L'Agent by Agent Provocateur A/W 2014

L'Agent by Agent Provocateur has released its A/W 2014 collection cheekily titled Work Your Body. I rather like the use of props in the photoshoot, designed to make the models look like Amazonian figures with strong, confident sex appeal. There's less coyness and more sweaty, sultry directness that helps to elevate the designs.

As Cora mentioned with their S/S 2014 collection, many of these styles are reissues from the Agent Provocateur archives. In fact, most of these pieces are recognizable from when the brand first announced its collaboration with Monica and Penelope Cruz. Not even the colorways have changed in some instances. Again, this is such a lost opportunity to stretch the brand's creativity. The collection is oversized (we have just 33 of the images) and I wish they had shown more restraint in editing the line. As it stands, no one piece really "sings" amongst the crowd.

While the L'Agent for Agent Provocateur diffusion line doesn't have the subversiveness that Agent Provocateur has built its name on, it does have a certain youthful sass that appeals to the brand's target audience. Vibrant colors in hot pinks, violets, teals, and cobalts are electrifying and fun. Inspired by the giddy freedom of road trips, these pieces make you want to blast the radio and dance your heart out.

I'm happy to see less satin and more tulles and meshes with this collection. Also notable are the offering of more unpadded demi cups and sheer balcony styles. The strongest pieces in the collection are those that utilize strong lines and brilliant colorways. The linear lace on the above slip is striking. Also, the cobalt blue mesh set utilizes a black leopard print lace overlay that adds wonderful texture. I like the use of darts to create a triangle shaped panel in the violet bra for a saucy peek-a-boo effect. As a side note, the black bra with ribbon slotted overlays on the seams and neon orange details is a subtle nod to the exhilarating race track. Ladies, start your engines!

Penelope Cruz got behind the steering wheel (literally) for the second time writing, directing, and starring in  L'Agent for Agent Provocateur's campaign video promoting the line. It's irreverent fun with a lot of booty shaking if you want to check it out (at the bottom of this post). And yay for using models of color in the video!

 

What do you think of L'Agent by Agent Provocateur's A/W 2014 collection? Are there any pieces you'd like to try? With items available at your local mall, I'd love to hear your thoughts on quality and fit!