Roksanda Ilincic

We first saw Roksanda Ilincic's collection as a part of Topshop's New Generation Initiative in 2005 — cut to Spring 2012 fashion week, and the designer is showcasing the kind of modern separates and dresses with a hint of the avant-garde sensibility she became known for. The collection hits on all the wardrobe essentials — delivering sheath dresses, maxis, blouses, and trousers — all the makeup for a perfectly outfitted closet but with whimsical edge. Hot pink makes its way onto a day dress, turquoise brightens up a top and pants, and floral and wide windowpane prints make their way across the collection. Then, there's the play with volume and proportion, like slim pencil-skirted dresses with bell-sleeved tops; dresses are either straight up or down or full and flared. You can sense the sophistication and the playfulness that have made both Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton fans of Roksanda. Like the balance between the model sporting the pink locks and the perfectly sensible little neutral dress she's wearing — there's a just a touch of fantasy underlying the impeccably chic execution.

• Trends: Colorblocking, maxi silhouettes, volume.
• Colors: Pink, blue, turquoise, gray, nude, gold yellow, florals.
• Key Look: The hot pink bell-sleeved sheath dress.
• Accessories: Knit headbands and beanies, bright ankle-strap heels.
• Who Would Wear It: Girls with an eye for sophisticated cuts and statement color; fans like Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton, but we bet Kate Bosworth could rock that hot pink dress .

>> Colorblock has appeared on dozens of designers' runways for the last three seasons, but it's not all about Mondrian-style squares and hard-lined panels. As Carey Mulligan proved in a skin-baring Roksanda Ilincic frock at Comic-Con last week — and Karolina Kurkova attested earlier this month in a sweep of Sophie Theallet — the trend can be sweetly feminine and softly sexy as well. From Gucci's artfully-draped Spring 2011 versions to the Fall 2011 Grecian styles on offer from Carlos Miele and Costello Tagliapietra, here's a look at the softer side of colorblock.

>> Phoebe Philo took this year's top prize — Designer of the Year — tonight at the British Fashion Awards over fellow nominees Erdem Moralioglu and Christopher Kane, while Lara Stone won the battle of the pretty faces, scoring Model of the Year over David Gandy and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Popular vote determined Alexa Chung winner of the British Style Award, recognizing "an individual who embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for London as a leading creative fashion capital.” And Sarah Burton — who designed two dresses for Special Recognition awardee Naomi Campbell (for a 25 year-long career) to choose from for the festivities — accepted the posthumously-awarded Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design prize for Lee Alexander McQueen, noting, "We will always miss him."

The full list of 2010 winners (nominees can be seen here):

Designer of the Year: Phoebe Philo for Celine

BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design: Lee Alexander McQueen

Designer Brand of the Year: Mulberry

Accessory Designer of the Year: Nicholas Kirkwood

Menswear Designer of the Year: Patrick Grant for E.Tautz

Model of the Year: Lara Stone

Emerging Talent Award — Accessories: Husam El Odeh

Emerging Talent Award — Ready-to-Wear: Meadham Kirchhoff

Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator of the Year: Nicola Formichetti

British Style Award: Alexa Chung

Special Recognition Award: Naomi Campbell

Digital Innovation Award: Burberry