Derek Lam

>> The Japanese editors who turn up to Pitti Uomo in Florence every year — especially as snapped by Scott Schuman — were the starting point for Derek Lam's Pre-Fall 2012 collection. "In Japan, they call them fashion nerds, but to me they’re not nerdy. They’re fabulous," Lam explained. And so, coats, trousers, tops, and sheaths were sharply-tailored and done up in gorgeous Glen plaid, herringbone, and jacquard denim. But it wasn't all borrowed-from-the-boys: Lam also worked lingerie-inspired gowns, bandana-print frocks, and fluted skirts into the mix.

>> They're making their lists — and checking them twice. Here come the holidays, and who better to spread the cheer than some of our favorite fashionable insiders? From the super-luxe accessories topping Melissa Coker's and Leandra Medine's lists to the souped-up sporting goods desired by Yigal Azrouel and Peter Som, here's a look at what those in the know are coveting this season. See who's hoping for Burberry, who's hoping for Hermes, and who's just hoping for some sleep — plus, glean gift-giving ideas from Anna Sheffield, Lauren Bush Lauren, Derek Lam, Stephanie LaCava, and more — all here, in the slideshow.

>> It's a week of double-timers: two Haider Ackermann looks, two Calvin Klein looks, and one model who appears twice. See who's wearing what — and where — in the slideshow.

Derek Lam's Spring 2012 collection counted modernist architect Richard Neutra as an influence, and the beauty inspiration followed suit. Hair was pulled back into ponytails with clean, smooth lines; makeup echoed the bronzes and yellows of Neutra's settings in California. Read on to see how the look came together.

Derek Lam was California dreamin' for his Spring 2012 collection, invoking "mid-century louche and luxury," according to show notes. Think Palm Springs, Frank Sinatra, and Angie Dickinson by the pool, and you have the inspiration for Lam's upbeat collection that still carried his signature clean lines and classic silhouettes. '60s geometric prints enlivened pencil skirts, and colors like canary yellow and coral were mixed into fitted knits and one beautifully flowing jumpsuit. For evening, there were beaded tile dresses in loose, flowy silhouettes, perfect for cocktail hour and dancing under the stars. To really understand just how beautiful these clothes were in person, you have to check out our runway video.

• Trends: '60s, geometric prints, jumpsuits, leather, minimalism.
• Colors: Caramel, yellow, coral, peppermint, marine.
• Key Piece: Anything leather, the coral jumpsuit, the little white dresses.
• Accessories: The leather cage applique Bristol wedge, Charley clutch, leather and vinyl capri wedge.
• Who Would Wear It: Timeless, polished girls who favor classic looks — Rachel Bilson, Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie.

>> Inspired by “a little California dreamin’,” Derek Lam sent out eye-catching sequined "tile" dresses, purple-infused "kaleidoscope"-print looks head to toe, and Spring leather. No neon here. Instead, Lam says, “There is an influence of mid-century colors, the bright tangerines and the peppermints, and the chrome yellows. Not acid brights, but warm brights, mixed with things that are rustic and natural, shades of brown and burlap. Something clean with something rustic.” He adds: “For me, it’s about texture in a new way, so there’s a lot of embroidery, a lot of bright colors, a mix of something that’s more crafty and rustic feeling with things that are more spare and modern.”