Guiltless Goodies: BCBGMAXAZRIA holiday collection 2009

Hi all!

I had the pleasure of meeting with BCBG account executive Ashley Orefice the other day to take a look at the just-released BCBGMAXAZRIA holiday collection created by Max Azria, owner of the BCBG group, which includes haute couture line Herve Leger and which – yay! – is fur free.

The holiday collection is basically a treasure chest of flirty and festive cocktail dresses, with a few long gowns thrown in for the pizzazz factor. See below for what Ashley said were the trends this season and how they are manifested in each exquisite dress.

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi

‘Mixed media’ – from the embellished belt to the lace sleeves and chiffon layers, this black dress is far from your standard LBD. My favourite in the whole line, it retails for $468 at bcbg.com.

‘Emerald taffeta’ – using a stunning emerald green shade which also happens to be extremely festive for this time of year, the fabric of the moment is taffeta, which creates a figure-hugging, ruching effect that will have all eyes on you. Dress retails for $398 at bcbg.com.

Featuring another seasonal colour, this cocktail dress in wow 'em red borrows elements from Max Azria's haute couture line Herve Leger, with the bandage style tiering that is extremely flattering for the figure. Dress retails for $268 at bcbg.com.

Another example of the Herve Leger-style tiering effect, this time in a royal blue that is a key colour for the holiday season, together with emerald green, red and a purple that the line calls 'Persian Blue'. Dress retails for $268 at bcbg.com.

Although not dresses, this is a further example of the Herve Leger elements in Max Azria's holiday line. The introduction of a mini and knee-length bandage skirt (called textured tube skirts) was welcomed, as the skirts are a fraction of the price they would be in Herve Leger. Both lengths come in a variety of colours, including metallic effects and this ombre effect seen on the long skirt (bottom). Skirts retail for $138 (mini) and $148 (knee-length) at bcbg.com.

Wrap yourself up like a present in this popular design that has been seen often on the red carpet lately. Of course, in the season's festive emerald green, the strapless dress offers a unique design element with the gathered top. Dress retails for $248 at bcbg.com