New York Fashion Week's Final Sprint: From Sporty To Sexy

Sometimes, the best are saved for last. That's certainly true for these designers who wrapped up Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with Spring 2013 fashion shows that didn't disappoint. From fabulous florals and ultra feminine dresses to bright and sporty ensembles, the looks from J. Mendel, Milly and Vivienne Tam were very wearable and, more importantly, want-able.

To start, beautiful dresses in colorful, floral prints and bright colors floated down the J. Mendel Spring 2013 catwalk at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. "My inspiration was based on Japanese gardens. There's a lot of beautiful prints that I developed. It's very luxurious, very rich, very precious," designer Gilles Mendel told us. "It's feminine but also has a modern touch to it. It's not too flowery," said Mad Men star Elisabeth Moss backstage.

Feeling a bit sportier? The bright colors and geometric shapes of Milly's Spring 2013 fashion show was youthful, athletic and totally glam. Mesh, tweed, metallic gauze, color blocking all mixed up with eccentric prints created a sporty vibe with a sort of techno twist--a definite departure from her preppier collections. "It was excellent," says Ryan Lochte, Olympic Swimmer who sat front row with Olympian colleague Conor Dwyer.

For those who need an energy lift, look no further than Vivienne Tam's Spring 2013 ready-to-wear collection. "It was based on the five elements of Chinese cosmology: fire, wood, metal, water, earth. They enhance a person's energy and, at the same time, are fashionable. So, why not?" the designer told us. "The wood is green and the metal is a metallic. Actually the shape of a metallic is a circle, and you see that on all the geometric forms this season," she pointed out. Statement-making accessories also play a part. "It all coordinates with my jewelry this season. Forms, shapes, textures," says Tam. Now that makes for some happy shopping!