I finally have a minute to devote to #nyfw fall 12.

i want to start with a word about marchesa. their show left me breathless.

marchesa fun fact: they are named after the "living work of art" marchesa louisa casati. go read a little bit about her after you are done here.

here are my top 5 looks & why. also see my storyboard (see marches fall 2011)

words that come to mind from the collection: gladiator, metal, armor, renaissance

love the bottom hem detail with the asymmetrical feather pluming out from inside the dress:

Here they introduce the gladiator sandal(?) - something i've personally never seen with this caliber of formal evening wear. They have another in black a couple looks later.

I chose this because I have to have to have to pay homage to the structure and detail work of marchesa. so amazing & graphic & elegant & intricate:

Doesn't it look like she was simply dipped in the thickest richest metal i the world? and doesn't it look delicious & insanely luxurious?

Graphic detailing with the tulle - a theme throughout the collection. signature marchesa black & gold - with the sharp asymmetrical pops of tulle.

Bonus: I love how Marchesa always has this formal take on what looks like to me a - 60's mistress baby doll dress look in the collection:

all photos are Photo: Filippo Fior / GoRunway.com.