Tanya Taylor Spring 2013

It's only her second season on the New York calendar, and already Tanya Taylor has generated quite a buzz. The Central Saint Martins and Parsons grad has been touted as "one to watch" by quite a few in the industry, and judging by the packed-in house at her Spring 2013 presentation, the praise has not gone unheard.

The collection itself was inspired by the '60s-era Sandy Lane resort in Barbados, and — much like the iconic hotel — skewed toward smart leisure with a quirky midcentury sensibility. Double-breasted blazers (draped over the shoulders for a just-threw-it-on vibe) were cut wide and boxy, trousers came pressed and cropped, and slim pencil skirts hit just below the knee. Colors were bright and there were prints aplenty (a girlish floral print and ditsy dot pattern were especially lovely), but it was the use of high-contrast black on straps and waistbands that kept the pieces from feeling too sweet. Overall, it was a winning lineup — one that proved that some things really can live up to the hype.