NEW YORK—Tuesday was dreary.

The sky was gray, the temperature was cold and snow then rain fell continuously. But that didn't stop the glitteratti from making their way to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park.

I was determined to see three shows: Badgley Mischka, Dennis Basso and G-Star Raw.

If you want to look like the girl next door, Badgley Mischka is not for you.

Their show was a theatrical production, with set and lighting changes to accommodate the eye-catching clothing. There is a reason I consider designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka the ying & yang of the fashion industry. They showed their line in reverse order, beginning with evening wear and ending with their daytime designs.

Their "red carpet" evening gowns were stunning with texture, beading and sequins. The asthetic was slinky and sexy, not poufy and prom-like. Faves were a gold Georgette gown and a mauve smoke galaxy dress.

For daytime, they included lots of leggings in lace, leather or sequins, as well as sweater dresses, wool wrap coats, wool caplet jackets and faux furs in cream.

Celeb sightings: TV personality Robert Verdi and Nicole Murphy (Eddie Murphy's ex-wife)

Security was tight at the Dennis Basso show. The gatekeepers were frantic to keep out the animal rights activists.

Basso, the king of fur, creates coats that make the folks at PETA throw red paint. During Fashion Week last September, the PETA folks were out in force. This year, I think the weather kept them at bay.

In his show notes, Basso said his fall/winter collection represents “the strong, statuesque, elegant woman. My inspiration comes from the great sculpture of the Venus de Milo."

The crowded "oohed" and "aahhed" over the Aubergine alligator and fox coat, another made of Evergreen chinchilla and fox, and a third that was hand-painted and made of black velvet chinchilla.

Basso combined fur, alligator trim, lace and silk into fabulous creations.

His line was so luxurious and glamorous that my jaw is still hanging.

Celeb sightings: Carson Kressly, Anna Wintour, actress Alfre Woodard, model Carol Alt, celeb mom Janice Combs and Andre Leon Talley.

G-Star Raw's luxury denim line was all about color -- specifically "rain slicker" yellow, royal blue and "Masters jacket" green.

Designer Pierre Morisset took the idea of making color the focal point of an outfit to another level, showing head-to-toe ensembles in matching shades of blue or green.

The drop-waist jeans for ladies with tailored jackets were a perfect mix of hard and soft lines, a look sure to be a trend for fall. (Think DVF dresses with chunky sweaters.)

I love this line -- a hipper alternative to the suit, the perfect departure from stuffy. All one needs is a little confidence and panache to pull it off.

Click here to watch the show. Tell me what you think.

Celeb sightings: Kelly Osbourne, singer Adam Lambert, football player Terrell Owens, singer John Legend, singer Estelle, actress Liv Tyler, Miss Jay, and actress Shannon Doherty.