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• New York Fashion Week 2010 makes bold predicitons for fall

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It started out on a grim note following the tragic death of Alexander McQueen — celebrated and innovative London-based genius and designer — but Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2010, which ran Feb. 11 through Feb. 18, was exactly what the fashion world needed to cope together and regain high spirits. Costume designer Patricia Field expressed the value of this anticipated week: “Mercedes Benz Fashion Week brings excitement, glamour and feelings of happiness to us all.”

With about 65 shows in the tents at Bryant Park in New York City, this particular week debuting the looks for Fall 2010 had no shortage of blacks and grays; it appeared that the tragedy of McQueen’s death was still looming, as the sentiment was reverberated in some by designs by Calvin Klein and BCBG, for example.

Despite this, hopeful outlook wwas created as many designers showcased fresh looks that shed light on an approaching season of design excellence.

As each designer has their own individual take on what to expect for the next season — Betsey Johnson anyone? — there were similarities that extended across several different runways.

Appearing in unexpected ways, leather was prevalent throughout the week. Corset dresses, shorts, leggings and even cat suits in this edgy material showed that the badass yet feminine leather look is here to stay — at least through fall.

Shimmering gold under the tents was not a rare sight for audience members. It seems as if designers experienced gold rush at the drawing boards as floor-length gowns to pantsuits to flirty skirts of brocade, velvet and fish-scale sequins asserted that bling and shine are popular for fall.

Other recurring pieces were statement tights, thanks in part to Milly, who outfitted models in a range of opaque colors from kelly green to fire engine red as well as criss-crossed and polka-dotted patterns. A common item paired with tights throughout the week were shorts — a look perfected by Tory Burch’s combinations of both leather and tweed shorts paired with gray stockings. This new idea encompassed experimentation and risk-taking.

Based on the New York shows, the fall will also bring velour, nudes, plaids, mixed and unmatched pattern combinations and belted coats.

Aside from the recurring looks that will define the new trends for 2010, there were, as usual, standout collections. One example was Badgley Mischka’s brilliant lineup, which proved his designing superiority as gowns of impeccable craftsmanship lit up the runway. Ranging from vintage elegance to flirty to sophisticated cocktail attire to edgy and fashion-forward day wear, each piece was an image of pure talent.

Shows like this paired with the creatively magnificent forecast of fall’s trends were able to help fashion lovers of all sorts to cope with the passing of one of fashion’s finest.

To experience the magic of the industry’s most anticipated week completely, Style.com offers complete slideshows and descriptions of all of the week’s fêted shows.