Max Azria went somber and sophisticated with his BCBG line for fall 2009. While there was lots of eveningwear, it wasn't really the stuff that dance and bar night dresses are made of - BCBG's usual niche. Beautiful draped velvets and modern silhouettes seemed made for an older customer than BCBG usually designs for. Perhaps Azria's plan is to shift BCBG a bit upmarket and hold onto the girls who wore the line in their younger days to make room for BCBGeneration's younger customer.

More pics after the jump.

Malon Breton unveiled his Fall 09 collection at Eli Klein Fine Art last night in Soho in leu of Fashion Week. Models stood like statues giving guests a close up look and feel at fabric, color and craftsmanship. Breton, a Project Runway alumni showcased a ton of soft silk and shantung fabric- adorned with mesh overlays and loose draping. My favorite piece was a feathered high collar ballero jacket in black. It was a real joy to see in person. You can only adore him more for the time that went into this piece! Other hot items include a bright red shantung high collared jacket paired with glossy leggings and red patent leather heels. Breton is popular in Hollywood and has dressed a ton of celebrities including Minnie Driver, Martha Plimpton and Jody Whatley. You can learn more about Malan Breton by clicking here.

[Image: WENN.com]

The scene: Stark bright white light and falls, with the bright colors of the Janet Kim's designs standing out like jewels.

The fashion: Wavy patterns on flowy fabrics - grays, fuchsia, tangerine and black mingled with lace tights and high heeled T straps. The dresses were a sweet mix of tank dresses and doll dresses, some with sheer inlays.

"I wanted fun, surprising combinations- bright colors with lace and knits that show off a woman's body in a subtle and feminine way," Kim said.

Shoes by Kathryn Kerrigan Shoes, and necklaces by SISU, by Sarah Johnson.

[By Christine Tarlecki]

Behind the scenes planning for the DFV show, and Diane's wearing our favorite dress from her Spring 09 collection.

Unfortunately, her famous family (and their significant others) remains the best thing about Charlotte Ronson's fashion line, as far as I can tell. Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan were on hand for the fall 09 collection, as were Mark Ronson and The Like drummer Tennessee Thomas. The clothing was sort of amateurish styling of Marc Jacobs parodies. I did like the floral print used, and the floral shirt dress after the jump was one of the pieces I enjoyed from the show.

The Heart Truth once again kicked off the official Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week schedule in New York's Bryant Park this morning. The usual smattering of A-to-C listers paraded down the runway in red dresses by various designers, though Michelle Obama did not follow in Laura Bush's footsteps as many had hoped she would.

My favorite was Carmen Marc Valvo's dress, too bad Katie Couric puts on such an annoying show of "OMG, like I can't believe I'm DOING THIS! I'm a serious journalist!" Yeah, right. Joining Ms. Couric were Jenni Garth in Badgley Mischka, Brittany Snow in Marchesa and Tori Spelling in Betsey Johnson, among others.

Check out our gallery of the fashions by clicking on the image below.

[Images: WENN.com]

[via Fashion Copious]

Catwalk Queen's Kimberley Foster writes...

Halston decided early on, before the economy went bottoms up, that it would forfeit a runway show at New York Fashion Week for a video presentation instead. Later today the full video will be sent via email showcasing Halston's A/W 2009-10 line, which will shortly be followed by a look book and an invitation to see the collection at their showroom. But for now, you can check out this sneak peek of the video starring model Dree Hemingway running through the streets of New York. Click play to watch above.

Fall 09 New York Fashion Week is here! We're excited, and we hope you are too. The first show on the official schedule is happening right now - The Heart Red Truth's Red Dress Collection - and we'll have pictures for you asap. For some stray fashion week gossip/observations, keep reading.

My New York Fashion Week calendar is still in the "Oh, look at that, I'll have quite a few shows to get to" stage and has not yet reached overscheduled, freakout-inducing madness. But one show we at Shiny always make sure to get to, with our backstage access courtesy of Redken, is Abaete.

This year Elaine will be covering the Abaete Fall 09 show, and lucky her! Daria Werbowy favorite Priestbird will be performing at the show, so maybe the model will be in the front row?

The girls at Fashionista also go their hands on a sketch, above, from designer Laura Poretzky of one of the collection looks.

Looks fab to us!

Update: It's official, the shows will be held at Lincoln Center starting in September of 2010.

"As our society is embracing the concept of change, the time has come for us too to change," said IMG Fashion Senior Vice President Fern Mallis. "With our new home at Lincoln Center, we can re-invent, invigorate and reinforce fashion's rightful place alongside the many creative disciplines, from music and dance, to opera and film, which also call world renowned Lincoln Center home."

While many designers are scaling back their fashion week presentations, Oscar de la Renta will be showing twice this season.

"[2008] has a been good year for me," the designer told The Daily last month. "While some businesses faced tough times, I actually added 15 employees to my company. Sales-wise, the last three months have been solid for us."

Like Calvin Klein, de la Renta will put on one fashion show for the press, the other for retailers. The shows are slated for 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday February 18.

[Image: Carolyn Contino/BEI/Rex Features; Source]

Vera, DKNY and J. Mendel are all pretty much confirmed out for New York Fashion Week in the tents, with more designers announcing smaller presentations in showrooms and other venues every week.

But who's actually showing in the tents? Anyone? Yes. IMG has finally released a partial list of designers for Mercedez Benz Fashion Week. Click through for the list.

Blogger whose fashion week registration has been denied? Fashion fan who wonders where Betsey Johnson will go? Check out StyleIt's rundown on the recession and New York Fashion Week. [StyleIT]

Got an old copy of French Vogue on your shelf? Help the magazine celebrate 90 years of chic. [NYTimes]

Want to be a cupcake, or just dress like one? Take inspiration here. [FashionPirates]

Lily Donaldson and more after the jump.

With a few more Milan shows and Paris still to go, there's only a bit more time to dream of spring 2009 before fall 2008 hits us hard! So I've compiled a list of my favorites from the runways we've seen so far. It's New York heavy since these pieces have been rolling around in my head all month long. I'm not sure if all these items all fit into one wardrobe or not, or if this list just reveals how fashion-schizo I really am. Whatever the case, this is my spring 2009 wish list!

I was so bummed when I got out of the Gottex show too late to get to The Budget Fashionista fashion week party! But at least I got to hear all about it.

Kathryn Finney, the Fashionista herself seen here with Carson Kressley and Roshumba Williams on the red carpet, was celebrating five years of budget-concious fashion advice.

"My goal was to create a fun, fabulous Fashion Week party that
celebrates REAL women with REAL budgets," said Finney. "Frugal is the
new black, and the incredible turnout and support from my friends and
colleagues demonstrated that my advice for getting the most out of
your fashion budget is needed now more than ever."