THE world?s favorite season is the spring,? wrote naturalist Edwin Way Teale. Perhaps for the fashion world, it means shedding off winter layers and donning the bright colors of the much-awaited harvest season. For many, it means a new outlook in life.

This coming season, many designers have opted to stick to wintry hues of white, gray and even black?but filled with fun and breezy lightness.

One little number that always catches my attention is the LWD (Little White Dress) that can be worn in various sophisticated ways. Perfect not just for spring (we?re talking of trade season, not our climate) but for summer as well, the LWD can be worn day to night.

One brand seeing the white light is Calvin Klein. Its Spring 2009 Collection explores the LWD in different geometric shapes. Many of the pieces were described by fashion journalists ?as if they were pressed over cubes.? That meant short sleeves on dresses or jackets in three-dimension patterns. The shades came in cool nude, white, icy lavender and powder blue.

Next door at powerhouse Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld decided to celebrate spring with his retinue of models clad in cocktail dresses ?inspired by a grayish portrait by (French painter) Marie Laurencin.? Tweeds, bows, camelias and lovely cocktailwear were in wintry palettes of black, white, gray and metallic. Some lingerie were even worn with heels and frilled negligee sleeves.

Chic, classy numbers

Hermès had other ideas from Jean Paul Gaultier. Looking West, Gaultier cracked the whip and kept Hermès? equestrian tradition by showcasing cowgirl class minus the blues (more like blacks and dark browns). Chic classy numbers were donned by supermodels Stephanie Seymour and Naomi Campbell.

With Hermès, a cowboy hat is a sophisticated accessory. Think of a globetrotting equestrienne with Hermès? classic scarves used as bandannas, square-cut cashmere knits and slinky jersey day dresses, suede riding boots and even a (gasp!) fringed Birkin bag.

The good news: Manila is not bereft of its own spring fever. One local label that is fast becoming known among the fashionite subculture is Luca, designed by nocturnal mainstays and fashion mavens Divine Lee and David Milan. Their choice pieces could pass for designer garb. The difference? They carry crisis prices.

Luca is affordable luxe for the woman with sophisticated and modern taste. Luca?s collection boasts beautiful separates without the heavy price tag. You can build and enhance a multifunctional wardrobe with their wide selection of dresses, tops, skirts, pants and jackets in rich fabrics, consistent fit and exquisite details. Shown on these pages are some of the beautiful compositions from this brand.

So spring forward, everyone! Time to shed off that old outlook and slip into a new outfit.

E-mail the author at jfashion@inquirer.com.ph.

Luca is located at the Archaeology Area of Powerplant Mall in Rockwell and 2/F, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City. For inquiries, call 09283837971.