Inside NYFW’s BCBGMAXAZRIA Spring 2014 Runway Show

Backstage at BCBGMAXAZRIA’s Spring 2014 Runway show, the room was buzzing with journalists, photographers, coordinators and models. In the middle of the chaos stood none other than designer and creator Lubov Azria in a luxe all-black ensemble looking totally unruffled. Lubov gave Haute Living the inside scoop on her new collection.

Describe the woman who wears your collection.

“This woman is always in the forefront. She knows what she wants and when she wants it. She is so savvy with fashion… she is socially involved. We’re designing for a savvy, strong and amazing woman!”

What’s one fashion rule you’ll never break?

“Wearing black! I’ll always wear black. It’s an excuse for…”

Being chic?

“Thank you! That’s perfect!”

Tell me about your most unique piece.

“Right now it’s all one of a kind, but the piece I like the most… there’s this jumpsuit that’s going to come out that’s made from cuffs of a shirt!”

Post-interview, Lubov led me through a gauntlet of press and guards so we could continue chatting while she helped with final fittings.

After being photographed behind the scenes, models stood around this sweet little sign of motivation, an enthusiastic note from Lubov and her husband, Max.

Soon enough, I rushed over to Lincoln Center’s Theater to claim my seat at the runway, spotting celebrities like Heidi Klum, Giuliana Rancic, Olivia Palermo, Nina Garcia and Jamie Chung.

Once the show started, it was evident that Lubov’s earlier comments were correct; the new line was designed for a sassy, strong, urban woman as evidenced by the line’s juxtaposition of masculine and feminine designs.

The models glided down the runway to “And I Say” by Nicolas Jaar, each donning their own impeccable look. The showstopper was certainly the collection’s white cuff-shouldered jumpsuit, a menswear-inspired outfit that was chic, wearable and classic.

After the event, I was able to snag Nina Garcia for a quick Q&A. Donning Google Glass as anticipated, the ever-haute Project Runway judge answered questions from the group.

What is it like wearing the Google Glass?

“It’s another layer, it’s another experience that I want to offer my followers. Since all this new technology…I want the iPhone, I want the iPad, I want the instruments that help me communicate my experience to my followers. This is another opportunity to do just that.”

What did you think about the show?

“I thought the show was fantastic… they offer the trends in a very realistic and wearable way. There’s an effortlessness about this collection… a femininity that I really appreciate. What I love about this brand is that you always walk out of here feeling like… ‘I want to be that girl. I can wear that.'”

What is one fall fashion rule that needs to be broken?

“White. After. Labor Day. With this weather that is so unpredictable…I think you can wear white any time!”