Dries Van Noten Spring 2012: A Modern Cityscape

For his spring offering, Dries Van Noten delivered an impressive 57-piece collection inspired by photographs of ignited city landscapes and the bare, blue waters of paradise. With waist-bound peplums, tailored apron pants, romantic embroidered boleros and a tranquil color palette, the Belgian Van Noten supplied spectators with a collection that was nothing short of imaginatively magnificent.

He used the work of the Marseille-based British photographer James Reeve for silk screen prints and paid perfect attention to silhouettes, playing with both volume and structure. And when there was no color, texture took the forefront, from subtle perforation to raised pocket detailing on a modified trench and diaphanous lace trim adorning the upper tier of a layered frock.

My favorite, a boat-necked cap-sleeve embroidered midnight blue top rang reminiscent of a saturated wedding bodice, paired with peplumed ankle pants in a more royal tone of the hue. And lastly, the side-parted and sleekly pulled back hair hinted at a more elegant time. Take a look at my favorites below.