Top 9 Spring 2012 Collections: New York

Today's Top 9 Spring 2012 Collections: New York

Written By Rebecca Voigt

1. Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs definitely knows how to put on a show. His spring collection began with a set designed to look like a dancehall from some bygone era, with models draped insouciantly over the backs of chairs, waiting their turn to take the runway. When they did, they did so in flapper dresses, denim workwear, and a gingham plaid that looked like it had been sprinkled with fairy dust. www.marcjacobs.com

2. The Row

In a season of over-the-top prints, The Row's pristine, nearly all white collection was a welcome relief, not to mention simply beautiful in it's own right. The Olsen twins have certainly transcended the "celebrity designer" category and established themselves simply as brilliant designers. www.therow.com

3. Ralph Lauren

For spring, Ralph Lauren revisited the era that helped make him famous when he designed the costumes for The Great Gatsby in 1974. The Roaring Twenties haven't looked this gorgeous since. Art Deco beading, drapey three-piece suits, and must-have cloche hats walked the runway, each look more covetable than the last. www.ralphlauren.com

4. Oscar de la Renta

Color, color, color. Glamour, glamour, glamour. Those seemed to be the governing principles at Oscar de la Renta this season, and they yielded a collection that was as sophisticated as it was playful. www.oscardelarenta.com

5. Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez found the inspiration for this season's collection in the work of Korean artist Kim Joon. The result was one of the most intellectual, artistic takes on two of spring's biggest trends: prints and color blocking. www.narcisorodriguez.com

6. Marchesa

What can you say about Marchesa? The brand's first full-on runway show since its founding was a magical showcase of the designers' skill at creating gowns straight out of fantasy. In a word, beautiful. www.marchesa.com

7. Prabal Gurung

Inspired by the erotic work of photographer Nobuyoshi Araki, Prabal Gurung took a step away from the red carpet-friendly approach of seasons past and produced a collection that was as dangerously sexy as it was beautiful. www.prabalgurung.com

8. Jason Wu

You can always count on a Jason Wu collection to be gorgeous and lady-like, and this season was no different. The designer - a favorite with First Lady Michelle Obama - did push the envelope, though, exploring a slightly edgier side through innovative fabrics, proportions and embellishments. www.jasonwustudio.com

9. Michael Kors

For spring 2012, the models on the Michael Kors runway were dressed as the most stylish tribe of nomads ever. Sun-drenched colors, distressed knit sweaters, tie-dyed prints and dip-dyed leather jackets made the case for leaving the world behind and getting lost in the desert. www.michaelkors.com