BCBG Max Azria: Poetic & Graceful
By Mari Davis
Photos by Javier Mateo

NEW YORK, Feb 9, 2005/ FW/ --- Inspired by the Bloomsbury Movement of the early 20th century, Max Azria brought forward a mixture of post-impressionism, bohemianism, and African folk arts, which incidentally are also the focus of the Bloomsbury group, on the runway, showing 43 looks of nonchalance elegance that only Max Azria can do with aplomb.

Deceptively simple in design with Edwardian-inspired jackets and vests that were layered over delicate camisoles, the cheerfully colored collection, albeit the colors of fall, the fluidity of the silhouettes with the dropped sleeves and deep V-necklines ending on empire waists conveyed a positive aesthetic that is poetic, graceful and intellectual at the same time.

For those who are interested in a little bit of history, Virginia Woolf spearheaded the Bloomsbury Movement in 1905, together with Virginia's sister, Vanessa Bell, Clive Bell, John Maynard Keynes, E. M. Forster, Leonard Woolf, Lytton Strachey, David Garnett, Roger Fry and Duncan Grant.

It started as an informal meeting among friends to discuss literary and artistic issues. Later, they became known as the Bloomsbury Group, and became notable personalities in literature and art.

Though the BCBG Fall 2005 collection might not have the long lasting effect like the movement that inspired it, Max Azria hit the changes in our society right on the mark.

As history buffs know, Virginia Woolf was very active on the women’s right of suffrage during her times. When women were allowed to vote, the political landscape changed dramatically.

With the changing demographics today, as the echo boomers, formerly known as Gen Y, the children of baby boomers becomes the driving force of the U.S. economy with their combined purchasing power, there is definitely change in the air.

Demonstrating that he definitely has his fingers on the pulse of the changing market place, Max Azria choosing the Bloomsbury Movement as an inspiration is almost prophetic.

As his press notes said, “For Fall 2005, BCBG Max Azria collection is the quintessence of poetic grace and intellect balanced with a timeless modernity.”

CBC “60 Minutes” in its in-depth look into the Echo Boomers said, “They are the most cared-for generation and brought up to be team players. They are technologically savvy and well rounded individuals.”

Now… can you see the symmetry?

BCBG Max Azria

BCBG Max Azria

BCBG Max Azria

BCBG Max Azria

BCBG Max Azria