Max Azria, Military Mode?

When Anna Wintour attends a show, you know it's a significant one. That's Anna, sitting way across the tent and about nine rows down from me, waitinf for the Max Azria show to begin. Max Azria's style is, to quote the press literature: "inspired by organic elements, weightless volume, and individualistic style." The chic but unique styling has won fans from celebrities such as Sienna Miller, Eva Mendes, and Hope Atherton (among others).

© 2008 The Advice Sisters®

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

I thought this collection was fairly austere, with lots of black, brown, beige, taupe, grey, moss and navy. It hs a bit of a "militaristic" feel. In fact, hand molded felt caps with a big front bill, looked like a cross between a fedora, and a "Castro-style" military hat. There was some ornamentation such as the "rose" on this chiffon-y dress. Adding a bit of youthfulness was the textured hair, loose in front, but gathered in the back in a little, low tail that reminded me of George Washington's "do."

I wasn't backstage for this show (maybe next season) and I couldn't get a really good look at the makeup. It was created by the very talented Pat McGrath, with manicures by Creative Nail Design and hair by Dennis Lanni for Bumble & Bumble.

copyright © 2008 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. All photos by Alison Blackman Dunham. For permissions, contact advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net