It was a tale of two collections on the runway at Badgley Mischka, the lady and the rock ‘n roller.  Badgley Mischka has built a reputation on designing beautiful red carpet gowns, and for Fall 2010 they did not disappoint.  The gowns were as lovely as ever, and we may see a few off the runway come Oscar time next month.  Though the gowns are buzzworthy, the real news was the debut of their new line, Mark & James.  It’s young, sexy and edgy all rolled up into one collection.  Think sequin leggings, thigh-high boots and black stretched leather pants.  It’s enough to cause the original Badgley Mischka lady to clutch her pearls, while secretly coveting the glazed laced pant.  Wonderful knits and wool were mixed in with the sequins and leather that could transition from day to evening seamlessly.

The design duo has taken their label to the next level with the creation of Mark & James; overnight, they have proven themselves to be in touch with the market, and needs of women.  Badgley Mischka has chosen to remain relevant in this new decade, and women all over the world are the beneficiaries. 

Matthew Ames served up a Fall 2010 collection of leather and cashmere.  The collection was simple and clean, almost pure.  No one could accuse Ames of trying too hard; it was understated, without being under-rated.  Each piece has a Zen-like quality, and a feeling of calm overtakes you each time you view the line.  If clothes had innocence and vulnerability, this is what I imagine it would look like.  Only a tremendous design talent could master the very masculine leather to create pieces with a soul.

Carlos Miele gave us beautiful dresses and gowns for day or evening in his Fall 2010 collection.  His color selection was vivid and bright, not the usual color palette for winter.  For that, he gets a bravo.  He gave us desirable prints, color blocks and a wonderful caribbean blue.  Miele did offer up the gray and black we’re so use to in the fall; they came in fur jackets that were just the right shade for the season, and had all the warmth for winter.  The hemlines fell right above the knee, and a pair of tights may be the only accessory needed.  Viewing this collection puts one in a vacation state of mind, and that’s not a bad place to be when the cold of winter sets in.

Malandrino’s Fall 2010 gave us beautiful and exotic jackets and wraps that will ward off even the most brutal temperatures of winter. The leopard, tiger and fox fur in the collection made the presentation more primal, without the usual cliche.  Velvet and other rich and luxurious fabrics were used to bring this presentation to life, and the sequins brought the shine.  Malandrino’s color palatte of cobalt blue, black, navy and tan complemented her fabric choices and enhanced her designs.  The accessories were almost as strong as the collection itself, and could have had a show of their own.  Casting was the key to this collection; it was one of the most diverse casting I’ve seen so far this season, with the exception of one other.  The diversity of the models gave both the presentation and collection a very international vibe that extended beyond the reach of New York City.  Malandrino gets the nod for transporting the audience beyond fashion week. 

Lela Rose’s Fall 2010 collection transitioned well from day to evening.  The Lela Rose woman will have plenty to choose from in the fall; she will have easy daytime separates, and dresses just right to slip into as she leaves the office in the evening.  The highlight of the collection were the ‘liquid mercury’ jumpsuit and ‘liquid mars’ draped one shoulder dress.  They were a wonderful deviation from the usual fabric selection for fall, and gave Lela Rose an edgier and futuristic feel.  Colors like flame orange, green, cobalt blue and purple livened up a usually gray autumn.  The hair was a bit tousled in front and twisted in an up-do in back.  The make-up followed a similar contrast of heavy eyes and neutral lips.  Both were in keeping with the day to night theme of the collection.

Twinkle by Wenlan’s Fall 2010 collection was a staple of black and cream with pops of purple, fuchsia and olive green sprinkled throughout.  The jackets came in tweed and shantung, and it was nice to see tweed more relaxed and  shantung a little more structured.  Mini dresses and leggings revealed it was a collection for the twenty-somethings.  The dresses are perfect for the girl who wants to look great without trying too hard, or if she’s simply not into ruffles.  It may be the antidote to ribbons and lace, but it has just the right feminine touch.

ADAM’s Fall 2010 collection offered chunky knits soft as a cloud to snuggle up to during the cooler autumn days.  The scarves paired with the sweaters create the illusion of that desired layered look, that says luxury.  It’s done just right to be worned straight from the runway and onto the  streets.  Adam Lippes has tapped into the way women want to dress when the dress code calls for casual with a twist of savvy chic.  It’s a youthful and sporty collection that will be appealing because of the shearling inspired coats and fabulous sweaters.  Skirts, dresses and pants also came down the runway, but the jackets and knits made the collection.

Michael Angel’s Fall 2010 Collection was a succession of bold graphic prints that looked like paintings on black canvas.  He managed to keep the bold shapes feminine and figure flattering.  The collection is cohesive and daring.   Some of the pieces were sheer with peek-a-boo cut-outs that are not meant for shrinking violets.  It will be a favorite among a youthful crowd with little  inhibition, and an abundance of self-confidence.

The Christian Siriano Fall 2010 Collection far exceeded expectations.  It was a celebration from beginning to end.  Even the room had great energy, and it was amped up by the thumping music.  All of this was just a preview of the dresses to come down the runway.  Siriano must have gotten the memo about the blizzard beforehand, and knew we were in a defiant mood as far as our dress code was concerned.  Glamour was the theme of this show, you need only look to the perfectly coiffed hair and painted red lips.  The dresses were made for celebration.   The gray multi-tiered dress with one-shoulder literally elicited an unexpected gasp.   Both the gray and pink dresses were received with spontaneous applause. 

An evening with Mara Hoffman Fall 2010 Collection was a visit to the future.  The models stood on plexi-glass stands that were at least two feet in height, they also wore five inch heels.  They towered over the guests, and they took on the alien form that was intended.  We examined each look and each girl with unveiled curiosity, and they did not disappoint.  Bold prints and bright colors were the the central theme of the collection, think fuchsia and neon green.  There were also the mix of black and white stripes and prints to balance out the collection.   My favorite dress was multi-colored with a plunging neckline and hemline (photo below).  Hair and make up played a key role in this sci fi drama, gray streaks were prominently placed front and center on their hair.  Glitter sparkled above and below the eyes.  The headbands completed the look.  All of this played out in a packed house in a very relaxed and festive atmosphere.