Sometimes a space of religious significance or a great historic monument can inspire a designer a brilliant fashion story, and this definitely applies to the recent Herve Leger show during NYFW. It was one of great iconography transformed into abstract effects and digitalized motifs to be incorporated into daytime styles and eveningwear!
For Fall 2015, Herve Leger by Max Azria draws its inspiration from the magnificent Basilica De La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi. One of the most outstanding figures of the Catalan culture, Gaudi developed a highly expressive language of his own and a body of work that speaks directly to the senses.
The collection journeys through the symbolism captured in 3 of the basilica’s facades and its outstanding stained glass windows: Nativity, Passion and Glory, which signify the concepts of birth, sacrifice and toiling human nature.
Luxurious couture techniques enrich each surface. Rich, textured jacquards are inspired by the stained glass windows and the celestial ceiling. Stud weavings evoke soaring arches. Tridimensional glass beading suggests warm sunrays, while metallic hand studding and leather appliqué recall the magnificence of the metal work.
To the original signature ‘bandage dress’ Lubov and Max Azria added a degree of religious decency and complexity, some functional separates for stylish mix & match, and a few impressive pieces of outerwear such as bomber jackets and shearlings.
Soft whites, bare and blue haze transition into striking combinations of yellow, teal and sapphire with flashes of fuchsia and vermillion, while black heightens the vibrant combinations.
Architectural clutch bags, structural harnesses and bandaged booties articulate the powerful undertones of the collection.
All these Art Nouveau elements dominated the catwalk in a charming way! I loved being there!
Fashionable Smooches!!!
Elena Sendona
