Elle: The Runway Edit

Spring/Summer collections from all the major fashion weeks.

Elle's Runway Edit is a must-have if you missed some of the Fashion Shows. It highlights the best pieces from each collection and also shows you what was best in show and different fashion moments throughout different shows. They also provide a Model of the Week for each of the different shows, which is a bonus in itself as it lets you keep on top of new-coming models.

New York

Marc Jacobs' collection was inspired by the 1970's, and this is fully shown in his collection this year. The crimped hair and the OTT style he has gone for really expresses his experimental designs. He has used block colour in just the right way and its a winner for us!

Thakoon's designs have been worn not only Sarah Jessica Parker or Rachel Bilson, but the first lady herself, Michelle Obama. Who wore one of his designs the evening her husband, Barack Obama  accepted the 2008 Democratic nomination for president. His designs have been named 'timelessly feminine' which definatley reflects in his Sping/Summer collection this year. 

We love how Thakoon's designs have a hint of vintage, due to the soft materials and lace used and also the delicateness of the way the material falls.

You should also check out:

Proenza Schouler

Calvin Klein

3.1 Philip Lim

Rodarte

Model of the week: Daphne Groeveveld

At 15 and still classed as a 'school girl', this Dutch 5ft 11in model has had more opportunities given to her than most people could have achieved in a life time. Already the face of Miu Miu, she opened the Calvin Klein show which gave her an exclusive contract and the way she looked on the catwalk shows how we will be seeing much more of this teen model. 

London

'Jonathan Saunders has always been known as master of print and pattern' This describes him well as his designs from last year reflect bright patterns. This is not a flaw however, as celebrities such as Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Sienna Miller and Michelle Obama has been seen in his clothes to name a few. Saunders has gone for the opposite for this season however as he describes his collection as 'Beauty, cleanness,optimism and lightness'. His description is spot on as his exquisite designs reflect how you can use simple colours and shape it into something much different. And with celebrities such as Cheryl Cole wearing one of his designs already, it looks like this season is going to be as successful as his last.   

Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos have out done themselves on their collection for this season. They have used screen-printing instead of last years digital printing, which seemed to go down well with imitators, so they have come up with a more unique effect for their clothing which allows them, to me, stand out more.  'cropped biker jackets, wide trousers and drawstring parkas were new additions to their repertoire' which gave their effect a ten out of ten. One of my favourites from London fashion week, and you can see why. 

You should also check out:

Richard Nicoll

Christopher Kane

Marios Schwab

Burberry Prorsum

Model of the week: Bambi Northwood-Blyth

With a name of 'Bambi' it was inevitable that she would become famous for whatever reason sooner or later, but she found her way into fame by Modelling for top brands such as Topshop Unique, Emanuel Ungaro and Loewe. Even though her real name is Stephanie, it doesn't have the same effect, so the choice of the name 'Bambi' separates her from the rest and keeps her as a firm favourite of ours. 

Milan

Dolce & Gabbana designed a collection which was named 'back to basics'. However, their version of 'basic' is a little different, (more interesting) than ours. Lavished with sequins, beads and rhinestones, this collection screamed Dolce and Gabbana all over. They had a collection filled with all the essentials (and if they weren't essential, D&G made them want to be essential to our wardrobe!) from slip dresses to skirt suits, through to corsets and lingerie, D&G made us want all of their designs for our Spring/Summer wardrobe. 

The 1970's theme seemed to be a regular occurrence for this years Spring/Summer collection, and Karl Lagerfeld was definitely on board. He has used the colour theme from the 70's that gave it a retro look, but made it relentlessly modern by the shapes the garments were made and also the accessories used. 

You should also check out:

Jill Sander

Prada

Alberta Ferretti

Gucci

Model of the week: Arizona Muse

The 21 year old from New Mexico was discovered by casting supermo Russel Marsh and booked to open and close the Spring/Summer 2011 Prada show. Arizona has also walked for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent (not to mention the campaign she has done for them) and also Dior in Paris.

Paris

After the death of the British Designer Alexander McQueen, it was left to his first assistant of 15 years, Sarah Burton, to take responsibility for his ever-inspiring brand. 'All the brilliant McQueen themes were there: Nature and beauty, romance and passion' which were powerfully translated into the Spring/Summer collection of 2011 with an added feminine touch. The collection was inspiring as it always was, and was a triumph as you can see in the clothing. 

Chanel has and will be always known for its beauty in its exquisite designs-and this seasons collection was no exception. With the never-ending parade of 80 models, we always say that 'Chanel has outdone its self this year' but they keep bringing collection after collection with the same beauty and detail as the last. 

You should also check out:

Lanvin 

Roland Mouret

Chloe

Celine

Model of the week: Caroline Brasch Nielsen

At just 16 years old, and as she only started modelling last season, Dane Caroline Brasch Nielsen is already a favourite of Steven Meisel. For this years Spring/Summer collection, she was booked for all of the big shows, opening for Valentino and Narciso Rodriguez