New York Fashion Week: Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta

The greatest fashion designers take turns in surprising their audiences with over the top creations.

This year’s New York edition marked the return of Helmut Lang and Zac Posen on the fashion scene, as well as Avril Lavigne’s presentation of her prêt-à-porter line of clothing, Abbey Dawn.

The 2012 spring collections of Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein were presented at the fashion event, alongside those of Proenza Schouler, Anna Sui, J. Mendel, Herve Leger by Max Azria, Ohne Titel, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang, Jill Stuart, Prabal Gurung and Lacoste.

Ralph Lauren took inspiration in the 1920s for his collection. Pastel, ivory and metallic hues, floral prints, satin and feathered accessories helped recreate the delicate, romantic atmosphere of the Gatsby era.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Marc Jacobs mixed the twenties and sixties styles in what he called a “magical and interesting” collection for next spring. A touch of the futuristic was attained with the help of shiny and sheer materials, pastel, metallic and jewel toned hues.

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Designer Francisco Costa, for Calvin Klein, turned to a romantic spin at the fashion event. Drop-waist slip dresses, below-the-knee skirts and plunging necks helped create the designer’s vision. Boudoir peach, petal and gardenia, often contrasted with dusky gray.

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein

Vera Wang stayed true to her feminine style for her spring 2012 collection with light colors, including loden, pewter, wine, ivory, mustard, and lightweight sheer materials. The designer took her inspiration from the English aristocracy of the 1930s and offered it a youthful, modern vibe.

Vera Wang

Vera Wang

Oscar de la Renta turned to the 1970s for his spring 2012 collection. Models wore flowing knee-length dresses in canary yellow, ankle-skimming trousers in green paired with v-neck shirts, colorful fur vests and full voluminous skirts worn with lace overshirts, proving the designer’s refined elegance.

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta