Badgley Mischka Pre-Fall 2008

"We were looking at old Man Ray photos of Nancy Cunard," said Mark Badgley and James Mischka of the starting point for their pre-fall line. "And Talitha Getty, who was bohemian, but elegant at the same time." Loosely translated, that means there were animal-print silk ottomans, floral taffetas, and creamy satin-face chiffons, all cut into kicky cocktail dresses or soigné gowns and trimmed in the duo's signature beadwork. 

The winners were a navy floor-length dress with jet embroidery and a draped, strapless one in claret with a rhinestone detail at the waist. The collection won't arrive in stores until May, but chances are good that we'll be seeing these two numbers on the red carpet next month when awards season starts.