2012, The Eternal Optimist

Jason Wu 2012

Fall fashion shows are wrapping up all around the world. In New York, London, Paris, and Milan designers are showcasing the next wave of trends for 2012. Around the world, the best and brightest are awing front row revelers everywhere with their ready to wear collections.

Rodarte 2012~Flower Power

Alexander Wang 2012~Flower Power "Biker Style"

Proenza Schouler~Tribal

Narcisco Rodriguez~Geometry

Marchesa 2012~The Great Gatsby

Ralph Lauren 2012~The Great Gatsby

So what can all the fashionistas expect for RTW spring 2012? Flower power was on display with Rodarte, Prabal Gurung, and Alexander Wang, who even took it to the next level with biker chic. Tribal and African prints is still going strong for spring, but with added touches like color blocking and feminine mystique. Into geometry?  Well you are in luck, because architectural lines and shapes are all the rage.  Love Boardwalk Empire and The Great Gatsby? Then the flapper "chic" trend will get your fashion motor running.  Marchesa, Ralph Lauren, and Oscar de la Renta wowed with their stunners. If girly isn't your thing, don't worry because sporty and preppy are still hot, hot, hot, as seen with Victoria Beckham, Bill Blass, and Helmut Lang.

My absolute favorite trend still continues to be bold colors. This time sorbet pastels create a feast for the eyes.  Each soft color seems to be prettier than the next.  Stand outs? 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs, and Jason Wu.

3.1 Phillip Lim~Sporty

Oscar de la Renta~Feminine Tribal

Marc Jacobs 2012~Pastel

Preen 2012~Bold Pastel

The Row 2012~PJ's

The biggest surprise trend? Pajamas!  Seen at The Row and Tommy Hilfiger. 

Marc Jacobs 2012~Flapper "Chic"

Also seen? Shoes with socks trend, again.  Quite frankly let's reserve this one for the models....

Beauty trends were minimal and pretty to mimic the soft romantic trends, like pastels and 20's inspired, seen at Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren 2012

Calvin Klein 2012

Hair was also simple, with middle parts tied back, seen at Reed Krakoff and Michael Kors.

But my absolute favorite designers for next spring? I'm in love with Oscar de la Renta's stunning, bold dresses.  Full of life, drama, and gorgeous fabrics, like tulle, they aren't practical, but a girl can dream... 

Oscar de la Renta 2012

3.1 Phillip Lim~Pastel Color Blocking

Burberry Prorsum~Bold Colors With Tribal Beading

Marni 2012~Geometry in Bold Colors

Other designers to drool over? 3.1 Phillip Lim's creations of silk pastel color blocking. Burberry Prorsum drove me wild with their mustard, rust, and grass pieces featuring the most eclectic beading. Marni dazzled with architectural dresses with peekaboo sheer slips. 

In the end, spring 2012 screams optimism. Maybe the world is finally destined to emerge out of the endless recession.  Perhaps we won't, but become happy with simple pleasures that life has to offer, like warm breezes and toes curling in the sand. Months from now as we welcome the spring in like a lamb, the beautiful delights of spring fashion awaits.  Prepare yourself. Endless smiles and brighter days are ahead.

"In difficult times fashion is always outrageous."

~Elsa Schiaperelli