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BCBG Max Azria
By Jenny Bailly
(Photo by: Gruber-FWD)
Max Azria drew inspiration from the sun-dappled hues of St. Tropez for his Spring 2002 collection.
But judging from the barely-covered breasts we saw parading down the runway in his ultra-sheer
confections, he took more than color cues from the sandy beaches of the Cote d'Azur.
BCBG is known for its diaphanous, flowing pieces, but in this collection, the prevalence of
radiant white brought an even fresher - and barer -- feel to the clothes. This season, sheer
chiffons often combined with "hippie chic" elements like a fringed belt or bag or a suede trench
for a relaxed, eclectic effect.
Silk dresses in styles from wrap to tunic to strapless came in colors like toffee and shell. They
were paired with off-white cut-out leather cowboy-style boots and wide macrame belts, their
delicate fringes hanging down to the knee. Leather shoulder bags sported similar bohemian-style
decoration, while clutches offered a fringe-free alternative.
In the midst of this sea of shell, birch and champagne shades, an indigo denim stretch mini and
matching appliqued jacket stood out when they appeared more than halfway through the show. A dark
denim trench and jeans also made their debut, but on the whole, even the denim in this collection
was white.
And it looks as though if Azria has anything to say about it, the ubiquitous asymmetrical look
of this summer will still be around next year. Sheer silk one-shouldered tops and dresses, many
delicately adorned with silver beading, appeared again and again.
Jennifer Beals, the woman who flashdanced a more casual one-shoulder look to the forefront of
our fashion consciousness back in 1983, seemed to approve as she watched intently from her
front-row seat.
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