Coming to ASOS This Spring: Neon, '90s Throwbacks, Flatforms, and Neoprene

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Last week, we stopped by the ASOS press day to check out the upcoming spring 2012 collection. It was pretty dreary outside, but you'd never know it once you stepped into the showroom: There were neon playsuits, highlighter-colored bags, illuminated digital prints, and lots and lots of Neoprene. Also included: Tex Mex patterns, polka-dot flatforms, and a bevvy of of '90s-inspired everything.

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As always, ASOS divvies up its collections into different categories. The first we encountered was the super bright, delightfully '90s "Neocircuit" collection, that was heavy on the neoprene and featured one very exceptional "puffball" blazer. There were silk shorts, light-colored denim, and fancy pajamas that aren't actually pajamas. Yes, that trend is headed for spring, too.

Over in their "Waikiki" area, there were Hawaiian prints, line-bleahced pastels, long skirts, and dip-dyed fabrics. We also spotted a good amount of digital prints, done in bright colors on simple shifts. If you're looking for the exact opposite, the "Salon" collection offers vintage-inspired dresses, lots of lace, and delicate, flowy numbers perfect for a holiday party, or anything else fancy that you may have lined up. But don't worry: Neon found its way over here as well.

The "ASOS White" collection was composed of sportswear styles done in crisp Neoprene. "Puffball" silhouettes showed up here, too, alongside drop-waist dresses, nylon, AirTech fabrics, and other things you may have worn 10 years ago. Thankfully, though, they're more wearable now. Similarly, contrasting black and white digital prints and neon-infused AirTech made its way into "ASOS Black."

The "ASOS Africa" collection boasted hand-woven fabrics and traditional African inspired prints and patters, all made by about 20 workers in a factory in Africa. Our favorite piece here was a "playsuit" (a word we don't throw around willy-nilly) done in a cute rhinoceros print. As far as accessories go, there were polka dot flatforms, a slew of backpacks, hot pink, orange totes, and blue totes, and Tex Mex necklaces and shoes. All in all, a bright collection indeed.
· ASOS [Official Site]