For almost half a decade, one name has reigned supreme when it comes to sexy, figure-flattering eveningwear. Max Azria struck gold with his sleek, bold and curve-creating bandage dress for Hervé Lèger, and everyone from cash-strapped collegiettes to freebie-happy celebs continue to clamor for one of the collection’s coveted pieces each season–so naturally, he continues to churn them out year after year.
But when you have something so form-fitting and, well, formulaic as your baseline, how can you keep the collection from flying off the fashion world’s radar?
By strapping it down, of course! In a collection he called “a study in seduction and restraint”, Azria turned “bandage” into “bondage” by saddling each look with an equestrian-inspired body harness (and when I say equestrian, I mean horse, not rider). Along with edgy buckled boots, clean makeup and long, swishy ponytails, the models looked more than just a little horsey. On top of the usual form-fitting frocks, thick fur and snake-embossed leather came together on outerwear that never lost the feel of a fashion-forward stallion, like in this edgy all-black look.
The harnesses worked best when paired with a more feminine silhouette, like on a memorable fringed dress that felt very Daisy Buchanan meets Wild West (left), or with this sweet drop-waist number (right). Model of the moment Kate King closed with a white pleated gown that felt both ethereal and commanding under a tough black harness.
The models walked to a packed crowd in Lincoln Center’s main theatre, with just as many fashionistas lining the walls as perched on the edge of their seats (one of which, thankfully, this blogger was able to snag). Before and after the show all eyes were trained on the front row, where Nina Dobrev (at her first ever fashion show!) sat alongside Camilla Alves, Coco Rocha, Kristen Chenoweth and Poppy Montgomery, as well as fashion heavy-hitters like Tinsley Mortimer, Harley Viera-Newton, Fashion Toast’s Rumi Neely and The Man Repeller’s Leandra Medine. Check out Nina’s video of the show for an inside look.
Later that night, at Ajna Bar on Little West 12th Street, beats by Solange Knowles heated up the after-party. A custom photobooth allowed some brave guests to strike a pose on a simulated BCBG/Hervé Lèger runway (I will certainly be destroying mine as soon as possible–I guess modeling isn’t for me after all), while other fashionistas took to the dance floor or chatted on the plush suede banquettes lining the room. Max Azria himself made an appearance, greeting partygoers as he passed before heading out early–he did, after all, just put on a galloping hit of a show!
What do you think of Hervé Lèger’s equine-inspired collection? Let us know in the comments!