I think I’ve had it with BCBG Max Azria – the runway pieces, anyway.  They sell them at many their stores – especially in higher end neighbourhoods – but the pieces are almost never wearable, unless you look like a model.  And yes, the upcoming fall/winter season is no different.  The skirt lengths were, for the most part, just above mid-calf on the models, which means that it would look HORRIBLE on anyone under 5’8″ – even if the pieces are cut slightly shorter for retail.  Does the company hate short and average-heighted women?  In addition, most pieces – especially the shrunken fur coats – were styled in such a bulky way that the models  looked like walking boxes.  What’s the deal with that, anyway?

BCBG Fall/Winter 2014 show

I realize that styling is up to the designer and his or her team and therefore they can do whatever the want.  However, they are also presenting to buyers, magazine editors, fashion critics and with streaming, the public.  As the public is not going to necessarily put up with the “fantasy” that designers and their team decide on, it’s almost equally as important to present something that would not only be easy on the eyes, but also something that most women can picture themselves wearing – even if they can’t afford the looks.  At 5’2, I can’t see myself in the vast majority of the collection – even the slimmer pieces as they would overwhelm my slight figure.  Designers and their team have to be stupid not to realize that fashion is as much about fantasy as it is about reality.

I realize that it probably doesn’t matter to BCBG that these looks aren’t going to make them much money – their mainstream, non-runway line is where things are at.  However, some of us want to have more “unusual” looking pieces in our closets – which is what the runway pieces are – and would prefer to see looks that are, let’s just say, more pared down and realistic.  The bulkiness didn’t look good on models, and will definitely NOT look good on us.  When I speak with designers, I almost always ask them how they’d dress someone Olsen Twin sized.  If they struggle, I know that it’s more about THEM (if they’re well-established) or they just don’t understand non-model figures (usually those who are less known/experienced).  In the case of BCBG, it is, of course, the former.

I have to say that despite my negativity towards the collection as a whole, there were some pieces that I liked.  The furry cuffs were nice (even if they’re a bit impractical), as was the opening dress, which would look amazing paired with black tights and booties (without the furry collar, though) – even if the length isn’t quite right.

What are your thoughts on this collection?