The Brits currently own the modern use of print and its influence can be spied all over New York this season.
/var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/preen/spring-summer-2012/collection/preen-rs12-5000-preen-london-spring-summer-2012/7296822-1-eng-GB/preen-rs12-5000_CC.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/preen/spring-summer-2012/collection/preen-rs12-5000-preen-london-spring-summer-2012/7296822-1-eng-GB/preen-rs12-5000_C0.jpg iMAXTREE 
/var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/preen/spring-summer-2012/collection/preen-rs12-4992-preen-london-spring-summer-2012/7296829-1-eng-GB/preen-rs12-4992_CC.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/preen/spring-summer-2012/collection/preen-rs12-4992-preen-london-spring-summer-2012/7296829-1-eng-GB/preen-rs12-4992_C0.jpg iMAXTREE 
/var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/preen/spring-summer-2012/collection/preen-rs12-4986-preen-london-spring-summer-2012/7296836-1-eng-GB/preen-rs12-4986_CC.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/preen/spring-summer-2012/collection/preen-rs12-4986-preen-london-spring-summer-2012/7296836-1-eng-GB/preen-rs12-4986_C0.jpg iMAXTREE 
/var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/preen/spring-summer-2012/collection/preen-rs12-5010-preen-london-spring-summer-2012/7296815-1-eng-GB/preen-rs12-5010_CC.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/preen/spring-summer-2012/collection/preen-rs12-5010-preen-london-spring-summer-2012/7296815-1-eng-GB/preen-rs12-5010_C0.jpg iMAXTREE 
Prabal Gurung, DvF, Altuzarra... Call it the Mary Katrantzou, Jonathan Saunders or Peter Pilotto effect but the digital hallmark started in London has proved an inspiration here.
As if to remind us of this, Preen's spring collection delivered all of those wonderful printing skills at once. The pastel checkerboard print mixed with illustrative paisley gave an utterly feminine and stylish solution. The palette of pink, lemon and baby blue with flashes of neon on tiny peplum hips, underskirts and collars was a confectionary delight.
Justin and Thea Bregazzi's effortlessly neat trouser suits that became an overnight signature were lightened in soft palettes, with slim chiffon sleeves layered flatteringly under cotton dresses. Preen's print flag was flown with brilliant results and this was one of New York's top shows of the season.
