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.
