Unbearably short dresses: check

Unforgiving bodycon shape: check

Distinct 80′s vibe: check

FROW (that’s front row for you non-fashion tweeters) packed with paparazzi-friendly starlets: check

Yes, it could only be the New York institution that is the BCBG Max Azria show, and why change a winning team, right?

With Solange Knowles, Amanda Bynes and It-Girl du Jour Leigh Lezark packing the front row, Max Azria brought did what he did best, and brought a collection of bodycon dresses fit for any Hollywood party girl.

As if to avoid any confusion with his other collections for Hervé Legér, he played with a mixture of fabrics that did not include the typical unforgiving elastic material, but instead opted for sheer fabrics, draped jersey and printed silks. The prints were mixed with block colours, creating interesting structures.

He occasionally mixed the mini lengths with maxi flowing dresses – although almost unwillingly, as a sheer long dress just displayed a mini below.

I also couldn’t help but think of Alexander Wang with a few dresses which had  a mixture of sheer and strategically draped fabric like the coral one below.

A reasonable collection of which we’re bound to see aplenty on the likes of the Lohans of the world, but in terms of fashion it seemed like he played it safe. Let’s blame recession here, shall we? I’m looking forward to see the Hervé Legér show – hopefully he’ll mix it up a little there.

(Images from Style.com)