My favorite part when I start a new collection is to research the color palette. 
I probably spend 50% of the time doing that and then running to design. From
the color palette I get a feeling for the collection, and materials. 
For Spring / Summer 12 I craved the warmth of the red, oranges and tans. 
To be honest I am taking the tan into Fall 2012, because I am just in love with it. 

Early last week I found in a South American magazine this image from
an advertisement and I fell in love because it reminded me of the colors
I chose for this collection.