Brights & blossoms for spring

Diane von Furstenberg gave out little American flags, and Donna Karan’s company made a donation to Action America, an initiative to turn Sept. 11 into a day of volunteerism — gestures that dovetailed nicely with a decidedly hopeful and upbeat season on the runways.

DKNY paid homage to American spirit with a red, white and blue palette, albeit in a digital floral and paint splatter prints over stars and stripes. She calls her new hemline a step dress — short in the front and long in the back, ditto for shirts and skirts. Layer it over lean jeans or a sequin skirt.

Victoria Will

A model walks the runway at the DKNY Spring 2012 show during New York Fashion Week.

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DKNY SPRING 2012 SHOW

Von Furstenberg is exploring her nomadic soul, and this time it seems to have taken her to Japan. The trip was successful, yielding some of the week’s freshest looks. With a riot of prints to choose from, in purples, greens and pinks, the theme was layering: dresses over skirts, apron tops over tunics, sash belts with pockets in either crisp cottons or slinkier silks and sequins.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG SPRING 2012 SHOW

Derek Lam took his inspiration from the cool architectural landscape of Richard Neutra-dotted Palm Springs. His midcentury modern wardrobe had subtle geometric patterns worked into sporty, ’70s separates. Leather blazers, knit polos, pique culottes — and clogs — segued to a kaleidoscope print that was reminiscent of a bygone era of Brat Pack leisure.

DEREK LAM SPRING 2012 SHOW

If it’s sex you want, then turn to Victoria Beckham’s frocks. Her lineup, evolving from the skintight power princess dress, includes sporty shifts, anoraks and coats and some flirtier drop-waist dresses. Being Beckham, she keeps any prettiness anchored with tough leather leggings and over-the-knee boots. For spice girls only.

MORE SPRING 2012 FASHION SHOWS FROM...

EDUN
L.A.M.B.
LELA ROSE
TRACY REESE
CHARLOTTE RONSON
Y-3
ZAC POSEN