Tibi

There's a reason so many stylish influencers--Olivia Palermo, Hanneli Mustaparta, and Leandra Medine, to name a few--are longtime supporters of Tibi: for 15 years the brand has put an emphasis on creating modern and luxurious pieces with an inimitable ease. Designer Amy Smilovic's collections are noteworthy season after season, and S/S 13 is no exception. Featuring unexpected colour and print combinations--a brand signature--with fluid silhouettes, the current showing offers a spring-ready mix of digital-print dresses, indigo separates, and chic footwear that deserves the Line We Love spotlight. Get the scoop on some of our favourite pieces from the collection, and don't miss our exclusive Q&A with Smilovic below.Isosceles Intarsia Short Sleeve Sweater ($325)

We swoon for the pop-art vibe of this graphic knit. Paired with simple black skinnies and a vibrant red bag, it's the perfect weekend sweater.

Isosceles Short Sleeve Dress ($450) in Lime Multi

Every wardrobe should be equipped with at least one fuss-free statement dress, and this streamlined, kaleidoscope-print frock is our top pick. Stick to minimal jewellery and sleek heels to ensure it stays the focal point of your look.

Vintage Wash Denim Boxy Jacket ($375)

This light-wash denim jacket can double as a top or layering piece-however you decide to wear it, the resulting look will exude California cool.

Eniko Pleat Skirt ($285) in Daffodil

A pastel pleated skirt adds springtime femininity to a neutral wardrobe. Wear it casually with a scoop-neck tee and sandals, or dress it up for the office with a white button-up blouse and pointed-toe heels.

Brady Sandals ($340, available late March)

Get a jump on your summer footwear collection with Tibi's Brady Sandals. The bold red hue will add a fresh pop of colour to all your warm-weather staples.

Amber Heels ($365) in Mint Pebble Leather

A splash of mint green lends these sharp ankle-strap heels feminine flair. Wear them everywhere from the office to after-work cocktails to a summer wedding.--Jessica Baker

Q&A with Amy Smilovic

What inspired the start of your design career?

I started Tibi in 1997, when my husband and I moved to Hong Kong. I had an art background and I always wanted to have my own business, rather than growing up knowing I would be a clothing designer. Thinking about it from an analytical perspective-I'm a woman, I love clothing, I love to draw, and I'm in the land of manufacturing-this all kind of makes sense. And then you find your true passion from there.

What was the inspiration behind this season's collection?

Tibi's Spring 2013 collection unites feminine details with borrowed-from-the-boys with a focus on texture, structure, and colour. The '90s-inspired sporty separates and relaxed fits unite street chic and contemporary polish. There's an emphasis on corsetry, waist definition, and pleating, offset with vintage denim, slouchy Bermuda shorts, colour-blocked pants, and buttoned colours. A crisp white and black palette with delicate pops of yellow, pink, and sand allow the laser cutouts, leathers, and lacquered fabrics to take center stage. In keeping with the collection's aesthetic, the shoes are minimal and chic. Simple ankle-strap sandals and heels with intricate laser-cut designs accented with the use of clear PVC are offered in neutral tones of black, white, and tan.

How would you style specific pieces from this collection? Do you have a favourite piece in the collection?

Each season, I design a mix of everyday essentials and statement pieces-I like to call it head-to-toe dressing. What I like about this collection is the wearability of it and I think it's important to show that in the styling. For spring I'll be living in the colour-blocked pants with boxy tops, Bermuda shorts with pleated blouses, and the oversized denim jacket with the moulded knit dresses-the perfect mix of feminine and borrowed-from-the-boys pieces. The Elliott, Declan, and Amber will be my go-to for shoes. It's hard to choose a favourite! I love the oversized vintage washed-out denim jacket and vest, and the optic white cutout lace pieces.

What kind of girl do you envision wearing your clothing?

The Tibi girl has a laid-back, minimalist sense of style that is decidedly feminine. I love how girls like Miroslava Duma, Hanneli Mustaparta, Olivia Palermo, Candice Lake, and Leandra Medine wear Tibi--there's a total sense of effortless and cool to the way they dress.

How does your design process for a collection start?

Tibi's design ethos consistently delivers womenswear that is at once essential and aspirational. We really push ourselves to discover what feels new and fresh; it could be a colour, fabric, or silhouette, and the inspiration behind it could come from travel, film, art-really anywhere. Each season, I strive to equip modern women with the elements of a versatile wardrobe: clean and relaxed separates and iconic pieces that express our perspective on the season. I really reflect on what I love most - clean styles, minimal details, relaxed but never sloppy, and designs that never take themselves too seriously. The creative and technical design processes are multi-staged and involve complex discussions over details like colour palette, print selection, fit, and fabric choices.