THE LIVING JIGSAW: What It Means To Be Inspired

Toward the end of June, I spent the better part of my days either on my iPhone on my lunch breaks at work or at home till the late hours of the night on my iMac. Yep, trying to catch live previews of the Men's Spring/Summer 2012 RTW shows in Milan and Paris from twitter updates of blogs like NowFashion, GQ Fashion, Style Salvage and Bryan Boy.

There's a certain thrill when seeing new collections on the catwalk. Unusual cuts, interesting details, beautiful colours, patterns, textures and an overall sense of completion and realization of each designer's combination of influences for that particular season's collection. Each show has its own story, and the clothes are its characters.

And I reserve a certain love for Spring/Summer collections. The colours are fresher, lighter and bolder at many shows; and I pick up a general sense of frivolity in the air. Don't get me wrong, the darker hues and beautiful layering that comes with Autumn/Winter collections still make me nauseatingly giddy, but I can't get past a pair of canary yellow shorts and orange Sperry Top-Siders without squealing. Nom.

Band of Outsiders Spring Summer 2012

There were a lot of jaw dropping outfits, but this blog will go on and on and onnnn. If I had to narrow it down, I'm going to have to start with the mother of all shows.

Burberry Prorsum. Oh, where to begin. Christopher Bailey injected an ethnic twist to the signature trench and presented us a colourful, upbeat collection featuring colourful parkas with contrasting cord locks, insanely innovative knitwear and super slim cut trousers. There were an array of colour stories on the table, and plenty of tribal prints to keep the eyes glued. There was a somewhat crafty feel where we see crocheted lapels on jackets and multicoloured wooden beading on sweaters. And oh, how could we escape the fabulous raffia caps?

This season Christopher Bailey's reminded me there's never an end to how to use and combine colour to create something truly inventive.

Iceberg was something else. Again, the focus was on colour and texture. Streaks of crimson red and dashes of yellow graze the icy blue tones that dominated the collection. Tonal outfits showcased Paolo Gerani's skill and informs us that layering is in, whatever the season. Iceberg makes you want to dress up. Pile on the shades of blues and greys. There's no wrong way to do it.

Some standout pieces were acid-washed shirts and blazers that gave the pieces a certain sheen. Oh, and the bright red loafers. Amaze. Plus I am absolutely obsessed with their models. Anyone share this feeling?

Never one to disappoint, Dries Van Noten brought out a collection that once again challenged our perception of proportion (what a mouthful). Shorts over trousers, long oversized shirts, parkas belted at the waist and anoraks worn over flight suits. However, when deconstructed, they're all very accessible. And, as always, with Dries it's about the detailing touches: the contrast panelling, the conspicuous pocket under the waistband..