According to the Mesoamerican calendar, there are three days until the end of the world. The 2012 "prophecies" have crossed most people s minds in the past few weeks—designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka included. Fittingly, the duo let Aztec and Mayan artwork drive their latest pre-fall collection. "For us, we re looking at this not as the end, but as a new beginning," Badgley said. The art lent itself well to the range s embellishments, which appeared on almost every gown. Two peplum styles stood out, one in oyster and one in jet black, with beading on the trim and sunburst motifs on the skirts. A matte jersey gown had a two-dimensional serpent design that wrapped around the bodice. Mischka explained it was felt padding, a technique used by Schiaparelli in the thirties.
Elsewhere, beads served as more than just an accent. A fluid tulle number with a chiffon lining was covered in jewels and sequins, creating the illusion of a cocktail frock layered over a gown—that s forward thinking. But a black sheath halter gown with a tulle inset cape dusted with antique chains and diamonds was the collection s winner. It s the one that the duo s girls will rush to get their hands on, whether it s the end of the world as we know it or not.
