Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 is generally seen as the fashion highlight of the year. This season, there was one clear message from the Manhattan runway: Prints are in.

The looks on the runway were splattered with patterns, prints and texture in one of the brightest fashion weeks of recent years. Marc Jacobs showcased a mix of bright, colour-blocked check, florals and stripes in shades of red, pink, blue, black and white. The show was an exhibition of casual chic with draped scarves, belts and opaque layers of moving fabrics. 

Prints were splashed across pretty much every show. Spring blossom prints formed the core of Ralph Lauren’s line of maxi dresses that ranged from casual, floral day-time styles to ruffled evening gowns in matte shades of charcoal and pastel. Carolina Herrera's gorgeous showcase combined blocks of bright colour on white with pastel layers in crepe, lace and cotton. 

One of the premier collections of the week was the Calvin Klein show, with soft shimmery metallics and translucent sections interspersed with luxuriant white.

Fitted, mermaid shaped dresses and hip-hugging dress styles have started dotting the runway along with strapless bustier shapes and spaghetti straps that draw emphasis to the chest, shoulders and the top half of the body and emphasise feminine curves.

Fitted lines, mismatched prints and printed shoes were the motifs on the runway, accentuated perfectly by sweeping pastels and soft neutrals. Colour-block shades and patterns mixed gloriously to emphasise the summer themes - variety, contrast and impact.

Image credit: Getty Images