, incorporate demure buds at the wrist, à la Marc Jacobs’ crystal versions, or on satin peep toes for extra glamour at night.
Leather and wood shoe, Nine West
Satin shoe, Ralph Lauren Collection
WATER BABIES
Lend mysterious charm to your look with treasures from the deep
Clockwise from lower lefthand corner: Gold cuff, Colette
Amethyst and gold ring, Valentin Magro
White gold, diamond, aquamarine, mother-of-pearl, and pink sapphire ring, Dior Joaillerie,
Citrine, diamond, and gold ring, Colette
Shell, sea urchin, gold, and pearl ring, Mesi Jilly
Mother-of-pearl, rock crystal, and freshwater-pearl necklace, Siman Tu
Rubelite, diamond, and gold necklace, Judith Murat
Metal and strass bracelet, Eugénie N. for Azzaro
White gold, diamond, sapphire, amethyst, topaz, and satin watch, Bertolucci
White gold, diamond, sapphire, tsavorite, mother-of-pearl, and satin watch, Bertolucci
Enamel, brass, and crystal brooch, Giorgio Armani
Lycra bathing suit, Missoni
WATER BABIES Act I
Redefine elegance this season with ornate, mermaid-like jewelry—from Erin Fetherston’s wild coral headpieces to Badgley Mischka’s bountiful bracelet—to bring an element of whimsical charm to cocktail dresses and ethereal floor-length columns.
Gold and turquoise necklace, Colette
Crystal and enamel pendant, Siman Tu
Leather, stone, and freshwater-pearl bracelet, Badgley Mischka
WATER BABIES Act II
Some of the most striking dresses from spring, such as Rodarte’s swirling gowns, appeared to be floating like fabric in water. Pieces with this much drama need big jewels—from Katherine Azarmi-Rose’s studded whale necklace to Van Cleef’s Fantasia-like choker—to anchor and elevate the dreamy silhouettes.
Black and white diamond necklace, Katherine Azarmi-Rose
ART STARS
Color your wardrobe with paint-splattered heels, impressionist florals, and museum-worthy bags
Silk scarf, Antoni & Alison
Silver, tourmaline, and tile ring, Mars and Valentine
Silver, topaz, and tile ring, Mars and Valentine
Patent leather shoe, Sergio Rossi
Lambskin and leather Bag, Fendi
Silk jumpsuit, Whitley Kross
ART STARS Act I
Get set to wear your art on your sleeve this month—and on your feet and wrists. With neo-impressionist florals cropping up at Carolina Herrera (on bags) and Dries Van Noten and Stella McCartney (on shoes) there’s no limit to the season’s Matisse-inspired prints. Pair them with other painterly looks, like Dolce & Gabbana’s Jackson Pollock-style dress. Just as bright are geometric accessories, such as Pucci’s clutch and Marni’s bead necklace, which looks best when worn with other Cubist shapes.
Canvas bag, CH Carolina Herrera for Carolina Herrera
Wood and canvas shoe, Stella McCartney
ART STARS Act II
In addition to abstract pieces, the spring fashion season also revealed a number of literal artworks, such as Richard Prince’s Joke bags for Louis Vuitton and Longchamp’s artist-rendered bag. When these oversize carryalls are mixed with other Fauvist prints in narrow silhouettes, like those at Chloé and Alberta Ferretti, the contrasting proportions make for a chic downtown look.
Silk, leather, and stone shoe, Dries Van Noten
WAIST LAND
Transform your silhouette and add luxe detail to dresses with the season’s best belts
Top to bottom: Elastic and resin belt, Gucci
Nylon and plastic belt, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Patent calfskin belt, Chanel
Nylon and plastic belt, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Ecru crepe de chine jumpsuit, Chanel
WAIST LAND Act I
Add another dimension to a patterned dress—like Burberry’s ruffled confection or Thakoon’s cheery stripes—with colorful, clean-cut belts cinched at the waist, not on the hip. These vibrant accents are also the best way to dress up a simple, monotone shift or YSL’s new sleeveless blazer.
Suede belt, Missoni, $1,180
WAIST LAND Act II
Let belts with rich detail—like Versace’s leather knot buckle or YSL’s beaded baby blue version—become the focal point of your ensemble. If it’s a bold shirt and skirt combination, such as Etro’s mini wrap and tank, unify the look with a strong, wide accent. For longer dresses, like Prada’s away-from-the-body designs, accentuate the waist with a skinny strap for flair.
Leather and stone belt, Fendi
Calfskin belt, Versace
Calfskin belt, D&G, $445