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• September 23, 2008
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13 Top Trends

Our greatest hits from London Fashion Week. By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

The beauty of being dead tired from trailing runway after runway here in NYC, is that it's always followed up like a triple shot of espresso with London Fashion Week. Though past LFWs have exhibited far more vim and vigor, this season still packed a punch when it came to pushing the limits of what spring and summer dressing is all about. There was a fantasy element coursing through several collections, a theme that drifted somewhere between animation and tech-art, and, in some cases, the costumey overdose of trompe l'oeil designs and dollish details just seemed cool. Alas, here are our tops picks from the other side of the pond...

1. Anime/Video Game Wonderland—Color and fantastical design took on a surreal life of their own in several collections, ranging from graphic to almost op-art. From left: Fashion Fringe, Nathan Jenden, Giles, Basso & Brooke

2. Paper Blossoms—Like the papered florals from a float, these tactile blossoms added an unusually cool play on proportions. From left: Giles, Erdem, Giles, Fashion Fringe

3. Crisp Cigarette Pants—Sharp lines got even sharper with the season's crispest skinny trouser. From left: Sinha-Stanic, Richard Nicoll, Sinha-Stanic, Modernist

4. Malibu Barbie…again—We're convinced ALL the designers get the palette memo, but we liked London's bold spin using color blocking with those same yummy sunset shades. From left: Josh Goot, Richard Nicoll, Josh Goot, Richard Nicoll

5. Tulip Skirt—More tailored than just a full bubble skirt, we liked these for the sharp pleats and flattering waist-lines. From left: Richard Nicoll, Modernist, Luella, Todd Lynn