The New York 100

Spring-like greens and yellows were the perfect colour palette at Carolina Herrera

Hererra’s fun bird motif made an appearance on dresses, skirts and even scarves

The natural world influence was counterbalanced with graphic pieces that channelled the Art Deco era – which made for some striking gowns

The sportswear aesthetic that Derek Lam has become known for was evident in very wearable casual separates at his spring/summer 2012 show

We love the bright pattern on this lightweight jumper dress

Clean, fresh and totally modern, Lam’s gowns will no doubt be seen on the red carpet shortly

The shirt takes its most feminine form in this beautiful sheer, oversized DKNY dress

We adore this bold blue and red poppy print – but perhaps recommend choosing just one piece to invest in

Toned down neutrals given a glimmer of glamour

We love the prim nature of this sweet box sweater and shorts pairing

Von Furstenberg’s signature prints didn’t disappoint for spring/summer 2012

Quite simply: classic DVF

The African influence finally starts to show (albeit subtly) in Ali Hewson’s ethical label Edun

The designer loved by America’s first lady clearly knows his customer – this is classic Mrs O

Though known for his classic designs, Wu gave his collection edge by collaborating with graffiti artist KAWS to create the dark floral motif that featured throughout

We’ve already added ‘anything with a crystal-embellished collar’ to our spring/summer 2012 shopping list

We can already see Jenny Packham fan Catherine Duchess of Cambridge in this dress at a royal engagement

This stunning evening gown is certain to make a red carpet appearance come awards season

This sweet white with a hint of lemon dress is the ideal summer wedding buy

The perfect flirty summer dress

Orange popped up on many the spring/summer 2012 runway, including Rebecca Minkoff’s

A leather dress paired with a snake print biker jacket manages to seem surprisingly spring-like

Cut-out details keep this pure white dress from appearing too innocent

We love the ruched tie-waist detail of this printed summer dress

This season’s pencil skirt trend continues into spring/summer 2012 at Suno

Prints have become this emerging label’s signature, and we love the watercolour effect of this dress

Subtly structured with delicate straps, this is the ultimate summer maxi dress

Tommy Hilfiger gave a nod to the Sixties with his ‘Pop Prep’ spring/summer 2012 collection

The collar seems to be having a moment – it was a key feature at Tommy Hilfiger, as well as various other spring/summer 2012 shows

Hilfiger’s drop and tie-waisted dresses will make for perfect throw-on-and-go choices come summer

She may have been Posh Spice, but Victoria Beckham showed off her sporty side for her spring/summer 2012 mainline collection

Navy paired with black made for a thoroughly modern colour combination

The waist was the focus of Zac Posen’s spring/summer 2012 collection, which was showcased in a parade of perfectly-fitting dresses, suits and pencil skirts

We adore the delicate yet gothic nature of this evening gown

A red carpet definite

This off the shoulder dress was made for summer weddings

Jacquard trousers and peplum waists are both key details for next season

A multi-tone sweater makes a girly chiffon skirt office appropriate

White on white was the order of the day for The Olsen’s line – their collection was made up almost exclusively of the colour

We can see either of the twin design duo in this stunning evening gown

Even loungewear gets the luxury treatment at The Row

The slip dress makes a triumphant return – with bra-let details and a metallic sheen

The cropped blazer is still in for spring – white gives it a fresh update.

We love the hint of gold on this black dress

Rowley’s collection was a blend of sporty elements with distorted floral prints and circle skirts adding a feminine touch

This perforated leather top is an easy way to wear the sportswear trend (try it with ¾ trousers for the office)

Stuart was inspired by “fairy tales” this season, seen in the scalloped hems, whimsical prints and candy colours in her collection

This lemon yellow pea coat is the sweetest Spring cover-up we’ve seen

A charming take on the shorts suit

Denim and patchwork were key looks at the Charlotte Ronson show

The shirt-dress is your essential piece for spring/summer 2012

This printed tunic dress is slightly boho, but the cut stops the prairie print from being too twee

With pretty pastels, lace and ruffles, this was Preen’s girliest collection to date

The peplum even appeared on trousers at Preen

Checkerboard prints look sweet in soft pastel hues

Monochrome pieces in print and lace were more office appropriate

Tibi’s collection was a lesson in minimalist cool

All these gold trousers need is a simple white camisole

Single prints added an edge to the pared-back pieces

Herve Leger’s legendary bandage dress got a sci-fi inspired update for spring/summer 2012…

…and a tribal one too

This season Lacoste took a sexier turn, with drop line dresses in sleek blacks

... elongated Rugby shirts

… as well as some bold graphic print separates

This orange striped dress will look great with a golden, summer tan

Lemon yellow was a key colour on the New York catwalks

We love the contrast of the slashed crop-top paired with a fuller skirt shape

With Sophia Kokosalaki behind the collection, pieces like this pink blazer and metallic trousers were high tech, casual and cool

A spring update on the cape coat

Metallics – like this green biker jacket – were a key theme of the collection

Marc Jacob’s younger line was fun, fresh and sportswear inspired

The orange cuffs make a simple trench pop

We love the fun drop waist and ruffled skirt of this striped dress

Marc Jacob’s mainline show featured boxy, 1920s shapes…

… denim workwear…

…and a reflective gingham print

A change from all the colour on the catwalks, Narcisco’s show was a study in black and white

The Kors collection mixed tribal style feathers, animal print and natural jewellery with safari inspired pieces

The capri pant is back for S/S 12, as seen at Theyskens Theory

Oscar de la Renta’s collection was a riot of colour and fun floral prints

This kaftan will look great on the beach

Bright prints were worn head to toe at Anna Sui

From the satin turbans to the ankle socks and lace dresses, the collection had a seventies vibe

Wang experimented with prints and sportswear this season

We love this ethereal maxi-dress

With dresses like these, it’s easy to see why Wang is the star’s bridal designer of choice

A cool biker jacket in eye-popping teal

Like many of the New York shows, the peplum made a repeat appearance on skirts, dresses and tops

Badgely Mishka are masters at creating the perfect red carpet gown

From flapper dresses to cloche hats, Lauren’s collection was pure Gatsby

Maribou stoles added sheer glamour to the pieces

We could see Daisy Buchanan in this dress

Lhuillier was all about ‘the body’ this season, with figure hugging dresses

This paint print kimono dress is a true statement piece

Effortless New York style at its best

Sporty meets sexy at BCBG Max Azria

Two of spring/summer 2012’s biggest emerging trends were also visible on the BCBG Max Azria runway: tribal…

…and orange

Taylor’s eclectic collection was inspired by art from the Louvre, and her intern’s wardrobes

A white bomber grounds this floaty printed dress