The fashion runways are alive with spirit and whimsy this Spring 2012. From high-octane clutches at Marc Jacobs to the most delicate high-heel mules at Rochas, fashion designers are having fun with cheeky, but chic, add-ons. Here, our top seven awe-inspired fashion accessories for the new season.

The top handle bag

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012

There are no slouches when it comes to handbags this spring 2012. From Lanvin to Mulberry, the structured satchel silhouette is a must-have. Both Celine and Louis Vuitton featured modern two-tone versions of the Gladstone bag (better known as the Doctor’s Bag), while Givenchy dressed up its version with zippers and Marc Jacobs added a clever top handle to his colourful clutches. Watch for Phillip Lim’s “31 Hour” bag launching this season – Inspired by women who live beyond a 24-hour day (Don’t we all?)

Futuristic touches

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012

Veering into sci-fi territory, metallic touches on fashion accessories proved that everything was shiny and new for spring. Chanel’s silver ankle booties and UFO-inspired hard clutches were the scene stealers on Karl Lagerfeld’s runway; same goes for the metallic gold high-tops at Maison Martin Margiela. Props goes to Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton (always) for the decidedly dangerous chrome pointed toe pumps and YSL for the candy-coloured suede loafers with the gold-plated toes.

Over-sized earrings

Marni Spring/Summer 2012

We predict a surge of short haircuts come spring 2012. The reason? Larger-than-life earrings – everything from shoulder-duster chandelier styles to over-sized bejewelled clusters. And since there is nothing precious about them, you can afford to stock up; the more faux, the better. Marni’s doorknockers kept us entranced while Lanvin’s playful palm trees made us giggle like school girls.

Haute headpieces

Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2012

Think the fascinator fashion trend faded with memories of the Royal Wedding? Think again. Fashion designers took a shine to haute headgear on their runways. From tricked out visor-inspired styles at Balenciaga to ladylike lace offerings at Jil Sander. Moschino had matador-inspired toppers, Burberry added Raffia peak caps, and the chapeau of choice at Anna Sui and Marc Jacobs was the printed turban.

More accessory trends for Spring 2012 on the next page…

Floral trimmings

Rochas Spring/Summer 2012

Plenty of designers opted to say in bloom for spring 2012. Bouquets blossomed on all fashion accessories from shoes, bags, bracelets and more. Take the Rochas high-heeled mules trimmed with flowers, or the delicate buds that were painted on totes at Milly and imprinted on pumps at Nina Ricci. For a little wrist candy, Prada fashioned a delicate bracelet from a rope of faux flowers.

The novelty shoe

Prada Spring/Summer 2012

Prada’s rocket heels got fashion motors running – complete with a burst of faux flames propelling them down the runway. Meanwhile, the “Avalon Sandal” from Charlotte Olympia boasts sculptural gold cage heels that are truly a work of art.

Transparency

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2012

See-through accessories provide a window for the fashion savvy to overtly showcase their personal style. Transparent vinyl carryalls at Louis Vuitton will suit your exhibitionist leanings and as for shoes, there were plenty of lucite and vinyl offerings. Take the Western-inspired booties at Marc Jacobs or the leather and vinyl take on oxfords at Oscar de la Renta.

Read more:
How to wear the transparency trend
Would you wear the scuba trend? 
Most unexpected trends of 2011