While the latest lineup successfully keyed in on that free-spirited look of the moment, the California-based contemporary label has always embodied a certain carefree vibe. Backstage before the show, designer Lubov Azria explained that a recent trip to ABC Carpet & Home, where she stumbled upon a stack of artisanal rugs that were beautifully faded by an overdying process called Color Reform,
inspired the muted patterns and sun-bleached pastel hues here.
The opening model stepped out onto the runway in a wisp of a plunging silk wrap dress cinched with an obi belt around the waist—a silhouette used throughout—that set the ethereal agenda. Focusing on longer lengths and gossamer fabrics, Azria whipped up gauzy blouses and fluttery scarf-print frocks, which were often teamed with quilted cotton biker jackets that added a bit of structure to the mix but occasionally felt a bit too rigid for these lightweight looks. In the end, the simplest styles were the most successful, as exemplified by a white apron-back jumpsuit as well as a flouncy baby blue number that conjured up a modern vision of Julie Andrews' metamorphosis in The Sound of Music.
inspired the muted patterns and sun-bleached pastel hues here.
The opening model stepped out onto the runway in a wisp of a plunging silk wrap dress cinched with an obi belt around the waist—a silhouette used throughout—that set the ethereal agenda. Focusing on longer lengths and gossamer fabrics, Azria whipped up gauzy blouses and fluttery scarf-print frocks, which were often teamed with quilted cotton biker jackets that added a bit of structure to the mix but occasionally felt a bit too rigid for these lightweight looks. In the end, the simplest styles were the most successful, as exemplified by a white apron-back jumpsuit as well as a flouncy baby blue number that conjured up a modern vision of Julie Andrews' metamorphosis in The Sound of Music.
