Among the prints and patterns galore seen everywhere on the catwalks in New York and Milan from geometric to floral; fruits and cars, it is Dries van Noten that stands out by his unfailing ability to do prints  translating modernity into romantic mood filled with poetry and quiet charm.

Take, for instance, this photographic urban lansdscape  by James Reeve .

 Printed on fabric it becomes a subtle pattern adding a certain sense of mystery and refinement.

No screaming statements here. It is stylishly contained, subtly elegant and so irresistably desirable.

Dries van Noten is an intellectual designer. But his designs are neither too dry, nor too conceptual.

He is a story-teller. He takes you around the world relating  tales of places and people without indulging into foklore. And the clothes? They always remain modern and timeless.

Like in this collection. There is a piece for each occasion –day, evening and passe partout. Relevant and highly wearable.

I am not convinced by the trousers with peplums, but for the rest…

I know what to ask Santa for.

See all runway pictures of the collections 2012 here