I have to admit that I have a love-hate relationship with BCBG. In my 20s, I would purchase at least one jersey dress a summer. I still have most of the dresses, so my BCBG collection dates back to the early 2000s. However, lately, the line has tried to become more “fashion-y” – even with their non-runway collection. It’s become Hervé Léger Lite. Of course, the runway pieces have always been different, and the Spring/Summer 2014 collection is no exception.
The looks are not ATYPICAL of BCBG Runway. There are lots of asymmetrical cuts and loose-fitting pieces, and unlike their main collection, fall more into the wearable art category than ready-to-wear. I really think Max Azria does this on purpose. BCBG’s runway pieces, unlike Hervé Léger, aren’t really meant to be “worn” by most people. In fact, on shorter, small-framed individuals, most of the dresses would just look overwhelming, due to their shapelessness. Unless, of course, you are or intend to look like one of the Olsen twins.
Since the company makes the bulk of its money on regular pieces, I feel that they have free range to do whatever they want with what they show at Fashion Week. And this means looks that just aren’t as RTW as the brand typically markets itself out to be. To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about this. On one side, it’s great to look at “art,” but when your brand is not really about art, then bother doing so under the same name?
