In a word, color.

That’s what Derek Lam served up for spring in lively, bold strokes.

The clothes themselves were all about accentuating the waist. Trousers and skirts were high-waisted with what looked to be corsets built in.

He was inspired by beach towns, carnivals and summer love, which, done with his even hand, came off as pretty and feminine, not at all tawdry. The floral- and star-filled prints were celebratory, not garish.

We were confused a bit, however by the “one-piece” numbers at the end of the show. Covered up swimwear? Super short rompers? Body suits?

Many of the best bits of Derek Lam shows are the shoes and bags. Sadly, we were so far away from the catwalk, there wasn’t a chance we could see them.