Bottega Veneta

Thomas Maier is running a business. His Fall 2013 show for Bottega, a refined collection of wearable, salable, but undeniably interesting clothing, took its cues from '40s style and architectural construction. His penchant for artistic gestures was apparent from the word go, when Raquel Zimmerman opened the show in a black crepe coat festooned with ruffles along the shoulder, but he dialed those impulses back for most of the pieces. Most of them were pure elegance: a strong-shouldered dress in ochre fell into pleats that created a drop-waist effect, while a white shift dripping in blue beading (worn by Joan Smalls) looked as confident as it was sparkly. It's garments like these, that so seamlessly blend art and commerce, that have turned Bottega Veneta into a billion-dollar business. Who can resist them?

Maybe it was the waves, or the bold brows and strong lips, but in every look coming down the runway at Bottega Veneta Fall 2013, you could see a little Katharine Hepburn — that brand of elegance and confidence. It also had something to do with the dresses and coats — a lineup that bore a little resemblance to '40s femininity with bold shoulders on modest dresses cut to the knee; a rich red, brown, black, and golden-yellow palette; and lace-up oxford-style heels to complete the looks. Otherwise, there are probably not too many other similarities to be made in the collection; there's more attention to structure — more modern proportional play in cocoon coats or dresses with architectural ruffles sculpted from the waist down. Working primarily in satin and silk, with only touches of leather, Tomas Maier puts the focus on movement — the artistry is in the construction, the fold of fabric, the way the garment moves. Only sometimes is the art something more obvious, like the abstract patterns and embellishment applied to the line's cream-colored sheaths.

Last night was the famous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and while the runway festivities looked super fun, we're more interested in what the models wore post catwalk. In particular, we love the way Cara Delevingne, Miranda Kerr, and Lily Donaldson rocked unique little black dresses. Cara exuded edgy glam, Miranda was nothing but sexy, and Lily mixed rough with soft. If you need some inspiration on how to breathe life into your black dresses, get a closer look at these VS beauties, then shop their looks — including Lily's exact dress! — for yourself.

Ladylike sweetness met downtown tough at Bottega Veneta's Spring 2013 presentation. Designer Tomas Maier offered up intricately studded skirts, seductively fringed corset dresses, boxy button-down blouses, and embellished pencil skirts — all of which explored the tension between pretty and subversive seamlessly. Standout looks included sequined tees and point d'esprit cardigans tucked into demure appliquéd skirts and sexy laser-cut lace dresses in shadowy floral hues.

Tomas Maier sent out a collection defined by its nod to 1940s-inspired femininity. The hemlines were longer, the floral prints evoked a nostalgic feel, and the cinched waistlines reminded us of Casablanca. Everything from poppy-printed tea dresses and butterfly-adorned belts to bustier silhouettes and platform loafers made their way down the runway, proving retro-leaning wares will be a mainstay in Spring's wardrobe. While it was mostly ladylike loveliness all around, there were a few tougher juxtapositions, too. Thus, for the slightly edged-up girl, Maier injected more exotic details — studs and snakeskin — into his dresses. If you're a fan of the brand's iconic woven leather bags, specifically the Intrecciato, you'll be happy to see a fresh supply of Spring-ready bags. And this round of slick accessories came complete with a more undone (read: shredded) finish, butterfly appliqués, and fringe. See our trend breakdown below, then click on for the full Bottega Veneta Spring 2013 collection.

• Trends: Retro floral prints, tea dresses that hit right at the knee, the butterfly motif, bustier silhouettes, and collar necklines.
• Colors: Peachy orange, black, nude, pink, rust, cream, navy blue, and white.
• Key Piece: While the bustier dresses are outright sexy, we don't want to be without the old-school floral-printed ones this Spring.
• Accessories: The brand's iconic woven leather bags, oversize clutches, square-frame sunglasses, platform sandals and loafers, and butterfly belts.
• Who Should Wear It: We're hoping Michelle Williams steps out in one of the quirkier poppy-printed sheaths, but as for the eye-catching platforms? They have Alexa Chung's name written all over them.