From left to right, Kelly Wearstler, Ter et Bantine, Derek Lam & Preen. Photos: Imaxtree

When Miu Miu sent harlequins down the runway for spring ’08, we expected court jester fever (trend-wise), but it’s only starting to catch on now. While this season’s interpretation is far more pared-down than its petticoat-laden predecessor, the look is just as whimsical: patched leather skirts, trapeze dresses, and ruffle collared crop-tops guarantee that this confetti-colored trend doesn’t take itself too seriously. Derek Lam and Kelly Wearstler both presented sportswear collections with tinges of harlequin enthusiasm, each offering a patchwork leather skirt offset with classic knitwear and shirting pieces. Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi’s version for Preen included some digital geometry, forgoing the classic jester diamond pattern for kaleidoscopic boxes, though they remained true to the trend’s roots with a flouncy collar. Ironically, Ter et Bantine’s version was sort of minimalistic, thanks to their use of a simple trapeze dress silhouette.