What have we got? Magnificence!

     Now that the madness of Fashion Week (Fashion Month, really) is over, I think it's time for Alex's Runway Rundown! Here, I will demonstrate some of the growing trends for the Spring 2011 season, as shown in my favorite collections.
    
     A few of trends that have begun developing over the past season or two seem to have really come to the forefront for Spring 2011. One of the most prominent ones is bright, saturated color....

Versace

Prada

Emilio Pucci

Marc Jacobs

Versus

Proenza Schouler

Haider Ackerman

Christopher Kane

Prabal Gurung

Dries Van Noten

      If anything ushers in the warm weather, it's color like this. Prada's color story for the season is joyful and, at times, unexpected. And by constructing the garments out of strong, wearer-friendly cottons, Muccia Prada really gave a fresh perspective to the idea of Spring dressing. These clothes demand to be worn with vigor - no kid gloves necessary - and with clean lines and flattering cuts, I predict that this collection will be a hit with retailers. It really finds the sweet spot between fashion forward and practical.

Very simple, very chic. It's nice to see something other than wispy whites for spring.

Prada also showed some bold prints...

This one is reminiscent of Gianni Versace's 80's silk shirt prints.

Prada's forgiving sack dress looks fresh and simple for this season.

I'd LOVE to get this in my closet next season!

   This collection is so strong because the fabrics are simple and largely without embellishment - but those pops of color and interesting cuts make it accessibly fashion forward. These design details will make it an easy inspiration reference for mass market retailers like Zara, Topshop and H&M. Which is good news for the fashionista who can't shell out $2,000 for a cotton sundress!

But there's no substitute for the freakin' awesome accessories....

This one will fly off the shelves.

I LOVE these.

Another of my favorite colorful collections this season was Versace. Although still very womanly, the typical Versace sex kitten vibe was toned down, which contributed to the garments lower, more flattering hemlines and clean, wearable tailored pieces. 

If you're going to do body-con and cutout, I think it's much more sophisticated at this length.

Donatella also mixed in some crisp whites and neutrals.

This is one of my favorites.

The little slash of skin between the cropped top and pencil skirt adds the perfect amount of sex appeal:

flirty, but not vulgar.

This is the only length I like to wear in a short skirt - it hits at the widest part of the thigh, so the part of leg that shows looks slim and lean. On me, it's about fingertip length, which makes me totally forgive my high school administrators - they must have been looking out for my best interest!

Great jacket - this could be a very versatile piece in one's wardrobe.

The front slit skirt is a trend this season as well.

I also responded to the use of fringe in the collection. Although used mostly in the evening wear section, fringe is a good way to bring a bit of movement to a tailored look as well.

That's enough for today, but don't worry - more Runway Rundown to come!