Tragedy casts dark cloud over the tents as the collections begin

primary colors and plaids highlighted a perfect menswear collection at Duckie Brown/Image: Getty/Image.net

Shock and heartbreak  swept through Bryant Park this morning when news broke that  Alexander McQueen, one of the most beloved designers in the world, had committed suicide in his London home. 

With many editors threatening to leave  Mercedes Benz Fashion Week early to attend  funeral services in London, Labels such  as BCBG Max Azria, whose Fall 2010 Collections took to the runway just moments after the sad news was widely known, did their best to rally in the face of extremely distraught crowds. 

Also with an early morning show menswear label Duckie Brown sent a jubilant collection of  plaids and primary colored pieces with expert tailoring and military touches down the runway, and left audiences with an optimistic outlook for men's fall fashion.

creamy colors at Ports 1961 were a dream come true/Image: Getty/Image.netThroughout the day, many other designers had impromptu memorials to the beloved McQueen, including Ports 1961 whom asked their bursting at the seams over-capacity crowd to join in a moment of silence "to honor a true legend of the industry" before unveiling their crave-worthy creamy pallet of soft sweaters, rich purple and brown silks, and sweet leather cloches that served to not only tempt wallets but also served as visual comfort for saddened souls.