Fall 2012

>> Trousers, trousers, trousers. That was the message at Prada. Oh, there were dresses, skirts, and coats as well, but mostly it was about the trouser. They were in every one of the collection's 41 looks, hit just above the ankle, and were cut straight — but not too slim. They came in black wool — sometimes bejeweled at the hem — and later, in a mix of Op Art-Brady Bunch-style prints.

Over the last few seasons or so, there have been hints that the idea of wearing pants under dresses was making a comeback — Acne and Opening Ceremony each showed the style for Spring 2012 — but here the concept was the main thesis.

As a whole, it made for an outing that was focused, controlled — and plenty appealing. Silhouettes on coats and dresses were crisp and sharp, and — with their empire waists and a-line silhouettes — youthful. Also youthful and super-appealing: the models' hair, which was long, straight, and dip-dyed in contrasting hues.

From the moment we laid eyes on the purple geometric-designed carpet-cum-catwalk, we knew Miuccia Prada would imbue the Fall 2012 collection with her signature brand of retro quirk and clean lines. Indeed, it was a flurry of bright clashing prints (of all shapes and sizes), bejeweled wares, and ombre dip-dyed hair. The mosaic-like psychedelic prints came a dime a dozen, in bold burnt oranges, purples, and mustard yellows, and were transferred onto crisp suits, long coats (some even with coattails), button-downs, and dresses. When we weren't hypnotized by the plethora of colorful hexagonal patterns, we paid close attention to the intricate detailing given to each look. Long, luxe black coats were adorned with opulent jewel embellishments both on the collar and down the front lapel; similarly, the hems of cropped tailored pants received the same bedazzled treatment. As for the accessories? Models donned sky-high Mary Janes, complete with red rubber soles, carried slick tote bags that reminded us of old-school doctor bags, and wore futuristic aviator-meets-retro round sunglasses. Simply put, Miuccia's Fall lineup was a vibrant play on prints, sparkle, and tailored proportions.

• Trends: Bejeweled hemlines and collars, dresses-over-pants, belted outerwear, and bold clashing prints.
• Colors: Purple, blue, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and black.
• Key Piece: The long, luxe, belted black coats, with rich embellishing both on the collar and down the front.
• Accessories: Sky-high Mary Janes (complete with red rubber soles), oversized doctor-inspired totes, and futuristic aviator-meets-retro round sunglasses.
• Who Would Wear It: The girl who loves color and a clean silhouette, like Michelle Williams, Zooey Deschanel, and Chloe Moretz.

For Max Mara's Fall 2012 collection, it was all about "twenties and Bauhaus rationalism" made for "the strong, determined woman, like Emmeline Pankhurst and the suffragettes." The results? A robust artillery of militant-inspired cashmere coats, cropped trousers, and leather-embossed separates. A luxurious touch was injected into every look; cashmere jumpsuits were embellished with leather tabs and pea coats were styled with fluid silk trousers, most of which were paired with an array of leather and knit legwarmers. Standouts included an oyster-hued silk wrap dress paired with a double-faced leather and shearling oversized coat. More highlights from the collection below.

• Trends: Military, duster coats, oversized cropped pants.
• Colors: Army green, camel, oyster, black.
• Key Piece: The tailored oversized coat and languid silk gown combo was the perfect mix of rugged elegance.
• Accessories: Leather and knit leggings, militant caps, metallic silver pumps, houndstooth and leather satchels.
• Who Would Wear It: Celebs like Jessica Alba and Emma Stone have been spotted wearing past collections, and we can see them picking up a few of these pieces as well, especially the outerwear.

Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Fendi joined forces to create an apocalyptic-chic collection for Fall 2012 — the wintery, forest-inspired vibe was evident, as models walked the runway in luxe layers of patent PVC and colored fur, looking gorgeously aggressive and ready for battle. Most of the pieces looked as if they had been literally cut from different cloths — oversize fur coats with contrasting sleeves, leather dresses with pleated bustles and wide corset belts, and tailored coats with cowhide bibs — all fashioned in a woodsy color palette of greens, navies, and neutrals. Models' makeup was left mostly natural, save for white wings painted on their eyelids to mimic Lagerfeld's "snow on branches" aesthetic, and hairstylist Sam McKnight created strong, severe coifs to further lend to the collection's Victorian warrior princess vibe. Get the full breakdown below.

• Trends: Colored fur, leather and PVC inserts, exaggerated, armor-inspired shoulders.
• Colors: Black, navy, maroon, forest green, slate gray.
• Key Piece: The multicolored fur coat with bold, bright yellow sleeves.
• Accessories: Wide leather corset belts; colorblock lace-up ankle boots; colored, crocodile-print tights; fur-covered handbags.
• Who Would Wear It: Only the sartorially daring, like Kate Moss, Daphne Guinness, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

>> Karl Lagerfeld played mix master for Fall 2012 Fendi, citing an "infinite, innovative interplay of textures, colors and fabrics" as the collection's basis. And true enough — the elements on display were seemingly endless. There were pleated panels, bustles, peplums, capes, and puffed sleeves — all cinched together with enormous belts. Materials were just as diverse, with PVC, crocodile, cashmere, stingray, and — this being Fendi — gobs and gobs of fur. "Modern femininity without references," Lagerfeld explained.

>> Max Mara's Fall 2012 collection mixed the stark aesthetic of Fritz Lang's Metropolis with a hint of Bauhaus architecture. The result? A moody assortment of clean-lined cocoon shapes and drop-waist silhouettes tinged with military sensibility. Angora, camel, cashmere, fur, and a sprinkling of stripes added texture — and luxury.

London Fashion Week showed some covetable trends to try out come Fall 2012. While brands like Erdem, Mulberry, and Moschino Cheap & Chic showed off their penchant for modern lace, Burberry and Topshop Unique opted for a military influence. Furthermore, we spotted a lot of pink hues, interesting fur detailing, and brilliant digital prints. Want to get the complete lowdown? Click to see our comprehensive roundup of London Fashion Week's top runway trends.

>> Get a head start on next season with these super-chic nail looks, poached straight from the Fall 2012 runways. From the quirky polka dots on offer at Kate Spade New York to the moody "modern moons" at Antonio Berardi, there's definitely no shortage of inspiration to glean. Click through to see some of our favorites, and stay tuned for more to come from Paris and Milan.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua's No. 21 Fall 2012 collection is a revelation of utterly feminine detail crafted in the coolest way possible. It's not easy to carry off sequins nonchalantly, but Dell'Acqua's juxtaposition of the sparkle and rugged leather belts cinched at the waist is just an example of how the designer plays with extremities of luxury and, on the other hand, the ease of modern dressing. We get the decadence of lace and sexiness of sheer pared down as tweedy textures and sportier silhouettes are layered up underneath. There's a sense of wearability in everything, thanks to deconstruction — Dell'Acqua doesn't reveal head-to-toe sequins or head-to-toe sheer that's hard to pull off. The appeal comes from the mix and match, the texture play, the clever proportions that women want to wear now. Of course, in considering what women want to wear now, Dell'Acqua astutely includes a nod to menswear — bold-colored suits in simple silhouettes, outerwear that has that perfect masculine edge. Add to that the designer's newly launched footwear that debuted alongside the collection — ankle-strap platforms — and streamlined envelope clutches in hand, and this collection has cool-girl uniform written all over it.

• Trends: Menswear, lace, sequin embellishment, split hemlines, gloves, sheer, tweed.
• Colors: Black, white, red, nude, gray, blue-green.
• Key Piece: We love the cool-girl effect of lace, sequins, and sheer materials layered over more substance and anchored with wide leather belts.
• Accessories: Leather gloves, Dell'Acqua's platforms, jeweled charms hanging from the waist, slim, streamlined clutches.
• Who Would Wear It: It's the perfect mix of edgy and feminine that would make girls like Kate Bosworth, Rachel Bilson, and Zoe Saldana fans.