Photos: Top 10 spring-summer 2011 runway collections

A model in a look from the Balenciaga spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from the Balenciaga spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Dogged by rumors of his retirement, Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld still manages to reinvent, and offer something for all ages. Staging the runway show in a faux garden setting with peaceful fountains and a live orchestra performance forced everyone to slow down, if only for a few minutes.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A model in a look from the Chanel spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from the Chanel spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

At Fendi, the 1970s trend done in a nonliteral way, with breezy cotton dresses, skirts and lantern-sleeve blouses that looked modern and wearable and with plenty of bold, two-tone leather accessories to match.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A look from the Fendi spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from the Fendi spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Sophisticated, safari-influenced Gucci sportswear with luxe details.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A model in a look from the Gucci spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from Gucci’s spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A perfectly measured back-to-basics, back-to-nature fashion moment for Michael Kors.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A model in a look from the Michael Kors spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from the Michael Kors spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Feel-good sportswear with a West Coast vibe, Derek Lam’s collection was easy but refined.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A look from the Derek Lam spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from the Derek Lam spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz pares down fashion to the essence and exposes the hopes and fears women have when getting dressed.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A model in a look from the Lanvin spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from the Lanvin spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

In a season rife with references to vintage Yves Saint Laurent, the house’s current designer Stefano Pilati brings feminine suits, peasant tops and gypsy dresses up to date with graphic details.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A look from the Yves Saint Laurent spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from the Yves Saint Laurent spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

The majesty of the California outdoors inspires the Mulleavy sisters’ most commercial Rodarte collection yet.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A look from the Rodarte spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from Rodarte’s spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

At Jil Sander, the power of color, pure and simple. And a return to the ease of T-shirts or button-downs paired with evening skirts.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

A model in a look from the Jil Sander spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)

Another look from the Jil Sander spring-summer 2011 runway collection.  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)