The Best of NYFW: BCBG Max Azria Harnesses

As I filter through the collections from each Fashion Week for SS13, I can't seem to get the BCBG Max Azria collection out of my mind. Despite the more conservative mid-calf lengths, high neck lines and occasional 3/4 sleeves, there was undeniable sex factor throughout the collection that was defined by a juxtaposition of soft pink hues and lace details, reminiscent of a negligee, that were constrained within an upper body leather harness. The overall effect was a seriously covetable relaxed, feminine elegance with a slightly subversive modern edge. A cheeky peek of lace bra is far too tame for next summer - a harness, over (or under) your dress, will have far more impact. 

Image: Style.com

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NYFW A/W 2011: BCBG Max Azria and Richard Chai Love

I was sidetracked from writing the post I had originally intended to do today, when I saw the links to New York fashion week on style.com. It always feels strange to me to be looking toward next winter when we've barely even shed the layers of this winter, let alone gone through the natural motions of spring and summer. However, it's just the way the fashion world turns, isn't it? And admittedly, I was quite excited to have something new to look at this morning.

I'm usually a fan of BCBG Max Azria, but this season was a bit hit and miss for me. The white polo necks and less than desirable boots prevented it from being a totally covetable collection, however the colour palette  and layered dresses were really beautiful. There was the expected element of streamlined, simplistic design (which was actually created by said white polo necks), but the contrast of flowing, asymmetric, sheer dresses in stunning shades of coral and cobalt blue were the real show stealers for me. Though not to my taste, the polo necks paired with the loose, floaty style of the skirts and dresses, alongside the simple accessorising of a low-slung, slim belt, really made the style look very effortless and, more importantly, very wearable.

The other collection which really caught my eye was Richard Chai Love. There was a vein of grunge styling in the predominantly sooty grey and charcoal colour palette, and in the slouchy style of the jackets, trousers, and skirts. The striped dress really stood out as did the unusual, yet pretty, sheer lavender detailing across the bottom quarter of a grey dress. As always, I was drawn to the slightly masculine tailoring of the collection, probably because I just can't quite pull it off. Maybe autumn 2011 will be my season...

What do you think of these collections? Which collection are you excited to see in NYFW?

Source: style.com

Top 10 Resort Pieces

Today is going to be a lazy day. The proof of this is that I have so little to do in my life before going back to work next week, I'm still in bed and I don't actually have to get up for another hmmmm, let's say three hours. So, to fill the time happily, I decided to pick out one piece from the Resort collections of my favourite designers and post them on this here blog.

The decisions came about a little like this: if each designer was offering me just one piece from their Resort collections, which would I choose? Have you ever imagined such an event occurring? I think it would be both painful and pleasurable in equal measure.

As I mentioned somewhere previously in a post, the Resort collections tend to pass me by, so instead of putting up an insurmountable number of posts for individual designers, this way seemed a lot more concise and orderly for my Resort-rejecting mind.

BCBG Max Azria

Bottega Veneta

Burberry Prorsum

Technically two looks, but equally perfect and they came as a photographic package.

Christian Dior

Erdem

Don't like this collection nearly half as much as last years pre-collection, but it's growing on me every time I see it. It was a close call between this dress and the following maxi, that was much more reminiscent of Erdem's silky, floral maxis '09. 

3.1 Philip Lim

Preen

Proenza Schouler

Roksanda Illincic

Stella McCartney

Bonus points for using Magdalena as your model.

Which Resort collections have been your favourite?

All photos: Style.com

BCBG Max Azria

When I think of simplicity I think Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, but not necessarily, Max Azria. I will remember this point though, as I really like the way this designer takes 'simplicity' in a different direction. It didn't take that overtly feminine, soft, chic look - instead draping was minimal yet heavy. Colours were blocked, in the main, and all pattern was strong and bold. I liked it.

The belted waist seemed a little lacking, that element undermined the strength of the rest of the outfits; I'm also not too sure on the white tights, though I instinctively feel that they work. I'm getting an increasing sense that white and silvery tights will be working their way into the mainstream this year, after being debuted by Chanel's A/W 10 couture collection and as seen championed by Kate Bosworth recently. All in all, the collection looked appealingly comfortable, practical and modern.

You might like to read: BCBG Max Azria S/S 2010

BCBG Max Azria

This week...BCBG Max Azria ready-to-wear collection Spring 2010...

Simply put; a breath of fresh air. Synthesising splashes of a tropical palette of green, yellow, coral and turquoise, against a heavy backdrop, particularly in black and grey. Asymmetry was back again, seen throughout most of the collection....never letting a maxi dress reach it's full length potential. Shorter dresses were cool and clean cut making use of simple bold line detailing. As seen on trend last year, draping makes a reappearance frequently here, where models were ruched and bandaged into a collection bursting with a much wanted, spring time modern edge.