Menswear billowed into womenswear.The androgyny laid not in cutting a man's suit for a woman, but taking those elements that define a man's wardrobe and blowing it out with a feminine angle. Like a tuxedo shirt that melts into draped jersey. Or suit pants that slit upen to reveal another trouser.

Spring was designed in sheer delight. Whether crochet or clear like water, we see through next spring, and so will you.

Let the leg out. While we're still loving the maxi, they're being steered in a sexier route. Thigh high slits make the floor length look thankfully less austere.

"Florals in spring. Groundbreaking." Exactly why we're so surprised it was so strong for Spring 2012. But it was positively everywhere. The trend forecasters must have predicted rain, because designers listened. That or they all independently decided that now is the time for a communal bloom. Floral or not, it's all about the pattern mash. Loud and proud, ladies.

Kate, it seems, is taking a page out of the Michelle Obama playbook by adhering to the rules of wardrobe diplomacy —  the practice, as The Financial Times‘ Vanessa Friedman explains it, “of a national leader (or leading representative) wearing clothes from the country they are visiting as a form of economic and cultural outreach.”

For her tour of Africa this week, the Fierce Lady has mixed and matched her Narciso Rodriguez and J. Crew staples with Nigerian-born designer Duro Olowu.

Meanwhile, DVF is a logical choice for Kate. Not only an iconic designer and president of the CFDA, the DVF wrap dress is the prototype for those damn Issa and Reiss dresses Kate can’t seem to get enough of.

I can’t wait to see what else Kate wears — especially since she’s picking out her own wardrobe like the down-to-earth princess she is. Personally I’m pulling for some other all-American designers  to cover that emaciated royal back of hers. Imagine, Princess Katherine in Alex Wang?  [Financial Times]

The Wedding of Laura Parker Bowles, (daughter of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall) to Harry Lopes at St Cyriacs Church, Lacock, WIlts. Photo Ian Jones. Kate Middleton

I love this collection! Duro Olowu’s signature prints are always unusual, unique, colorful with a little “sculptural” design thrown in.

Written on Cult Indie

London fashion week, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, begins today. Collections to anticipate: Burberry Prorsum, Pringle of Scotland, Matthew Williamson, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Stella McCartney and newcomers Erdem Moralioglu, Bruno Basso and Chris Brooke, William Tempest and Hannah Marshall.

Image above: London designers clockwise Paul Smith Women, Duro Olowu, Jaeger London, Louise Goldin, Paul Smith Women, Paul Smith Women, Eley Kishimoto, Paul Smith Women, Eley Kishimoto, Louise Goldin

Via WSJ

Duro Olowu

House of Holland

Temperley

Danielle Scutt

Eley Kishimoto

Need I say more?

Thanks NY Magazine!