It was a strange and sad start to Fashion Week. As the lights went down on the BCBG Max Azria runway, the first major show of the day, news of Alexander McQueen’s death overshadowed the tents.
With one fashion light being extinguished, it was all the more important to focus on the efforts coming down the catwalk yesterday, and for the rest of the week.
And fall 2010 at BCBG was looking very good. (PHOTOS: BCBG MAX AZRIA)
Taking some themes from the ’80s — handkerchief, color blocking, asymmetry — the approach was all mashed up and modern, with a coolness for the techno age. For day, the layers were draped jersey, a top, a dress, wide belt, tights and booties, in tones of gray and cream with hints of yellow or blue. For evening, the layering concept was the same, except the lovely studded and sequined black dresses were worn over a long-sleeve wool T. Very wearable with just the right hint of cyber superhero.
Richard Chai, meanwhile, was feeling a little bit more boho. For his new secondary line called Richard Chai Love, he likes the idea of a tube skirt and an arm warmer. Anchored in sweater dressing, the collection combines the sweetness of a flounced dress with the toughness of a big fox vest. It has all the downtown girl nonchalance of throwing a boat neck sweater over your pajama bottoms. Olsen twins meets Carrie Bradshaw.
Early fall color note: Embrace the metallic browns and call them bronze. It’s more glamorous.
Fall is starting off cozy — protection from some cold realities. (PHOTOS: RICHARD CHAI LOVE)
