Poor John. He had the misfortune to sit next to me at the Monique Lhuillier Spring 2012 fashion show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Every time a model appeared in a new ensemble, I would smack him in the arm, such was my excitement. By the end of the show, he was cringing.

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Electric blue, brilliant yellow, shocking pink, and roaring red soared down the runway. The clothing was body-conscious: from tightly-molded, color-blocked cocktail dresses to sleek pants to corset details and harness references. The body -- the athletic body -- was on display. There was a yellow trench coat with black lace panel overlay that made me swoon. A strapless blue and black color-block dress had swooping lines like a seagull (or if Mondrian believed in curves).  A black lace cardigan over more color-blocking was paired with slim-fitting pants.

And then ...

Graphic prints showed up on cocktail dresses and gowns. Oh the gowns. Tight-waisted, bell-like creations made almost every woman (with the exception of Mandy Moore and Julianne Hough sitting in the audience) think, “Where is my celebrity boyfriend?” These clothes beg to be worn under the bright lights of a movie premiere.

PJ Gach is Senior Editor: Style + Beauty at BettyConfidential. (Sorry, John!)

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