New York Fashion Week: BCBG catches 1970s fever

The bodysuit made famous by Donna Karan made a comeback on the runway in the strong fall 2011 BCBG collection, where sheer white turtleneck versions were layered under long crepe dresses with pleated or paneled details.

Earth tones were broken up with flashes of the "emberglow" orange Pantone has named as one of the top 10 colors for this round of shows.

Obviously, the Los Angeles-based contemporary label designed by Max Azria caught the 1970s fever we saw on the runways for spring. The long looks were grounded with hard clutches and great-looking high boots with chunky heels.

But will women really go long? Not one of Azria's front-row starlets (Kelly Rowland, Taraji Henson, Ashanti etc.) was wearing anything below mid-thigh.

"Sometimes, it's more sexy to wear long," the designer said backstage. "And some women have problems with their legs."

Not these ladies, Max.

-- Booth Moore

Photo gallery of the BCBG 2011 fall runway collection

Photo top: Looks from the BCBG runway collection shown during Fashion Week in New York. Credit: Associated Press and, last photo, Stan Honda / AFP/Getty Images

Photo bottom: Clutch bags and boots form the BCBG runway collection. Credit: Associated Press