All retro classics can be reworked, repackaged and deemed couture again.
That sentence sums up the brilliance of BCBGMaxAzria’s S/S 2014 collection. Max and Lubov Azria are approaching their 25th anniversary as members of fashion’s elite, so the beloved designers reached into the vault to reimagine a classic look on a modern catwalk.
Instead of employing plaids and lace, the designers transformed simple button-down shirts into dresses. Yes, Sean Carter-esque button-downs were converted into comfortable, cute dresses for modern, hipster women that shop at Lenox. Tucked, tapered and layered with loose-fitting capes in dramatic blues and beiges, the twist on classic men’s attire freshened Azria’s 2014 collection.
Every piece is crisp and clean. The palette is simple and stark, sticking to a monotone black-and-white with few pops of color. It is the opposite of the bright, pastel hues of spring, but somehow it works. Little attention was paid to silhouette. No figure-hugging pieces traipsed the runway.
Keeping with the trends of the week, Azria employed a mixed-print approach. There were maxi dresses nipped in the waist with lace; button-down shirts accented with trousers; and even simple pleated blouses.
It was all so simple and chic … and genius. Azria delivered one of the dopest twists I’ve seen at NYFW. Seriously.
Downtown chic met hipster carelessness in this collection. None of these pieces are meant to be pristine and pressed. The models highlighted the importance of fashion comfort with their tousled waves, minimal faces and nude pumps. If I were headed to a late Sunday brunch, I’d grab a piece or two from this collection. It was that casual.
Before the show, Max Azria told Style.com that BCBGMaxAzria’s “design approach has always been about deconstructing and reconstructing garments.”
That’s an understatement. Reworking unimpressive casual shirts into chic women’s wear was no easy feat, but Azria nailed it effortlessly.
BCBGMaxAzria garners some of the most loyal followers, including Olivia Palermo. She almost wooed the spotlight in a gorg off-white shirt dress cinched at the waist with a simple belt. We also spotted the beautiful Selita Ebanks in a casual leather baseball hat.
Overall, I rate BCBGMaxAzria a 4.5 out of 5. The iconic brand leaves this season with its impeccable reputation intact. Bravo!
What are your thoughts on BCBGMaxAzria’s collection?
Photos courtesy of the Associated Press.