From The Straits Times    |

NEW YORK – BCBGMaxazria’s New York Fashion Week show was inspired by an “urban, global spirit”. The fashion house was among the first to take to the catwalk on the first day of the prestigious even, debuting its Spring/Summer 12 looks. 

Held at the Lincoln Center, the event was staged against an awkward backdrop. Fashion designer John Galliano was found guilty of racist and anti-Semitic behaviour yesterday, while the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York is on Sunday.

Designers Max and Lubov Azria did their best to help people step into a fantasy world for a few minutes. While the colour palette was muted, featuring large swathes of grey, stone and blush, flashes of yellow, emerald green, orange and pink added interest. The designers explained in their show notes they wanted the mixture of colours and textures to “reflect an urban, global spirit”.

BCBGMaxazria ss12 yellow
BCBGMaxazria ss12 orange

Dresses came in tribal prints, so shades of turquoise were teamed with bold black stripes. The label is best known for its frocks, and showed floor sweeping varieties as well as perfect spring/summer dresses. Several geometric print tops and dresses featured cut-out shoulders, in what is already being tipped as a big look for next season.

BCBGMaxazria ss12 black

Many of the gowns flowed around models’ bodies, with bright coloured maxi dresses wafting down the runway. Detailing on these gowns was key, so a sea blue dress featured darker piping around the v-neck and shoulders.

“Fluid silhouettes and weightless fabrics embody the fresh energy of the season,” the designers explained.

The label also showed some sporty pieces for those who prefer a more casual aesthetic, opting for lightweight jackets, zip-up tops and bright coats. The eye-popping hues extended to the accessories too, with electric blue clutches one of the most coveted items featured.

The show went down well with the audience, featuring Jessica White, Elisha Cuthbert and Louise Roe. © COVER MEDIA