DESIGNER: Max Azria

INSPIRATION: Organic elements, weightless volume and individualistic style

TOP LOOKS: White silk dress with open slashed sides, worn over black briefs; Dove grey loose-fitting suit with cropped pants; Taupe silk crepe cut-out dress; Gunmetal mesh cage skirt over over great silk sweater-dress; Black silk georgette gown with silver beads like stars on a night sky

ACCESSORIES: Heavy suede sandals

WHO WAS THERE: Mickey Rourke, Lucy Liu, Nastia Liukin (Olympian and face of Max Azria), Estelle, Katrina Bowden from 30 Rock, Kelly Rowland, Tinsley Mortimer, Hope Atherton

WHAT WE THOUGHT: Max and Lubox Azria went minimalist this season. The palette was entirely neutral -- nude, off-white, white, gray, taupe and black. Looks and lines were clean and linear with some occasional beading, most bewitchingly used in the evening looks.

There are great boyfriend separates and daywear in the collection -- all in sophisticated and understated fabrics. And there's plenty more for starlets on the red carpet. We suspect that the designers fell in love with Jil Sander's Spring 2009 fringe collection -- the slashed-side dresses and jackets and even tassel looks that started the show had more than a soupçon of that breathtaking season.