Like elegant swans, the models practically floated above the runway to the ever-so-fitting music, Ravel’s Bolero. Chado Ralph Rucci’s Spring 2012 runway show can be described only as visually breathtaking.

Held at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher’s Hall, Made in Africa: Arise showcased Africa’s most talented designers. The show was spectacularly large, milking every bit of production value the venue had to offer.

During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Agenda Magazine made its way backstage before the show. I was able to interview the key hair and makeup people, plus I got a bonus when top model Cecily Lopez spoke with me candidly about her career.

Designer Coco Johnsen showcased her Spring 2012 collection at Vibiana during Style Fashion Week LA. As expected, her clothes consisted of beautifully constructed designs and a breathtaking array of rich colors with high-end fabrics poised for the red carpet.

Octavio Carlin showcased an elegant yet simplistic collection during Style Fashion Week LA at Vibiana. He presented a collection that showed a variation on cocktail dresses consisting of jersey, slinky, hip hugging skirts with horizontal striped tops . . . a play on the athletic influenced trend for spring.

Coming back from a hiatus, Gen Art is better than ever with their Fresh New Faces competition. From the attention to details backstage, with dressing, styling, and presenting the models and clothes on the runway to really putting on an exciting and well produced series of runway shows, Gen Art did it well at Vibiana during Style Fashion Week LA. Avatar star Zoe Saldana opened the show and the talented young designers showcased their new designs.

Furne One (Amato Haute Couture) Spring 2012 was held at the Vibiana during Style Fashion Week LA. Check out the images captured by Arun Nevader.

Always a fun, high-energy show, Betsey Johnson did it again for her Spring 2012 collection during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York. Models styled to the nines with extreme attention paid to the tiniest detail. Check out all the backstage excitement before the show on September 12, 2011, at the Theater in Lincoln Center. Photographed by Arun Nevader.

During New York Fashion Week on September 10, Designer Joseph Altuzarra created a classy yet edgy, sophisticated yet futuristic collection, which defined his Spring 2012 line. The vivid colors ranging from vibrant greens, bold yellows, striking whites, and blue accents, colored a variety of styles.

On September 8, 2011, Richard Chai’s Love + Men’s Spring 2012 collection was filled with layered separates and odd pairings. For her, short pleated skirt fronts worn apron-style over long pants.