Hasta La Ideas

For dress design duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka, simplicity just doesn’t cut it when it comes to eveningwear. Known for their elaborate beading and dramatic trains, Badgley Mischka surprised audiences by opening the show for their Fall 2009 Collection with a few comparatively understated yet graceful ensembles – silky black skirts and draped dresses – with many of their typical telltale touches absent. While these preliminary pieces seemed extremely well-done in their construction and completely wearable in their practicality, the designers’ faithful fans couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to all the glitz and glamour they had all come to love and expect from such a show. However, drama lovers and sparkle seekers in the audience soon swallowed their initial worry and near-disappointment when the runway’s looks took a turn for the extravagant, offering a shimmering parade of fancier formalwear that seemed much more faithfully characteristic of Badgley Mischka, including a floor-length metallic gold gown with a plunging neckline and crystal-encrusted tulle-fluffed dresses. While the evening’s looks seemed slightly more subtle than what past collections have boasted, the curve-clinging shimmering gowns and satin-draped ruffles shined on and stayed true to the elegance that the designers are known for, if not in a more wearable, practical fashion.

Colors: lots of black, shiny gold and silver, metallic blue, merlot
Silhouettes: draped necklines, belted waists, layered tulle and ruffles
Celeb Sightings: Aisha Tyler, Kat DeLuna, Kim and Khloe Kardashian
Check out the slideshow for more of the raved-about pieces straight from the runway!
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week