The best spring 2012 prêt-à-porter fashion shows were:

Louis Vuitton

Unlike the past Louis Vuitton’s offerings, this collection was “gentle and kind, fragile but strong” as Marc Jacobs would describe. The amazing fashion extravaganza with models sitting atop a carousel in romantic white lace dresses adorned with broderie Anglaise. Oh, and a bonus. Iconic pointy toecap toe pumps and Kate Moss, again, as the last girl to stand on the runway.

Antonio Berardi

Antonio Berardi is known for his passion for a woman as a warrior. This is a concept he has presented from different angles in many of his fashion shows. Berardi’s way from heel-less black latex fetish boots worn by Victoria Beckham (fall 2008) to the subtle spring 2012 collection must have been very long. This time he sent down the runway models in beautiful ethereal dresses adorned with armoured panels.

Prada

To put it in a nutshell: Prada’s spring 2012 fashion show was retro to the bone. Miuccia once again delivered vintage glam, this time of the 1950s variety with colourful high-waisted skirts, belly-baring bra tops, and embellished bathing suits as seen on Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and GQ’s covers. The important part of the show belonged to accessories where a fiddle part was played by Cadillac flaming wedges. Delightful.

Chanel

The underwater theme of Chanel‘s spring fashion show was awe-inspiring and magical. With Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine singing on the giant mock shell and runway adorned with white sea creatures, it was an event worth dying for. Ladylike ensembles sometimes were so harsh they resembled ocean tides, but most time they are delicate and sherbet-y. Loved the beautiful pearl pins in models’ slicked-back hair that completed sea-inspired looks.

Givenchy

Only the best models including Natalia Vodianova, Gisele Bündchen and Mariacarla Boscono were sent down the runway of Riccardo Tisci’s spring fashion show. The actuating means were bold tailoring mixed with subtle pastels and underwater influences. Chiffon sequins, lasered leather cutouts and statement-making ruffles came in highest possible colour contrast as the collection was divided into two halves: good and evil.