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[title]Marni for H&M
The Swedish juggernaut teams up with iconic Italian design house Marni to create a 104-piece collection for both ladies and gents ($10--$199). The pieces include full-pleated skirts and cropped pants (each $60) for women, as well as blazers ($149) and button-downs ($40--$50) for men. Featuring African-inspired prints and vibrant colorblocking, it all gets a touch of the label's trademark luxury with fabrics such as silk and poplin cotton. H&M, locations throughout the city; visit hm.com for info. Available Mar 8.
Mary Katrantzou for Topshop
Bold prints are one of the season's biggest trends, and you'll find plenty in this capsule collection from Greek-born, London-based wunderkind Mary Katrantzou. The designer has applied her fantastical, collaged graphics to nine pieces, and her foral-printed leggings ($80), sleeveless blouses ($160) and tunic dresses ($310) feel like wearable spring bouquets. Topshop, 478 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts (212-966-9555, topshop.com). Available now.
Milly for Sperry
Top-Sider Michelle Smith, the founder of Milly, presents a new twist on a spring staple—the Sperry Top-Sider—in a collaboration with the preppy footwear brand. Smith spices up Sperry's iconic nautical kicks with her bold colors and prints; the result is 13 playful, warm-weather-ready styles, such as platform sandals with rope ankle ties ($195) and neon-yellow patent-leather boat shoes ($125). Milly, 900 Madison Ave at 73rd St (212-395-9100, millyny.com) * Sperry Top-Sider, 103 Fifth Ave between 17th and 18th Sts (212-675-7248, sperrytopsider.com) * Available now.
Alberta Ferretti for Impulse at Macy's
The Italian designer known for her party-perfect frocks has created an affordable collection (items are all under $119) enhanced by bright colors, feminine details and breezy silhouettes. White jersey tops with lace necklines ($69) and snug, eyelet lace pants ($79) are ideal springtime staples. Macy's, 151 W 34th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-695-4400, macys.com). Available Apr 17.
Anna Sui for Hush Puppies
The goth-boho designer brings her dark femininity to the casual shoe brand, sprucing up the line with nine girly styles. Among the options are two-tone wingtip oxfords ($130), a Wallabee decked out with fringe and crystal studs ($165) and toe-loop sandals adorned with three-dimensional cherries ($95). Anna Sui, 113 Greene St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-941-8406, annasui.com) * Shoe Mix, 665 Lexington Ave between 55th and 56th Sts (212-888-7555) * hushpuppies.com. Available late April.
Three new stores to visit
Nicholas Kirkwood
Footwear fanatics are counting down the days until this British designer opens his first U.S. outpost. Kirkwood's vibrant, playful designs will be showcased in a minimal, gallerylike atmosphere that focuses the attention on his candy-colored creations. This season's offerings include sexy, ankle-strap patent wedge platforms ($995), mod peep-toe booties ($995) and floral-printed heels ($695). 807 Washington St between Horatio and Gansevoort Sts (nicholaskirkwood.com). Opens early-May.
Christian Louboutin Men's Store
Although details are scant at the moment, this spring will see the arrival of the French icon's second footwear shop for men (the first is in Paris, mais oui). Expect to find pieces such as CL's signature studded loafers, exquisite lace-ups and leather slip-on sneakers with spiked detailing (all prices TBA). Washington St between Horatio and Gansevoort Sts (christianlouboutin.com). Opens late spring.
Monika Chiang
Last year, designer Monika Chiang opened her first retail store in L.A.; this season her line of edgy, contemporary clothes and accessories (including intimates and handbags) arrives in Soho. The boutique will feature her signature rocker-with-a-hint-of-preppy wares, including towering pumps with studded heels ($445), distressed boyfriend jeans ($195), tuxedo blazers ($595) and leather motorcycle jackets with asymmetrical zippers ($845). 125 Wooster St between Prince and Spring Sts (monikachiang.com). Opens mid-April.
Spa Week: Spring 2012
Say goodbye to the winter doldrums and indulge yourself to a treatment or two during this semiannual affair, during which hundreds of spas, salons and fitness centers around the city offer signature treatments or class packages for just $50 a pop. Among this edition's deals are facial peels with cell-stimulating botanicals and five-packs of core fusion classes at four of Exhale's Manhattan locations, as well as appointments with participants such as Fresh and Lia Schorr Day Spa. Locations vary; visit spaweek.com for more info. Apr 16--22. Booking services begins Mar 12.