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With the end of fashion week in Toronto marking the close of Spring 2014 show season, it’s time we looked back at all the trends that emerged. As much as the runway sets the pace for what’s to come for the top Spring 2014 trends, the streets play a major role as show-going trendsetters give us the relatable breakdown of how to wear what’s hot next season. Prints take two spots on our top Spring 2014 trends list through those with a painterly quality and those influenced by international cultures. At Hérmes, Rousseau-inspired water lily florals were printed on luxurious fabrics while at Diane Von Furstenberg, dresses and skirts depicting an African wilderness roared. As for fashionable time travel, prepare to keep reminiscing about the youthful 1990s, which haven’t ceased to get reincarnated season after season. Designers like Rodarte, Balmain and Jason Wu have reinvented the decade’s essentials yet again. To help with your daydreaming of long sunny spring days we’ve compiled the ultimate gallery of top Spring 2014 trends as dictated by the runways and our favourite street style stars in New York, London, Milan, Paris and Toronto! Feel free to let this be your guide to budgeting and creating closet space for next season’s must have pieces.

View by trend: 1. 1990s | 2. Art-Inspired | 3. Athletic | 4. Blue | 5. Crop Tops | 6. Embellishment | 7. Metallic | 8. Pleats | 9. Sheer | 10. Worldly

See the street style photos from Milan fashion week »

And just when we thought we’d seen the last of Milan Fashion Week prints, the ever-popular trend has been taken to new heights in today’s latest batch of street style photos from outside the Spring 2014 shows.

On the final day of Milan Fashion Week, photographer Sophie Mhabille spotted brave fashion attendees playing up their favourite popping pieces. Milan-based Russian fashionista Zhanna Romashka epitomized this trend in a colour-block witty printed dress by Giulia Rositani, a blue beret and mustard yellow polka dot print neckerchief. The two Annas of the fashion world were also spotted in print-filled ensembles. While Anna Wintour looked prim and proper (as usual) in a floral print dress, leave it to fashion eccentric Anna Dello Russo to pull off a head to toe Fay Spring 2014 look, complete with a lustworthy snoopy print jacket.

See the top 5 Milan Fashion Week trends for Spring 2014 »

And just like that, another batch of Spring 2014 shows have come and gone. It’s hard to believe, but hey, that’s fashion! We’re geting down to business and recapping the top 5 trends our of Milan Fashion Week for Spring 2014. Get ready, kids!

Photography by Peter Stigter

Photography by Peter Stigter

Photography by Peter Stigter

Photography by Peter Stigter

Photography by Peter Stigter

Photography by Peter Stigter

Photography by Peter Stigter

Photography by Peter Stigter

Photography by Peter Stigter

Photography by Peter Stigter

1/10

Prada Spring 2014

BLING

One of the biggest thing we saw in almost every collection was the use of embellishments. Collections got more impressive as the week progressed as designers seem to follow the same philosophy when it came to bling–go big or go home. Models at Prada came equipped with bedazzled bras that were shown over-top their looks (some sewn right into the garment). Roberto Cavalli’s uber-embellished collection looked somewhat influenced by The Great Gatsby but he still managed to maintain the underlying boho vibe he’s so well known for to produce (what we think) was one of his best collections yet. Aquilano.Rimondi and Marni both used similar 3D intricacies as Prada but in a way that was unique to their individual aesthetic. At Pucci, the pieces got progressively heavier and even embodied Balmain-esque bedazzlement while Fausto Puglisi fully embellished some pieces entirely on one side while the other side remained entirely clean.

Prada Spring 2014

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Aquilano Rimondi Spring 2014

BLING

Aquilano Rimondi Spring 2014

3/10

Versace Spring 2014

LOOSE SILHOUETTES

We have seen fashion really transform over the last few season as women’s collections are taking on a whole new form. Silhouettes are looser, flat shoes are cool again and boxiness has replaced form fit. Even designers who are traditionally known to be sexy (here’s looking at you, Versace) have realized that fashion, at least for right now, has evolved into something more relaxed. It definitely doesn’t mean that they have taken out this word from the equation; in fact the Italians seemed to have perfected the balance of masculine and feminine with the latter still being the hero. Bare midriffs and tops with clever cut-outs were often paired with straight skirts or high waisted pants and boxy leather jackets. Pant silhouettes, when present, were structured yet slouchy and most often cropped while some designers opted to skip pants altogether and focus on predominantly skirts and dresses (Miuccia being one of them); even crop tops were structured and loose. Whether the male population likes it or not, women’s fashion has now taken on a boyish charm and the term feminine has defined itself in a new, more modern way.

Versace Spring 2014

4/10

Dolce Gabbana Spring 2014

LOOSE SILHOUETTES

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2014

5/10

Jil Sander Spring 2014 Shoe

THE UN-PRETTY SHOE

Though heels are still present on the runway, footwear has evolved with the new direction that fashion has taken in the last few seasons. Shoes are oddly quirky, slightly heavy and seemingly masculine and nowhere was this more obvious than in Milan this past week. At Prada, the shoes were almost reminiscent of a suped up Birkenstock while Marni’s layered flip flop looked Asian inspired. Jil Sander had more of a chunky, rounded Oxford and even Emporio Armani went for a masculine flat. Although each designer’s footwear varied from one collection to the next, they all cleverly complemented each collection in their own way.

Jil Sander Spring 2014

6/10

Prada Spring 2014

THE UN-PRETTY SHOE

Prada Spring 2014

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Fendi Spring 2014

BOLD HUES

As always, spring runways are full of light and bright colours and this season is no exception. Several of the Italian designers are playing up the punch by injecting colour in a bold way. Fendi kicked off its show with punchy laser cut tiered dresses (five of which were beautifully sketched in colour by Karl himself and distributed to each seat) while Max Mara chose to punch up a mainly neutral collection with a lineup of lollipop-coloured looks-solid from head to toe. Prada is in a level by itself this season and Miuccia gave a face to her collection (literally) by splashing color into every piece right down to the socks. Aquilano.Rimondi also intelligently used embellishments and bold prints to inject color into the collection.

8/10

Max Mara Spring 2014

BOLD HUES

Max Mara Spring 2014

9/10

Costume National Spring 2014

Black and white

On the flip side, many of the Milan collections still had a predominant black and white colour palette. Costume National, Jil Sander, Ports and Marni all had a strong base of black and white pieces so those of us who opt to gravitate towards more basic, minimal colours have nothing to be worried about.

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Marni-Spring-2014

With back-to-back shows spanning four international cities, it’s easy to blink and miss some of the best looks from the Spring 2014 runways. That’s why we’re taking a deep dive and offering you a step-by-step look at some of the best beauty moments, complete with tips and tricks for mastering it at home. So grab your makeup bag, sit down in front of the mirror and read on.

See the Gucci Spring 2014 beauty tutorial »

When Gucci sent models down the runway at its Spring 2014 show in a mix of warm jewel tones, makeup artist Pat McGrath answered the call with a metallic smoky eye in analogous shades. The collection was inspired by the unexpected cocktail of luxe sportswear and the swirling Art Nouveau illustrations of artist Erté. Bright basketball shorts and black mesh t-shirts were followed by embroidered chiffon gowns and the makeup look—quite remarkably—complemented the wide variation in looks beautifully.

See the two looks up close »

Last night, Vogue Italia and P&G Prestige hosted quite the fancy event in Milan. Described as a magical journey that engaged all senses, the Beauty in Wonderland exhibit was a multisensory experience promoting P&G brands with instillations. And since a fashion event is never complete without a star-studded guest list, Blake Lively and Cate Blanchett, the faces of Gucci and Armani respectively, lent their star power while in town for Milan Fashion Week.

Switching gears from her leather body-hugging dress at Gucci, Blake Lively showed off a sportier side at last night’s event in a look straight off the runway, literally. Baring toned arms, the blonde bombshell arrived in a shimmering black halter Gucci jumpsuit from the Spring 2014 collection, which featured metallic green piping down the sides. With her hair in a messy updo, subtle smoky eyes and neutral pink lips, Lively made her laid back outfit look unquestionably luxe, making us quite nostalgic for her Serena van der Woodsen days.

Known for her statuesque beauty and classic style, Cate Blanchett channeled her playful side last night. The Australian actress arrived in a sleeveless tricolour dress by Prabal Gurung from the Resort 2014 collection, which featured a knee-length red and white skirt heavily embroidered with ostrich feathers. Finishing off her look with black peep-toed heels, Blanchett kept her beauty look relatively simple in a no-fuss updo and statement red lips.

See the Milan street style photos »

Already noticed on A-listers in the front row, monochromatic outfits were big on the streets on day two of Milan Fashion Week Spring 2014. And not just any shade: We’re talking about bold, standout primary colours—right in line, actually, with the Max Mara Spring 2014 collection. One street style star looked stellar in head to toe red, complete with chic black accessories (including a lifelike kitty clutch!), while another rocked canary yellow pants as she gave our photographer, Sophie Mhabille, her best Kristen Stewart impression. Known for her feminine poised style, Giovanna Battaglia also embraced the monochrome look in a baby blue printed shirt and polka dot tulip skirt.

Speaking of prints (which continues to be the most popular trend), Milan’s streets were filled with a whirlwind of stylish ladies in various printed dresses and skirts—tartan, floral, gingham you name it! With the sun blazing in Milan on the official last days of summer, we’re sensing the street style stars are taking full advantage of the warmer weather and squeezing out the very last wears of their summer outfits.

See the Milan street style photos »

Coats may have been the talk of the town in London, but accessories are the stars of Milan street style. Thanks to Paris-based photographer Sophie Mhabile, we’ve captured all the action from the first day of Milan Fashion Week Spring 2014, spotting Italian fashion bloggers and international icons alike outside the shows.

Bringing her grey twisted-sleeve Céline dress to a whole new level was Anna Dello Russo, who rocked another pair of furry heels as she swept the streets clean in Loewe black sandals, adorned with winged fur at the heels.

See these looks up close »

When it’s Fashion Month, there’s no time to waste! The last day of London Fashion Week has quickly turned into the first day of the Spring 2014 shows in Milan. As such, we’re sharing stand-out a front row look from each city: IRL socialite Olivia Palermo and our favourite faux Upper East Side girl Blake Lively both channeled a glossy, monochromatic leather look when attending shows in London and Milan.

From London, Olivia Palermo was perfectly poised at the Anya Hindmarch show in a soft, dusty-rose ensemble. She wore a light white sweater, dusty-rose leather pants and a tonal matched blazer. Choosing the casual route, Palermo completed her on-trend pink look with a pair of animal-print flats and a grey Anya Hindmarch handbag that featured a statement-making yellow lining. A neutral pink lip, slight cat-eye and emphasized lashes went well with her ladylike-hued outfit.

Over in Milan, the Gucci show kicked off fashion week and Blake Lively added some A-list power to the front row. The actress was a vision in a marigold Gucci leather dress and matching belt. The leather halter dress was left to shine when paired with Gucci bronze heels and a neutral clutch. As for her makeup, Lively went for a sophisticated red lip while her honey-blonde hair was side parted and left loose, somewhat of a signature style for the Gossip Girl star.

While we envy Lively, who shared a few front row laughs with Anna Wintour, and give props to Palermo for finishing off London Fashion Week in stylish form we still have to ask, who had the best leather look?

We still have Paris to go, but it’s safe to say that so far, there has been a lot of pared down beauty this season. When makeup artists do drag the colour out, it seems a strong lip is in favour. As Milan Fashion Week Fall 2013 winds down, here are three of our favourite bold mouths from that city.

See Milan Fashion Week’s 7 top trends for Fall 2013 »

Wi-Fi and roaming might still be a bit dodgy here in Milan, where you can find ancient ruins right in the middle of the luxury shopping district. But as we saw over the weekend, designers have the digital revolution all sewn up. Here are the top trends for Milan Fashion Week Fall 2013.

See the photos from Milan Fashion Week »

FASHION’s March cover girl Hailee Steinfeld made a splash in a pretty pink coat, sitting directly opposite me at MaxMara yesterday. I couldn’t get near her to say hi, though, unless I wanted to risk breaking a toe. There’s no competing with paparazzi, especially the Italian variety.

Here are four key trends from Day Two of Milan Fashion Week to add to your fall hit list:

See runway photos from the Prada Fall 2013 show » On the day of a Prada show, little else seems to matter. The hours before Prada are spent anticipating what Miuccia will show. The hours after are spent ruminating on it. After shivering outside for half an hour we were finally allowed in to find […]

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