Badgley Mischka Spring 2013

A Midsummer's Nights Dream inspired Badgley's Mischka's spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week.  Not Shakespeare particularly, but the 1935 film (the one with James Cagney and an almost naked Mickey Rooney as Puck).

The collection had dreamy silk organza, chiffon with floral touches in large and small scale to please the most deluded fairy queens.  The silhouettes definitely hinted at 1930's Hollywood glamour.  The muted greys, pinks, purple, silver, ivory and gold made for a gorgeous color palette. The messy up-do hairstyle made the models looks a little more relaxed and romantic, as if they were running through the woods looking for a lost lover than at an uptight cocktail party.  A few pieces that had "angel" like wings looked a little too much like Christian's Siriano's Fall 2012 collection though.

I loved the range of accessories I saw in this collection.  The dainty, constructed clutches were chic with metallic accent.  Embroidered, fingerless tulle gloves were unexpected, but gave an extravagant, edgy option.  Wired and jeweled statement necklaces and structured platform shoes again were modern updates to more formal pieces.

Is it wrong I was a little disappointed that no one wore a big donkey head in the end?

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#NYFW: Badgley Mischka Fall 2014

Animal magetism.  Badgley Mischka's Fall 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week was a luxe display of fur, animal print and earthy colors.  The overall look was suited to an opulent Czarina or Anna Karenina, with metallic beading on gold embellished brocade for the evening gowns.

Richly printed chiffons gave a flowing air to leg revealing dresses.  Big fur hats, cuffs and neck warmers gave an extra level of luxury in the accessory department.  For all of the grandeur, the hair and makeup were low key and naturalistic.  Perhaps this represented an escaped Anastasia on the run?

Award season still has a few red carpets to fill.  Which celebrity do you propose to wear these looks?

photos by Mariana Leung

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Badgley Mischka Fall 2015 - Matadors

No bull here. Mark Badgley and James Mischka tapped into a classic fashion designer inspiration of the Spanish matador for their fall 2015 collection for Badgley Mischka. Balenciaga did it, Givenchy did recently (remember Madonna's thong from the Grammy's?)

For this collection, the inspiration wasn't quite so literal. There were a few bright red wool pieces that might have had a matador's cape as a muse. The golden metallic embroidery that was built up around bodices and shoulders mixed with deep red, brown and earthy colors might have taken its inspiration from the embellishment of matador costumes. There was tinted lace in some of the dresses that hinted at the lace accessories worn by Spanish women in the church in centuries past.

Otherwise, the dress silhouettes followed many of Badgley Mischka's signature shapes of the long fishtail gown, corseted trumpet skirt and form fitting column dress. Looks that were more suited to day wear included tailored blazers and skirts from beautiful tweeds or brocades that resembled Spanish tapestries.

I loved the tall bouffant half updo hairstyles on the models. The sexy cat's eye makeup had shades of Amy Winehouse as a muse. The nails were embellished metallic gold to match the gorgeous embroidery. I am really happy to see that the designers did not feel the need to add a bullfighter's montera hat as an accessory to get their theme across. 

There were elegant little clutch handbags that coordinated well with the clothing. Some were beaded, some had chunky jewels. I loved the embroidered cuffs with organza that were worn on the wrist as a bracelet alternative. I think I need to make some of those for myself... 

Badgley Mischka celebrated their 25th anniversary as a brand last season and the guys have been in an even longer relationship as a couple. I'm amazed that two people can have such a long run at work and play and still produce good things year after year.  Maybe they can add relationship counselling as the next extension of their brand.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Embellished Badgley Mischka Spring 2014

Anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis knows that I love good embroidery.  Some of the prettiest embellishments on the spring 2014 runways came from longtime design duo Badgley Mischka.  Their NY Fashion Week show was a parade of ruffled chiffon and vintage crystal beading that looked at home right in the sets of Downton Abbey or the Great Gatsby.  The jeweled motifs looked rich and intricate.  I love the engineered placement of the beaded fringe on one particular skirt (rather than the cliche rows of flapper fringe).   

Dainty hard frame clutches carried a more contemporary diamond motif along with bigger, modern carryall handbags.  My favorite shoes were two-toned strappy heels.  Jewelry was delicate and had an emphasis on cuffs and dangling bracelets with pearls and stones. The pale pastel manicure was the mani of choice for the models along with finger wave curls for the hair.

Which celebrity do you think would look best in one of these gowns on the red carpet?

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Badgley Mischka Fall 2013

I have covered husband/wife duos, sister acts, mothers and daughters... Now I am happy to profile the fall 2013 collection of newlyweds Mark Badgley and James Mischka.  Before the aisle, came the runway, and it was a gorgeous one.  

There were many dresses of black and gold metallic, two colors that I came to associate with Badgley Mischka over the years.  They were pretty of course, but I have to say I love the blush and raspberry colors more.  The bright white had an almost retro feel to it, being executed in slim, column silhouettes that looked rather Grecian.  The beading and crystal embroidery was a cross between art deco and Aztec geometric patterns.  The large motifs in bugle beads, the waistband, neck or shoulders in crystal. 

The footwear included velvet peep toe heels with cute bows.  They didn't exactly match the clothes, but they were pretty all the same.  Handbags included square and oblong clutches in color block mixed with houndstooth or metallic.  The hair was pulled up in vintage Hitchcock glamour with classic Hollywood beauty makeup.  

Whether it's Mezo-American, Greek or Gatsby, there's a Goddess in all of us and we have every right to dress like it.

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Badgley Mischka's Silver Anniversary - Spring 2015

A quarter century together!  Designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka may have tied the knot last year but their life and label have been official for 25 years.   My former draping teacher at Parsons had fond memories of watching the two of them work together at a corner table in the classroom in the years before I attended the school myself.

The spring 2015 collection of Badgley Mischka was a parade of elegant day looks and dream gowns.  Fluid silk pants and flirty skirts were paired with tweed jackets with motorcycle styling or luxe cardigans for daytime.  Evening wear had a gorgeous palette of light purple, pale blue, different shades of grey and caramel. 

Many of the bodices or skirts were lavishly embellished with jewels, moonstones and satin flowers.  The embroidery was layered on top of lace and tulle.  Rich beading was also used to accent the key print of an elaborate cherry blossom pattern.

Accessories were almost as impressive.  There was a very sophisticated backpack that upgrades the entire category.  There was a giant jeweled bow on a shoulder.  Big clear Lucite cuff bracelets were made luxurious with shining stones.  Small box clutch handbags had a subtle, holographic finish and decorated with rhinestone motifs.  Shoes had delicate straps, often two-toned with python finish leather and embellished with jewels or shiny hardware. 

The show’s finale included a shower of balloons and a surprise appearance of Naomi Campbell who walked in Badgley Mischka’s first runway show.  Now I can’t wait to see their golden anniversary show!

photos by Mariana Leung

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Badgley Mischka Fall 2020

This is the week of romance for NY Fashion Week. The Badgley Mischka Fall 2020 collection was exactly what I wanted to see ahead of Valentine's Day. There were my favorite fabrics of velvet and silks. There were tons and tons of opulent embroidery on long sweeping gowns. Big pouf sleeves are all over the runways I have shot so far and continued here. Most of the silhouettes were very curvy, with a mermaid or trumpet silhouettes. The shapes were generally slim, with no giant ballgowns. 

Look at this elaborate embellishment. I am drooling. There were big chunky jewels used. Also, fabric flower appliques, handmade, cut, torn, and then stitched. In the world of fast fashion, it is decoration like the pieces in this collection that separate luxury from the masses. 

Do you see this beautiful headpiece? This was the signature accessory of the Badgley Mischka fall 2020 collection. There were several variations of this jeweled, beaded vine-like headpiece that wrapped around the back of the head to frame the pulled back topknot hairstyles.
The designer duo is clearly gunning for the red carpet and gala crowd here. They deserve it.
Which is your favorite look?

Also on Ms. Fabulous:

The Blonds Present the Mummy

Naeem Khan's Human Family

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FAB Sale Alerts: Fendi, Badgley Mischka & Manolo Blahnik!

In NYC:
Charles Chang Lima counts ladies like Oprah and Sarah Jessica Parker as fans. Lovely evening gowns, suits and dresses will be up to 90% off and there will also be a $10 goodie bin!
When: Wednesday, April 28 only! 9 am - 6 pm
Where: 264 West 40th street, 10th floor (between 7th and 8th ave.)

Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale (seriously!) This one used to be secret and open to fashion editors and VIPs only (and yes, they'll get first dibs). However, you still have your shot at these super sexy heels too. Rumor has it that Andre Leon Talley will be on hand to help you shop.
When: Thursday, April 29. 12pm - 6pm.
Where: Warwick Hotel, 54th Street and 6th Avenue

Jacadi, Dante Beattrix and Imps & Elves will have their sale for chic babies, children and their stylish Moms. Lots of current spring stuff and Mother's day is in less than 2 weeks!
When: Monday, April 26 - Wednesday, April 28. 10 am - 6 pm.
Where: 261 West 36th stret, 2nd floor (between 7th and 8th ave.)


Online:

Fendi and Badgley Mischka are having a fabulous online sample sale of clothing and accessories...woo hoo! Register to shop Monday at Noon (EST).

Furla's Ero-luxe handbags will have their online sale on Tuesday. Register to shop here.

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Sales Alert: Rag and Bone, J. Crew, Badgley Mischka, Botkier

Did you hide from the Black Friday crowds? Surfed out from Cyber Monday?  It's ok, better sales are on the horizon.  Check out the list:

J. Crew
Preppy, fashionable, it's an entire clothing philosophy for some.  Get your goodies for men, women, kids and selections from Madewell.  Prices up to 60% off retail.

When: Tuesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 2nd. 
TUESDAY-SATURDAY: 10AM-8PM, SUNDAY: 12PM-6PM
Where:  260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Sts

Badgley Mischka:
Gowns, evening wear, ready to wear, cocktail dresses from the design duo will be up to 80% off.

When: Tuesday, November 27 through Thursday, November 29. Daily 10am—6pm.
Where:  70 W. 40th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 12th floor 

Botkier:
Edgy and sleek handbags from Monica Botkier will be 40-75% off retail. (Prices start at $75 for wallets, $100 for handbags and $100 for boots.)  Great for gifts!

When: November 29-30, 2012 Thu-Fri 9am-7pm
Where: 525 Broadway (at Spring St) (5th Fl) New York, NY 10012  (646) 747-4152

Rag & Bone:

Downtown ladies and gents, gird your loins.  Rag & Bones is having their sale this Thursday! Expect goodies up to 60% off, (e.g. jeans at $95).  

When: Thursday, November 29 through Sunday, December 2. Thurs—Fri 10:30am—8pm, Sat 12pm—7pm, Sun 12pm—5pm

Where: Chelsea Market, entrance to the sale at 410 W. 16th Street, between 9th and 10th avenue

Photos from jcrew.com,Rag and Bone from Racked.com

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Fashion Designed Football Helmets

How many of you fashionistas are Superbowl fans? Bloomingdale's is unveiling a special collection of 48 helmets designed by the CFDA's top fashion designers.  The "Couture" helmets by designers Betsey Johnson, Alice + Olivia, Marchesa, Diane Von Furstenburg and others will be auctioned off to benefit the NFL Foundation.

The helmets will be unveiled in Bloomingdale's 59th street NYC windows today, the launch of the auction.  The NFL Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of their fans through health initiatives and grants to youth and school programs.  

You can place your bid at the CFDA Bloomingdale's Superbowl auction before February 4, 2014.

Other participating designers include Alejandro Ingelmo, Alexis Bittar, Ovadia & Sons,Billy Reid, Blake Mykoskie for Toms, Bloomingdale’s, Catherine Malandrino, Cynthia Rowley, Cynthia Vincent for Twelfth Street, Dana Lorenz for Fenton/Fallon, Danielle Snyder and Jodie Snyder for Dannijo,  Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne for Public School, David Neville and Marcus Wainwright for Rag & Bone, Dennis Basso, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan ,Eugenia Kim, George Esquivel, John Varvatos, Junkfood,  Kenneth Cole, Lela Rose, Badgley Mischka,  Mark McNairy, Michael Bastian, Monique Lhuillier,  Narciso Rodriguez for Narciso Rodriguez Studio, Nicole and Michael Colovos for Helmut Lang, Nicole Miller, Olivier Theyskens for Theyskens Theory, Gela Nash & Pamela Skaist-Levy for Pam & Gela, Pamela Love, Rachel Zoe, Rebecca Taylor, Richard Chai, Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn for Loomstate, Rogan Gregory for Rogan, Rozae Nichols for Clover Canyon,  Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos for Shipley & Halmos,  Stephen Dweck, Steven Alan, Tadashi Shoji, Todd Snyder, Vince Camuto, and Yigal Azrouel. 

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Blogger Love: DIY Style of Summer

Edited by: Jess of Fresh Jess

The bloggers are taking it to the crafts these days! What better way to get your wardrobe ready for summer than breathing new life into what you’ve got? This week’s Links a la Mode is chock full of quick & easy DIY projects for everything from crystallized shoes and Miu Miu-inspired clutches to top buns and accessories laced with neon. If getting crafty’s not on your to-do list this week, don’t fret. We’ve also got thoughtful posts on personal style, dressing for summer events, supporting local designers and blogger besties. These posts are getting better and better every week and it was hard to choose just 20 of them. Keep ‘em coming!

• Aspiring New Moms: Summer in the Office


• Barefoot Duchess: The Top Bun & How to DIY


• Bon Vivant and a Budget: How to Host a Clothing Swap


• Chic Cheat: Oh Miu Miu Stars


• Fashion After Breakfast: DIY Pastel Collar Necklace


• Fashion Love Affairs: 6 Free Ways to End Your Fashion Rut


• Fashion, Well Done: Personal Style - A 5-Year Retrospective


• FashStash: Support Local: Saloni Rathor


• Finely Made: DIY: Lizzie Fortunato Scale Bracelet


• Flounces and Slashes: DIY Swarovski Crystallized Shoes


• I Have a Degree in This: Why You Should Take My Fashion Degree Seriously


• My Confidence and Me: Introducing...(Melissa/For Fi Love, Me)


• My Style Snapshot: Let It Be


• Sea and Swank: What to Wear: Weddings


• Stars For Streetlights: DIY: How to Make a Scarf Shirt


• Style Over Sense: DIY Doorknob Hanger


• The Average Girl’s Guide: Vent Sesh: Consumption


• The Style Safari: Thurs-DIY: Tropical Floral Tee


• Tobruck Ave: BEfriends


• Under the Cottonwood: Trends: Graphic and Bold Print

SPONSOR:
Spring Sale at Shopbop: Magda Berliner, Weitzman, Rachel Roy, Badgley Mischka, Raquel Allegra, Garde Paris, Rebecca Taylor,Oliver Theyskens & Sonia Rykiel

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

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#NYFW: Go Red For Women - Red Dress Show 2015

If you loved a celebrity packed fashion show with a message, it doesn't get better than the Red Dress Collection. The Go Red For Women campaign brought together a stellar group of fashion designers and paired them with accomplished women who care about heart health.

What moves me about this particular fashion show is that everyone participating truly believes in the cause. Statements about how each celebrity was touched by heart disease was posted behind them on the catwalk. Rosie O'Donnell opened the show with a hilarious speech but then gave us a whammy of intimate details of her heart attack experience. I learned that heart attacks occur with 1 in 3 women and that we don't get the same symptoms (or any) as men before one happens. She developed the acronym HEPPP for women to remember for signs of heart trouble (see bottom of the post for definition).

Stars included Orange is the New Black's Laverne Cox in Donna Karan. Hoda Kotb in Romona Keveza,. singer Ciara wearing Safiyaa, pop star Thalia wearing Shady ZeinEldine and YouTube star Bethany Mota wearing Badgley Mischka and Real Housewife Cynthia Bailey wore Jovan O'Connor. Dascha Polanco really vamped it up in Old Hollywood style wearing Michael Costello.

Want more? How about Zendaya wearing Rubin Singer. The Chew's Carla Hall wearing Evgenia    and Barbara Eden, everyone's favorite genie looking magical as ever in Carmen Marc Valvo.  Guests were aso treated to a performance by Fifth Harmony. 

So here's what you need to learn about monitoring your own heart health and those your love. If you have these signs, seek medical help immediately. Rosie O'Donnell broke it down:

Hot -Instant heat that feels worse than menopause?
Exhausted -She described it as more tired than after labor
Pain -Shoulders, neck, arms, stomach...
Pale -How white (or ashy) do you suddenly look?
Puke -Vomiting all of a sudden?

Clearly RED Dress Collection is the new black this season. Check with the American Heart Association to learn more!

photos by Mariana Leung

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Sales Alert: Giorgio Armani, Rent the Runway, The Row

DENYC presents Giorgio Armani:
Designer's Expo NYC is running this women's sample sale of up to 80% off retail for Giorgio Armani and Armani Collezione.  Everything from intimate apparel, dresses, sweaters and jackets will be available. Fitting rooms available as well.
Sample pricing: Tops will be $95 (down from $325 - $1295)
I have personally never been to a sale run by this company, so I can't vouch for how current the selection is yet.  However, Giorgio Armani's work has a classic chic that should be relevant for many years.

When: Thursday 20th September 2012 - Sunday 23rd September 2012, Thurs - Sun 11am - 7pm
Where: Designer Expo NYC, 407 West 13th Street, Between 9th Avenue and Washington

Rent the Runway:
This website has been a lifesaver for commitmentphobes. They are ridding themselves of tons of designer stock like Rebecca Taylor, Catherine Malandrino, Badgley Mischka to name a few.  Keep in mind, they are "gently used" from previous renters, but prices can be up to 95% off retail.

When: OCTOBER 1st – 6th, 10 AM - 7 PM (Mon-Fri) 10 AM - 5 PM (Sat)
Where: 260 Fifth Avenue (between 28th and 29th)
 

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Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown Designer

Forget Project Runway, this is the fiercest fashion designer competition in years...Who will be the chosen designer for the most anticipated Royal wedding in decades?

Why so much global interest?  Kate Middleton is attractive, has a distinct style and was one of us...(Fashion industry professional).  We know she has a more educated sense of fashion than the average socialite, so whatever her choice is, it will be one not made lightly.

It was speculated that Ms. Middleton would choose British Royal favorite, Bruce Oldfield.  However, with her background and democratic taste, she could surprise everyone... Women's Wear Daily just ran a great spread of International designers and their interpretation of what Kate should wear. 

I'm posting my favorite sketches just because I love fashion illustration...

The Red Carpet ringers:  Vera Wang, Monique Lhuiller, Badgley Mischka...

The New Guard:  Doori Chung, Chris Benz, Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu...

The Italians: Alberta Feretti, Valentino, Gucci, Missoni...

The Couturiers:  Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, Nina Ricci...

Sketches via WWD

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Emmy Embroidery Red Carpet Stars

 Ah yes, my round-up of the best embroidery design from the Emmys Red Carpet.  My first group are my picks for pure glamour.  Connie Britton wore Naeem Khan's regal silk velvet and gold embroidery from the Fall 2013 collection that I loved from the runway.  She went from Diva to Queen the minute she stepped on the carpet.  Heidi Klum was stunning in Versace's "pomegranate" beaded dress.  The seams, beaded style lines and patterns added even more oomph to her formidable shape than she could possibly need.  Julianne Hough's pastel Jenny Packham dress was very revealing, but the dainty all over embroidery still kept it elegant with a classic Hollywood feel.

This group had the best use of embroidered details.  Amy Poehler's had these great embroidered fringed pockets on her dress by Brian Rennie for Basler.  My girl-crush Mindy Kaling wore a gorgeous plus face framing beaded neckline by Georges Chakra.  Katrina Bowden had a lovely jeweled waist detail on her gown from Badgley Mischka.

I dubbed this group my bride-alternatives.  I'm not saying they look like wedding dresses, but would look great for any bride seeking an unusual, but glam gown for walking down the aisle.  Kerry Washington's Marchesa dress had big, appliqued flowers embroidered in an organic pattern.  Julia Louis-Dreyfuss's beaded column by Monique Lhuillier made her tiny frame look statuesque.  Claire Dane's beaded white dress from Armani Prive was like an icy princess fantasy that was feminine yet modern.

Who wore your favorite Emmys Red Carpet look?
photos from John Shearer/Invision for Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images

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Starring Theia Brides & Designer Giveaway!

Theia is a relatively new collection by Carmen Marc Valvo and Badgley Mischka veteran Don O'Neill.  The glamorous silhouettes and elegant details have already claimed Carrie Underwood, Emmy Rossum and Taylor Swift  as fans.  

Getting married?  The bridal gowns are simply divine.  Need a fabulous holiday gift?  (The incredibly handsome) Don is giving away one of his illustrated silk scarves.  It's easy...all you have to do is name your favorite holiday gift on their Facebook page... 

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NY Fashion Week: Red Heart Truth Show

I find that the most enjoyable shows are fashion week are always the ones connected to a good cause. Thursday night’s Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show was full of celebrity models and celebrity guests. Rather than the cliche fashionista ‘attitude’, the atmosphere in the Bryant Park tents was one of warmth and support.

Stars like Kim Kardashian, Jordin Sparks, Heidi Klum sashayed their way down the runway in custom red gowns by Marchesa, Badgley Mischka and John Galliano. Legends like Joan Collins made an appropriately dramatic turn in Stephane Rolland. Raven Symone strutted down the runway in full diva, (tongue-in-cheek)to the cheers of fans. She tripped towards the end and then kicked up her stilettos in the air as her last spin. Touchingly, an absolutely gorgeous Felicity Huffman strolled out in Oscar de la Renta, and was surprised to see her husband, William H. Macy in the front row. She walked off the stage and gave him a happy kiss. The Heart Truth is a campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women. The Red Dress initiative, with Heidi Klum as their spokesperson has inspired millions of women to learn more and make changes to their health. Swarovski provided all the bling, as well as Kristin Chenoweth’s stunning gown.

Other stars on the runway: (Glowingly pregnant) Bethenny Frankel, Elisabeth Hasselbeck,Felicity Huffman,Dara Torres,Estelle,Heidi Klum,Joan Collins,Jordin Sparks,Kim Kardashian,Kimora Lee,Kristin Chenoweth,Mamie Gummer,Pauley Perrett,Raven-Symone,Regina King,Robin Roberts and Valerie Harper. Cheering from the front row were Robert Verdi, Wendy Williams and Tinsley Mortimer.
Photos from Getty Images

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