The clothes themselves?  They were beautiful.  Like fancy grunge, but everyone had just received news of McQueen’s passing, or was learning of it then and there, and the seats were filled with lowered heads and uncomfortable shuffling.

We’re we still supposed to be here?  Can we cancel Fashion Week?  Unfortunately, no.  The show went on, and for just a few seconds we got to indulge in Richard Chai’s feminine world of cozy layers, neutral colors and sequined accents.

His collaboration with Timberland resulted in perfectly aged boots (made for this weather), and they gave his long ruffled dresses a great edge.

Had it not been presented under the shadow of McQueen’s death, I’d call it a perfect start to New York Fashion Week.