Next April might indeed be the cruelest month, if Spring 2009 collections are any indication. Bondage styling appeared in several shows, including those by Thakoon and Narciso Rodriguez.

Click to view more bondage styles.

Despite spring's archetypal association with soft pastels and printed florals, designers instead offered an edgier evening option.

Whether it's Dolce & Gabbana's glam Fall 2007 metal corset or Gareth Pugh's Fall 2008 strap dress, bad girl aesthetics are a mainstay in design shows. The newest iterations take on straps and ties: look to trussed bodices (Thakoon, Givenchy) and peek-a-boo straps (Narciso Rodriguez, Rodarte).