Spring Ahead

By Kate Betts

Winter may still be months away, but spring is already in the air--in New York City, at least, where more than 200 designers last week unveiled their latest looks for spring 2006. Here, a glimpse at four big trends to watch for next year. --By Kate Betts

ROUGH STUFF Forget about ladylike looks. Handbags and shoes are getting a slightly "destroyed" look for spring. Michael Kors gives the huarache a heel, above, and Juicy Couture's bags boast punky chains and jewels, right

KHAKI'S BACK Sick of denim? Try Nantucket-style khaki from Tommy Hilfiger's 20th-anniversary show, above. At BCBG, Max Azria cut the common cloth into a chic blouse, top

BEST DRESS That perennial spring favorite, the dress, made a strong showing on New York City runways. Kenneth Cole presented his in breezy chiffon, left, and pretty pastel colors

GRAPHIC BLACK AND WHITE Moving away from today's bright colors, some designers went graphic. London-based Alice Temperley showed black florals on white, left, while New York City favorites Proenza Schouler, right, and Carolina Herrera, far right, were influenced by the Viennese Secessionist art movement. Or so they say