By Karen Welcome

Spring 2011 is being kind. Designers from around the world showing at New York Fashion Week provided fashionistas with quintessential clothing items,- investment pieces with a twist. In a time where a young woman will save multiple paychecks for her favourite designer items, clothing was showcased in a unique, but, recession friendly light. Many looks for spring can be transitioned from your fall wardrobe with items such as wide-leg pants, long skirts and jumpers making a return on the runway. Also, with suits and minimalism being hot on the catwalks, designers paid a closer eye to the details in textiles and for the sake of having clothing that can last a lifetime, so should you.

Bensoni

Fashion houses like Bensoni and Gregory Parkinson presented clean-cut, classic pieces with patterns and textures that complimented rather than clashed. Meanwhile fashionistas learned to shed their inhibitions by donning a tastefully constructed sheer blouse or dress from Jason Wu.

Jason Wu

Juan Carlos Obanto

Cocktail dresses were all over runways from the sexually charged space-age pieces at Juan Carlos Obanto, to gorgeous graphic prints at BCBG Max Azria. Not-so-newcomer Prabal Gurung also showcased bright separates that can go from the office to the lounge. Also on the bright side was Zac Posen who debuted Z Spoke, a lower priced collection with fun multicoloured pieces and quirky girly dresses, pants and blouses. Vivienne Tam also had a successful showing of ethnic prints mixed with culturally inspired knitted and crocheted pieces.

Vivienne Tam

All in all, spring 2011 seems to be shaping up nicely with classical looks freshened up with bright colours and attractive prints. And, from the monochromatic, intergalactic looks at Cynthia Rowley to the preppy ones at Jason Wu, this season promises something for everyone.