Colourama: Pantone has declared tangerine tango, a vivacious juicy orange, the colour of 2012. True enough, last year’s love affair with all things orange is carrying on. But a quick look at the runways reveals a zap of electric yellow – Pantone’s Solar Power – to be the brightener of the season. Paula Patton sported it at the Golden Globes in a gown by Monique Lhuillier, and Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Sonia Rykiel all dared to blare. Even H&M coloured its women’s lookbook a dazzling yellow. (The men’s lookbook is orange.)

But the fashion pendulum swings. By the time spring is here, pastels will take their place – moss, baby blue, pink and yellow and soothing neutrals dominated the spring catwalk palette. Think Chanel, with its waterworld set, lacy Louis Vuitton and flapperish Ralph Lauren.

Flipping for flappers: Roaring ’20s style, with the dropped waist, asymmetrical hem, geometric sequin embellishment and a sense of freedom, is back – again. Credit The Artist, with the fetching Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller (loved all her shoes in the flick!), and Baz Luhrmann’s coming remake of The Great Gatsby. Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli and Etro were among the designers putting on the glitz.

Erogenous zone: Fab abs were bared on skinny models at Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Nina Ricci and many more. Not a trend to take universally.

Waterworld: Blue from aqua to turquoise, flowed freely on the catwalks, and is landing in a Winners near you soon, along with water motifs: coral and underwater prints at Mary Katzantrou, clamshell couture at Armani, strange, mermaid-like creatures at Alexander McQueen, and from Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, a show set in an underworld fantasyland.

Couture revival: Fifties classic couture inspired Dries Van Noten, Jil Sander, Jason Wu, Oscar de la Renta and Theyskens Theory – worn by Piper Perabo at the Golden Globes. The age of elegance is revived for the 21st century.

Fit chic: Beyond Lululemons, athletic designs and high-tech fabrics hit the runway at Alexander Wang, always one to watch.

Here is what three fashion professionals have to say about spring.