Sexy has a different meaning for different people. For some, it’s all about exposing as much skin as possible. While for others, a more subversive approach is enticing enough. For Alessandra Rich, however, her brand of sexiness dwells on both, especially with her Fall 2019 collection. Presented in a classic Parisian boudoir, her latest seasonal line was all about the ladylike tropes her clients love, touching upon 1940s silhouettes with 1980s-style of sexual electricity. The tailoring here was almost couture-caliber, as evidenced by the strong structures and well-defined shapes of the pieces. And these were just about the only good things about it. Overall, the collection needed a lot of editing and refinement. With a lot of what she presented this season, especially the heinous lace bodysuit, Alessandra Rich might as well venture into lingerie or costume design for sexy films. We found it disconcerting that there was little to no originality here, and that Rich often relied too heavily on already-established tropes from previous decades. It’s one thing to be influenced by the past, it’s a whole other matter when you’re blatantly copying it and only making the hem shorter to make it seem modern. And talk about vulgarity! If they weren’t styled the way they were in the presentation and in the lookbook, streetwalkers would have a field day wearing many of such pieces for “work.” Though Parisienne fashions often push boundaries, this line just pushed sex into maximum overdrive.
Photo: Courtesy of Alessandra Rich
