Be ready to show some skin if you plan on picking up pieces from New York-based designer Yigal Azrouel's Spring 2010 collection. The 37-year-old designer - and let's not forget, a heavily drooled-over fashion-industry sex symbol - turned out dresses, tops and swimwear "slashed with scalpel precision" on the runway. We give Azrouel props for making us believe that orange actually can be cool.

"The collection is more feminine than before but also has a strong masculine way," Azrouel told the Wall Street Journal. "It’s how I see women this season, more strong, but feminine, architectural." Indeed. The designer played on geometry in his work for spring, with some of his strongest pieces being web-cut bathing suits and a backless white gown with a twist.

Azrouel's collection brings us another point of optimism, besides that orange bit (and please do check the frock). Last season, we saw collection after collection of conventionally ladylike clothes - and history shows that, in tough times, clothes go back to traditional styles. Now, even though the economy is still rough, we're seeing designers take a few more risks. Is this a sign of change? We certainly hope so.

Yigal Azrouel