Florals never looked so good, or so varied, than at Derek Lam's casually elegant, straight-up sweet show this season. The designer, who worked under Michael Kors for twelve years before launching his
own line, has described his collection from the outset as being classic American fashion - wearable, accessible and "devoted to beauty." For spring this uncomplicated message rang loud and clear as
fun and flattering full-skirted dresses, playsuits, preppy cardigans and sculpted mini-dresses in black, white, simple but striking primary hues and multi-colour floral print hit the catwalk. Corsetry detailing, hip-enhancing cuts and a handful of block-colour one-pieces (body-suits or swimsuits was the question of the day) added a little sass to the overtly wholesome looks for spring.

Report by Indigo Clarke on 14 September 2009.