Derek Lam approached the second season of his 10 Crosby diffusion line from a practical standpoint. “Spring is such a short season and so predicated on the weather, I really wanted to identify what the key pieces a woman would love in her wardrobe,” said Lam. He focused on things that are work-appropriate and transitional with an emphasis on what he called the “new suit:” a striped burlap jacket worn with a matching skirt, both short and a little boxy, and a graphic tunic belted over a pencil skirt. Lam balanced bright colors and bold prints with neutrals used on wide-leg pants and long, solid gowns. Most impressive were the fabrics, such as spongy Japanese jersey; soft, textured knits, and coated technical materials for flared skirts and parkas. They felt expensive and durable and, best of all, many of them are washable.