Liveblogging the Shows: BCBG

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In an effort to make reading Racked as much like being in the tents as humanly possible, we'll be liveblogging the shows all week, from the suspense of waiting in line (will the seats be any good?) to the drama of the runway (will anyone stumble?) to the post-show euphoria. This time around: Wearable frocks from BCBG.

Show location: The Tent at Bryant Park
The skinny: Luxe fabrics like draped stain and velvet, with mixed influence but namely Balenciaga and Lanvin. Those popular early 1990s dark floral cocktail dresses made an appearance as well, all with strongly padded shoulders. Also of note: the gold and black metallic leggings, very American Apparel.
Celebs spotted: Wish we could say there were celebs aside from the NYT's Bill Cunningham, but mainly it was editors from odd magazines like Conde Nast Traveler, who got front row.
The takeaway: Looks like the 18 year-olds going to malls with daddy's money will come away looking like indie versions of Dynasty characters.

3:24pm: Going in now. They've done those seats down the center of the runway thing.

3:25pm: Esquire, Glamour, Lucky and Conde Nast Traveler all here.

3:33pm: Bill Cunningham front row in front of me.

3:34pm: Starting! Lots of white dresses, paired with gold leggings a la American Apparel.

3:36pm: Dresses are the exact opposite of risque. Some are downright puritanical.

3:35pm: Now seeing purple dresses paired with shiny black leggings. Guess leggings are here to stay. Plenty of mauve and cream coming down the runway. Outfits are slightly deconstructed.

3:36pm: These models look sickly as well. Fall '09 beauty trend: haggard and worn out?

3:40pm: In the front row, Suze Yalof Schwartz of Glamour is looking completely puzzled by the outfits.

3:41pm: Model looks like she's having trouble walking in her clompy platform booties. Ankles wobbling all over the place.

3:42pm: Wow, massive cocoon coat just came down the runway. This is BCBG we're watching, right? Okay, back on track with a lovely, long teal velvet gown.

3:43pm: Runway's taken a turn, with lots of goddessy gowns. Very luxe, lots of draped satin and velvet.

3:44pm: And, it's over.