According to the show notes, “a play on proportions evokes the fresh sensibility of innate seduction.” Sexiness, certainly, was on Max Azria’s mind. There were plenty of deep armholes, plunging necklines and up-to-there slits. Yet, using his favorite fabrics, such as jersey and silk, the designer once again crafted a lineup of entirely wearable dresses. One couldn’t help but notice, however, the overt nod to Nineties minimalism (Calvin Klein and Helmut Lang come to mind) that rippled through the collection, as with a series of slouchy, color-blocked dresses in teal and mauve and a few very pretty sateen and silk shirtdresses. Azria did venture into hipper territory with billowy jumpsuits — a few just grazing the upper thigh — though it’s hard to imagine the girl who goes to BCBG for cocktail frocks climbing into those anytime soon.
