Monique Lhuillier Spring 2012 Collection: Striking colors and forms

With the Spring 2012 collection that Monique Lhuillier showed off at New York Fashion Week, the name of the game was definitely sleek. From the pulled back ponytails that the models sported to the formfitting details of the casual and formal dresses and pieces that strutted down the runway. Lot of color-blocking, fabric matchups, and playful cutouts were seen, yet things were never anything less than fierce and much on top of that slight athleticism trend we’ve been seeing.

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The first pair of dresses caught my eye for just how nice the shape was, with that wrapped detail that would show off all the right curves. It also brings a bit of intrigue with the exposed shoulder detail that isn’t too much but definitely an eye-catcher.

Moving into the gowns that Lhuillier is famous for, we see some gorgeous goddess-like flow with these, though it’s been toughened a little bit with that leather banding. I’m totally a fan of that touch and girly contrast, it’s really just the perfect opposite pairing.

These have more of a sleek silhouette, a bit more glamorous and with a nighttime mood. The color-blocking trend is also peeking in.

To give the collection a bit of variety, there were also a few casual pieces that I found really cool. It was pretty simple but they carried a bit of an edge with the use of black and leather. The bright yellow pop was a nice touch, though I also really loved the slashed cutout on the jumpsuit that exposed some feminine sheer black lace. The slight graffiti print on the pants of the outfit on the right is something that will come up again.

Sweet dresses, nothing too complicated, just short and easy to throw on for some chicness.

I found the idea to pair color underneath the sheer black lace panels pretty interesting, not to mention the new look that it gave these jackets.

The sheer lace trend returns as an accent top to these two outfits. It doesn’t seem like it will be a trend that will go away just yet, especially when you pair it with a touch of color to brighten it a bit but still be able to keep that seductive charm.

Poofy gowns that remind me of a nice garden teaparty. Though these would work for a nice prom look too. The slight attitude with the graffiti paint splash on the first two brings them up from just a basic solid dress. Not to mention that leather detail that we can see here again.

A bit longer in length with these, sans the poof a bit (minus the peek-a-boo tulle on the last dress that appears ever-so-beautifully from underneath). If slender and leggy is what you want, these dresses can definitely fit the bill. I love that things look so structured up top and then it just flows and glides out for the bottom half.

Closing the show were these statement gowns that are simply amazing. From the wrapped and banded bodice to the voluminous size of the skirt, my favorite print has to be that swirly graffiti of the one of the right. Though any of them look perfect for a fancy ball.

Overall, it was hardly disappointing. Monique Lhuillier was able to create some fabulous gowns that take some of the trends we’ve started to see (athleticism with her cuts and fits, sheer lace, bold color-blocking), and incorporate them into her designs, both formal and slightly more casual. I really loved seeing the range in this collection, especially since there’s just so many pieces for all types of occasions. Props and totally need a ball invitation to come my way by Spring.

You can check out the full collection at Style.com.