Top 3 from New York Fashion Week Day 1

Thursday, February 9, 2012 was the official start of Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. With designers showing from early morning until the evening, the day was chock full of fashion. Shows from Nicholas K, Honor and Richard Chai displayed a return to dark hues for fall. BCBGMAXAZRIA was fond of continuing the colorblocking trend from the last three fashion seasons. With all of the presenters for the day which ones helped to set the standard for the week?

Tadashi Shoji Set The Standard for New York Fashion Week

Blogs, Twitter, Facebook and other social media were buzzing during and after the Tadashi Shoji show. Beautiful 1920s-looking gowns floated down the catwalk. Dropped waists, body skimming silhouettes, and intricate hand detailing made for beautiful gowns. A few knockout pieces had a Fortuny-feel to them that spoke of fashion's early 20th-century glamour. This collection made me want to go back into the studio and begin draping again.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Found Redemption With This Fall 2012 Collection

Lubov and Max Azria made me fall in love again with the fashion line. For the past few years I have not been impressed with BCBGMAXAZRIA, there were always a few pieces that stood out, but overall the collections have been rather disappointing to me. This fall 2012 collection was almost perfect -- would be perfect had it not been for a few furry sleeves that felt awkward to me. BCBGMAXAZRIA returned to the colorblock trend with some of their asymmetrical blocking but their best work came with the symmetry of the Mondrian-esque coloblocked pieces. The colors were intoxicating shades of brandy, wine tones, Irish cream and other rich shades that gave way to heady luxury. While the collection had a luxe feel, it also hearkened back to what contemporary sportswear is supposed to be. I say, "Bravo!"

Chadwick Bell Gave Us the Lady is a Tramp Collection

Who knew that Mad Men would inspire so much office wear and lady-like fashion? I knew Banana Republic was cashing in on this trend but it seems Chadwick Bell also had his eye on it a little. Sexy and smart suits, dresses and sets sashayed down the runway. Each ensemble was lady-like and would look great on most body types. However, what made the collection genius in my opinion was the touch of sleaze Chadwick gave by way of the hair. The once tidy bouffants came down the runway slightly mussed. The look gave the appearance of each model coming out of the office or boardroom after a make out session with a fellow employee or boss. Even the cute tiered cocktail gown was given a touch of tramp by the disarrayed bouffant. It all worked together for a fabulous collection.

These are my top three picks for the best of day one at New York Fashion Week. Other shows worth mentioning include Nicholas K's Dark Cowboy collection and COSTELLO TAGLIAPIETRA. What were you favorite collections from day one?