Top 5 Men's Accessories for Spring 2011

5. Paul Smith Jewelry

In the spirit of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I only feel it fit to include something wizardy in this Top 5 list, especially given the new admiration I have for Paul Smith, who took a big risk with his latest collection. This season Mr. Smith seemed to send many witch vibes down the runway, including a very trendy set of necklaces in various geometric forms. As an undisputed contemporary of 60s punk, it was no surprise that Mr. Smith would go for his usual rocker aesthetic, yet, I was taken aback by the very strong message of superstition and androgyny that is completely alien to many of his customers. Although overall a great show, It's hard to know what a long time customer of Smith's will think of what he's done.

4. Versace Jewelry

The Versace Jewelry Donatella used in her latest collection was most definitely the highlight of the show. With its gaudiness and attitude, it was successful in Donatella's vision of the fearless man of the 80s, and the obsession she had with the men portrayed by the great Bruce Weber. She strayed from the idea of what is "traditional" in replacing the traditional shirt and tie with a buttoned-down collar and bold silver chains emblazoned with the label's "Medusa", a powerful new idea that should remind us that when it comes to style, there are no rules.

3. The John Varvatos Newsboy Cap

To tell you the truth, I was never a fan of hats until I saw what John Varvatos did this season. In revolutionizing the idea of the Newsboy Cap, (you know hats you would often see immigrants of the 1910s or 20s wear) he has made something once considered "unfashionable" into something desirable. As I saw the models walk down the runway, it seems to add that little bit of edge that for some reason suggests a sort of laid-back rocker, if that truly exists.

2. Prada's New Fanny pack

I had a real hard time trying to label Prada's new fanny pack as at the top of the list or somewhere in the middle. The way Miuccia's madness spills over into her collection never ceases to amaze me and this collection seemed to take her madness to a whole new level. Before laying eyes on this collection, I had very much despised the fanny pack, which is often associated with crocs-with-socks-wearing, eating-with-their-hands, nasty tourists or a mom whose kids number more than her fingers and toes combined. Coming with bold letters and colors, it seems the perfect place to keep your car keys or other desirables, while not having to worry about pickpockets (and of course being fashionable).

1. Lanvin's Socks & Footwear

Undoubtedly the best Men's Accessory of the season, Alber and Lucas really seemed to veer off into uncharted territory when it came to the cut and shape of the socks in the show, as well as the boldness of the blue, orange, and yellow in the footwear. They could very possibly revolutionize the cut of the socks, whose distinct shapes demanded attention when paired with beautiful sandals of all different colors. Their work was something I had never seen before, and most definitely a novelty in a season full of surprises. As this season comes to a close, I am only left wondering what these two artists will do for sportswear in the future.