More than Party Frocks… BCBG Fall Collection

Images by Sabrina Sikora Photography

When you think of BCBG Max Azria, you probably think of beautiful, long, flowing evening dresses. Well, let me tell you that BCBG is NOT just evening gowns! There is so much more. This brand can outfit you wherever you go:  the office, out at night, on a flight, to a play date – and keep you looking chic and fabulous at each event.  And yes, they can dress you for a black tie event, too.

Even though BCBG was started in 1989, my first memory of wearing BCBG Max Azria would have to be when I was around 16 years old (circa ’00). My mom found a pair of shiny black pointy toe stiletto ankle boots in my size and gave them to me for my birthday. I proudly wore the shoes to high school long before pointy toes were considered ‘in’ in Georgia. I remember coming home from school so annoyed that my fellow classmates called them “witch shoes”, secretly thinking they had no vision of what was fashionable. Two years later, those same students were all wearing the pointy toes! I even wore the boots in my senior photo when I was voted “Best Dressed”.  And the best part was that the boots hovered on the edge of dress code and almost got me sent home from school. Who knew a 4” stiletto is apparently classified as a weapon in the Georgia state school system?!?

Years later, BCBG is still getting me in trouble, but this time it is my wallet that is taking the hit. No trip to Landmark is complete without, what I call, a “fly-by” in the newly reopened shop. Hong Kong’s dress code of black and gray can easily be completed here and you can even add that pop of color that every wardrobe craves. Have you seen the cherry red that appears this season? Traffic-stopping!

Now on to the runway collection. The loose boyish silhouettes floated down the runway in waves of asymmetrical layering. The light-as-air runway pieces are just begging to be layered. The dresses really take flight when walking so I suggest watching the show online to see them in all their glory. These sleek and modern creations are shown on the runway over a thin white turtleneck. I may even venture to toss the breezy dresses over a white oxford for a feminine take on menswear. It is a very easy, whimsical alternative to the traditional hefty autumn-wear that you so typically see in fall shows.  The draping and fluid cuts of these pieces can also be very forgiving and would allow you to actually enjoy parties and dinners out with out having to suck in all night.

Images by Sabrina Sikora Photography

With the ready-to-wear collection, it is all in the details: little bows around the neck, lace detailing, delicate flower appliqués, pleating, tufting, and skins. Oh my! One could wear the nude chiffon dress to the office with a cardigan and then out to a client dinner without missing a beat. How stunning would it look with a loose caramel-colored fur (real or faux) over the shoulders for a night event? There are several separates that will become your go-to basics for mixing and matching. Did I mention the jackets? Oh, the jackets! Three words: texture, texture, texture.

The zip-up knit coat is a must for both office and weekend wear and would be equally stunning with a pencil midi-skirt and heels as it would with ballet flats and a t-shirt and dark skinny jeans. BCBG makes looking chic and put together effortless.

Images by Sabrina Sikora Photography

I spied quite a few standouts that may need to hang in my own closet. First, the belted camel knit dress. I can’t think of a better long haul flight option. Pair it with black leggings and a big printed scarf and let’s hit the tarmac! Next up, were the jumpsuits. Yes, all of them. I have already tried on the gray silk pants romper with the loose bow around the neck and it was divine with a black belt and heels. I am sure the jumpsuit with the lace back would be stunning for an evening out, though I would roll up the pants a bit and add a statement necklace.

Images by Sabrina Sikora Photography

Last on my lust-worthy list is the leopard print silk long dress. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I live in skirts and dresses, and the more color or patterns they possess, the better! The easy breezy fabric would easily transition from a beach holiday – where you could wear it with gold sandals and a messy bun – to winter in the Kong layered over thick chocolate tights and boots and topped off with a chunky oversize belted cardi. Simply put, I need this dress in my life.

BCBG stands for Bon Chic Bon Genre, which means Good Style Good Attitude in French. And after viewing this beautifully styled collection, I can say that I walked away feeling like their goal of good style was accomplished yet again, and I certainly left feeling great!

The fall collection is currently available in the following stores.

Shop 311, 3F, The Landmark, Central
Shop 1064, 1/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsimshatsui
Shop 2343, 2/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsimshatsui

www.bcbg.com