But they're continually building up their reputation as a lifestyle brand, having launched a line of handbags last year in addition to already established collections of shoes, hats, jewelry, belts and fragrance.

An expanded range of sportswear is also a new development for Badgley Mischka in the last year. At their Fall 2008 show at Bryant Park on Tuesday morning, Feb. 5, the duo devoted half their show to daywear, showing some love for their Park Avenue clientele who might be less inclined to don a gown more likely to end up on a red carpet in Hollywood.

But wait. Those customers might already own the kind of sportswear Badgley Mischka were showing for Fall, that seemed a throwback to early-to-mid nineties separates that made you think, “Where's Cindy? Naomi? Linda? Christy?” because those are the period-specific nineties supermodels who would have given these otherwise classic-the-point-of-boring separates a modicum of glamour, not the 15-something girls who looked like they were playing dress-up.

Instead, the clothes seemed more appropriate for career girls more likely to shop at Banana Republic. Nothing wrong with that, but in other words, with a recession looming, it takes more to entice in the luxury market than a tangerine jersey turtleneck or a pair of chocolate brown trousers. Elsewhere, bubble hem skirts likewise felt dated, and a striped sequined top paired with black velvet paints brought to mind the old adage, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

Thinks looked up, though, when the designers got back to what they're best at - a glamorous night out. Short, fitted “little black dresses” in taffeta or jet lurex brocade were femme fatale-worthy, and they also did well with a rich jewel-toned cabernet georgette floor-length halter gown with sequins. An amethyst handpainted organza gown with tulle overlay toned down the regal purple color to nice effect. But sometimes, there was an incongruity to the gowns, as in one that featured a white satin skirt, heavy sequined top and ribbon tied off one shoulder - three elements that did not seem to go together. They also tried their hand at some short beaded flapper frocks, which were certainly stunning, if a bit showgirl showy.

Still, the level of couture craftsmanship evident in the details was ever-present in the collection, and their celeb fans will have plenty to chose from come premiere time.

photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Don't miss any of the action inside the tents. Click here to visit americanexpress.com/style to see live video of over 70 shows at New York Fashion Week

More fashion week videos and coverage from Saks Fifth Avenue's Michael Fink here.

Article Courtesy of Fashion Wire Daily

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