White Album

By Betsy Kroll

Call it a cleansing of the palette or just a knee-jerk reaction to the kaleidoscopic colors of seasons past. For spring the "it" shade is no shade at all--or a total whiteout. Designers like Ralph Lauren whitewashed their runways with head-to-toe looks evoking a sojourn in a tropical climate. Even accessories, like Chanel's white-hot ceramic J12 watch and Hermes' new soft, foldable Kelly bag, are getting the bleach treatment. If the upkeep of a crisp white wardrobe becomes an issue, there's always the home-decor route. B&B Italia's Tufty-Time leather sofa and trendy Belgium-based Studio Job's ornate porcelain plates will instantly freshen up any interior.

1 Y's leather boots ($800, yohjiyamamoto.co.jp

2 Verdura white-agate-and-gold-bead necklace ($3,550, Verdura New York, 212-758-3388)

3 Chanel J12 watch in white ceramic with 12 diamonds on the dial ($4,500, 800-550-0005)

4 Ralph Lauren Collection silk jacquard Raj coat and Alexandra pants ($1,998 and $898, runway.polo.com

5 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T10 digital camera ($350, sonystyle.com

6 Studio Job for Royal Tichelaar Makkum porcelain plates ($60 to $400, www.tichelaar.nl)

7 Hermes Kelly Flat bag (about $7,000, hermes.com

8 Lladro Canvas Vase Flowers Tapestry ($1,800, Lladro boutiques)

9 B&B Italia Tufty-Time sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola ($15,154, bebitalia.it)