Badgley Mischka's Sorbet Spring

Elegant yet playful, refined and still fun, are just a few of the seemingly paradoxical ways to describe the broad spectrum of women that the Badgley Mischka brand appeals to, and the spring 2012 season will be no different, as the pair showed their true colors on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at Fashion Week in New York.

A lighter approach to the jewel tones of fall fashions, Badgley Mischka highlighted the softer side of spring with an assortment of sorbet colored pieces that were pleasant to the eye and nostalgic to the soul. Lemon-color and white marbleized on a matelasse gown to form that perfect sweet and tart mix, showing just the right amount of sun-kissed skin. Apricot, watermelon, lime and pomegranate were other colors used so right you could almost taste them, like the Clementine chiffon dress, ornate with sparkles almost recognizant of sweet pulp.

Rather than redo the overdone and ubiquitous floral patterns seen so far this season, Mark Badgley and James Mischka crafted rosette patterned brocade gowns and gazar peplum dresses, giving texture and life to where other plant patterns fall short. Highlighting the matte of the colors, they created a gold lame on chiffon and a blush crepe romper with rose gold lace pant that brightened the look, taking even a most casual piece as a romper to the next level of glamour.

Saving the best for last, the most breathtaking of looks included a pewter lace gown as well as blush and nude georgette gowns - lacking the saturated color of preceding collection looks, but packing the same punch of chic.

There was color, there were bows and ruffles, there were beads and embroidery, but ultimately, there was the craftsmanship we have come to expect from Badgley Mischka, as well as from their lower-priced Mark + James line.

This pair proved that they can keep things current and of-the-moment while still maintaining that timeless grace that the Badgley Mischka woman embodies.