London, Paris, Milan

A picture heavy post to follow of a few of my favourites from the Spring/Summer 2012 collections, starting with the always influential Prada. Inspired by mid-century hot rod culture, Miucci Prada's pieces are always left of centre but never boring. I loved the pleated skirts, bare midriffs and clutches in this collection. And what vintage loving girl isn't partial to a novelty print?

Piccioli and Chiuri's latest ready-to-wear collection from Valentino was beyond dreamy. If I had money to spare and somewhere to wear, I'd be acquiring these frocks, for sure.

There is nothing like colourful clothing to brighten my day and I love the colourfulness and Parisian chicness of Carven.

In London Jonathan Saunders went all retro, providing a wardrobe suitably for a weekend away at Frank Sinatra's Palm Beach House in the 1950s.

Erdem's collection was as blue as blue could be, and in my book, that can only be a good thing.

And Christopher Kane's embellished and appliqued frocks had all the fashion editors sighing with delight.

And my favourite: Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton. Sure, I'm partial to colours that remind me of candy or pills, but the laser cut outs and the experiments with volume make every piece GORGEOUS. A final audition for the Dior gig? if that's the case, having Kate Moss close the show in white ostrich feathers certainly can't harm his chances.

Photos from Style.Com.

If I Were a Rich Woman ...

and I could afford to buy designer clothes direct from the international runways, Erdem is a label I would be heavily investing in. The Spring/Summer 2011 collection was recently shown in London and it is my favourite of the season. I would be happy to wear any of these pieces tomorrow. Well, provided Spring makes a much desired for return. This rainy long weekend was very uninspiring.

Photos courtesy of Style.Com

BAFTA Beauties: What Goes Around Comes Around

Not only did Carey Mulligan pick up the Best Actress gong at yesterday's BAFTA's, she also picked up best dressed in my eyes, wowing me with her old school Hollywood glam. The dress is Vionnet and the long over skirt and train in arresting black and white recalls Audrey's iconic Givenchy ballgown from Sabrina. There is something perennially chic about black and white (done right), something Audrey demonstrated again when clothed in Cecil Beaton for My Fair Lady. Fashion fans probably sound like broken records when they gush about Audrey's influence on style, but when you see Carey looking so drop dead gorgeous - sporting a chic blonde pixie cut no less - then you can see why commentators harp on so.

I gushed over this pink Lanvin frock at Christmas time, so imagine my excitement to see the ever elegant Audrey Tatou working it to perfection on the BAFTA's red-carpet. I love how she has accessorised with red shoes and bag.

Erbaz's IT girl excellence since he's been at the helm of Lanvin got me thinking about the overall fabulousness of Lanvin present and past. From the 1920s to the 1950s and into the new millennium, this beloved French brand always has me in thrall. The brown and yellow dress is currently up for sale at Kerry Taylor's auction house. Now if only I had a spare $1200 lying around ...

And from old-school glamour to British cutting edge, I just had to post Romola Garai's eye-popping Erdem bouffant because it is just so darn pretty. Perhaps not quite formal enough for an event like the BAFTA's, but snaps to her for plugging a new designer, and all with a beautiful smile on her face.

Thanks to Getty Images and Red Carpet Fashion Awards for the pics.

New York London Milan

The Spring Summer R-T-W shows have been consuming volumes of the download quota of fashionistas around the world of late. Even though my tastes tend toward fashions of the past, I still like checking out what some of my preferred designers are sending down the catwalks.
All the lovely images are grist for the inspiration mill. For examply I think theMarc for Marc Jacobs jacket above is to die for.

Luisa Beccaria's collection was romantic and undeniably pretty. Luella's show screamed early 60's lady-like glamour. Jason Wu is simply fabulous and utterly wearable.
And best of all was Erdem, where the devil was in the details. His collection included the most divine prints and, although his silhouettes were inspired by the past, his creations looked worthy of replicating on their own merits.
I'm no high fashion expert, but here are a few of my favourite looks.

Marc for Marc Jacobs

Luisa Beccaria

Luella

Jason Wu

Erdem

All images courtesy of Style.Com.