22 Designers Reveal The Inspirations For Their Spring 2013 Collections

by Jada Wong | 11:53 am, September 5th, 2012

This Thursday marks the start of the marathon known as New York Fashion Week. And since fashion is always a season ahead, while we’re gearing up for fall, designers will be sending out models in breezy spring looks. We’ve got your first look at the inspirations behind their spring 2013 collections, and a peek at what’ll come strutting down that runway.

Check it out:

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1.Rebecca Minkoff

Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring 2013 collection is a nod to iconic '60s and '70s American photographer Slim Aarons, known for glamorously capturing socialites, jet-setters, and celebrities while they lounged poolside.

2.Katharine Polk of Houghton

'I retreated to Shoreditch, London where I drew inspiration from the colorful street art and cool girl style that fill the artistic neighborhood. There is something reminiscent of Kate Moss circa 1990 that I love. I keep that in mind while still looking to my muse, Katharine Hepburn.'

3.Nicole Miller

'I was inspired by nature, futurism, and sci-fi while designing the Spring 2013 collection — I find inspiration in unexpected combinations.'

4.Tracy Reese

Inspired by the rich range of hues found in David Hockney landscapes, Reese’s palette focuses on foliage-inspired greens, complimented by cool blues, lilacs, tangerines and neutrals. 'I played with the juxtaposition of organic and technical, soft, and structured and sporty and feminine for an unexpected and refreshing collection. A quilted silk jacket in pert layered over a black burnout gauze shirt and a mentholescence stretch linen trouser, and paired with fringed sandal and clutch, creates an effortless look that is sophisticated yet relaxed.'

5.Kimberly Ovitz

Inspired by Almagul Menlibayeva’s thought-provoking belief that you can create your own mythology, Ovitz studied the Kazakhstani performance artist’s contemporary images that held vaguely ritualistic connotations. Ovitz pays homage to Menlibayeva’s nomadic style with raw finishes, layered cloth draping, and distressed faux suede while modernizing the collection with unexpected geometric sharp lines, abstract patterns, and irregular macramé detail.

6.The Blonds' Phillipe and David Blond

'It's all about Glamour with a capital G, our girl this season sparkles like the sea!'

7.Designer of Pamella Roland, Pamella DeVos

'For Spring 2013, the Pamella Roland collection is inspired by the iconic American artist Ellsworth Kelly. His stark black and white paintings are part of a body of work that resonate in particular because of their clean almost severe lines that speak to a harmony between the shapes that they create.'

8.Director of Parsons MFA Fashion Design and Society, Shelley Fox

'Our students took to heart the idea of being the first graduating class of a new breed of fashion program--breaking new ground and innovating with new materials, techniques, and design philosophies.'

9.Daisy Fuentes

'While in Ibiza, I was inspired by the mix of traditional Spanish gypsy style with the more chic hippie beach vibe' of the European jet set. I love the bright, colorful prints, and the relaxed, flowing fabrics.

10.Creative Director of Calypso St. Barth, Elisa Miller

'Inspired by the rich color and pattern of Marrakesh, spring is all about shakin' it in the souk. Rich shades of rosy coral, desert orange, and palm green are cooled off with hamman white, icy silver, and navy, creating an exotic, adventurous, endlessly chic collection with an underbeat of funk.'

11.Concept Korea's Kye

'Nothing ever goes my way.'

12.Yuna Yang

Music inspired Kandinsky's modernist pantings in which he saw shapes and colors by feeling the rhythm and tones of the music. For the SS13 Collection, Yuna has drawn the same inspiration from the musical layers and rhythm of rock band, Civil Twilight. With a background in fine art and trained as a classical pianist, Yuna immediately responded to the classic elements of Civil Twilight's music.

13.Gerlan Jeans

'Gerl-power!'

14.Concept Korea's Cres. Edim

'Extreme weather.'

15.Angel Sanchez

'I was immediately inspired when I saw the Rafael Barrios exhibit along Park Avenue. His geometrical sculptures over the flower beds made me think about my own work. I always try to achieve that balance between geometry and femininity, precise lines that give way to ethereal effects.' Image courtesy of Jori Graterol

16.Michelle Smith of Milly

'Contemporary surrealism.'

17.Ann Yee

After a fire swept through the designerís Manhattan studio destroying her archives and workspace, Ann Yee took refuge in the Pacific Northwest where she was instantly revitalized and renewed by her surroundings. Ann found inspiration in the water and how weather manipulates a body of water. She became transfixed in how the sea goes from violent during harsh weather only to emerge changed and even more striking when the storm is over. A pile of old sea ropes and nets that were faded and frayed over time intrigued Ann immediately. The bold colors that were transformed into slightly muted shades or sun tie-dyed became the basis from which her Spring/Summer collection bloomed.

18.Concept Korea's Choiboko

'Interpretation of a masterpiece.'

19.Concept Korea's Lie Sang Bong

'Nostalgia.'

20.Erin Barr

'My Spring/Summer 2013 collection can be described as when graphic meets iconic, and they, together, become a fresh take on luxury'.

21.Concept Korea's Son Jung Wan

'Rhapsody under the sun.'

22.Norisol Ferrari

'Think the curves of Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, and Rita Moreno. All strong confident women who command attention, desire, and respect.'