Incorporating harnesses into garments is certainly foreign in Sri Lanka and would be a definite head turner. The whole idea of wearing a harness is quite bold, in a very naughty, wild, stylish kind of way. Which of course requires some courage to carry off such a trend. This look is best kept simple as the harness it self creates an attraction therefore requiring no accessories.

 

The designers for BCBG MAXAZRIA, Max and Lubov Azria channelled this trend with their Spring 2013 collection, and not just with the colour palette. Their theme for the collection was, "Une Femme Dangereuse" which translates into "A Dangerous Woman," was evident in their suggestive, feminine creations sent down the runway. 

 

 

 

 

The designers described the collection as  “fluid silhouettes, elongated proportions and weightless fabrics, that embody the seductive allure of the season.”

 

The designs were apparently inspired by the works of Helmut Newton who is a photographer well known for his provocative photography. The allure of removable harnesses has given off an evident subtext of fetishism when topped on the ethereally-designed, with flowing crepe dresses in black, white and cream. 

 

 

 

 

According to the designers, the addition of the harnesses was not only for juxtaposition but to make the entire collection transition from a bold stylish trend to a subtly erotic one.

 

With introducing such designs the question remains “has E. L. James’s book 50 Shades of Grey inspired a fashion phenomenon?”

 

Regardless of the concept behind the trend, the designs are quite fashionable and can be considered wearable without creating a stir in a conservative society as to what the designs symbolise. 

 

 

 

 

 

By Radhi de Silva