Monique Lhuillier showed her upbeat, colorful spring collection on a gloriously sunny New York City afternoon this week. The designer, who is known for her bridal gowns and eveningwear, zeroed in on zingy dresses with a sense of refinement for both day and night this season. “I wanted to make it feel more modern, and really hone in on who my girl is,” the designer said.

Focusing less on heavy prints or embroideries, Lhuillier allowed her striking colors and smart silhouettes to be the focal point for
spring—but don’t expect minimalism. Her opening frock in bright meadow-green with a high slit, featured a fresh sculptural asymmetric neckline; while her take on a white t-shirt dress was modern, thanks to the digitized floral print plastered over the front. For a designer who specializes in occasion dressing, there were clear attempts at making things a little less precious. Take her draped jersey dresses with artful built-in ruching, which could be easily thrown and rumpled into a suitcase.

Nighttime is obviously her specialty. It was evident in a strapless ball gown adorned with blue metallic-raffia florals, or a corseted black lace dress with a drop-waist skirt that was sexy and timeless. Slightly wilder were her very on-trend leopard print two-piece suits and sequin column gowns—they were her attempt at reaching a slightly younger customer, though at Lhuillier’s price point, they likely can’t afford them.

The showstopper was the sunset-hued chiffon number which featured a cascading scarf-cape trailing behind it. Forget a dress that makes an entrance—this one was all about the exit.