September 6, 2007

This season’s offerings from evening wear aficionados Mark Badgley and James Mischka lost none of their trademark high octane glamour and brought out the likes of Ivana Trump and Teri Hatcher. The silhouette may be leaner and more relaxed, but there is still a sharp focus on the waist, whether belted or color-blocked. When off the red carpet, the Badgely Mischka woman has plenty of options, from smart wide-legged pants to a slew of easy dresses. A nautical feel pervaded in wide-stripes, ocean hued ombre, wide-brimmed floppy hats, and thick rope-like straps on certain pieces.  Colors ranged from basic blacks to nursery pastels in baby blue and sweet pink, often with muted candystripes or the occasional safari print or khaki. Oversized gemstone accents and intricate shoulder brooches added interest but ultimately failed to lift this pretty yet fairly uninspiring collection.