Known for its hip, high-fashion style and sexy silhouettes, bebe was founded as a San Francisco boutique in 1976, when the women’s wear market was dominated by kid’s fashion, bridge (a step up from high-fashion lines) and missy lines (intermediate-sized clothing ranges). bebe was in a category which was neither junior nor bridge, and with this undiscovered market, Manny Mashouf, founder and bebe’s current chairman introduced stylish, trendy pieces and was a success. Now, bebe has reached Hollywood status with many celebrities including Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Eva Longoria and Paris Hilton wearing the label’s clothing. With its first store already opened in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the label’s latest trendy hot spot in 1 Utama is now available to shoppers in the form of a 2,000 square feet boutique.
The vicinity outside the boutique was transformed into a red carpet runway, with rows of chairs dotting the area for media and special guests to watch the fashion show. Guests feasted on canapés like tomato salsa on buschetta, satay chicken skewers and sushi rolls washed down with a choice of champagne, wine or sodas when emcee Sarah Lian took to the microphone decked in bebe – a clingy violet mini dress and strappy gold stilettos. Models then strutted down the catwalk in various bebe outfits that embodied what the label is known for – sensual, body-concious cuts in the latest trends. Hunky male models livened up the show unexpectedly when they showed up shirtless clad in just jeans!
The combination of a red ruffled top and black pencil skirt brought the ruffle trend to another level. Paired with the gold sandals, this is a look suited to anyone looking to dance the night away (doesn’t it remind you of hot flamenco dancers?). If you have plenty of curves and a tiny waist, this is a great look for you as it will enhance that waist all the more and make you look very curvy.
No one can get enough of strapless party dresses as they are so versatile. If you can wear this with a blazer thrown over it, you instantly have a smart, office look, and when taken off, of course you’ll be ready for a night out with the girls. Since this piece is clingy, slim figures will rejoice in looking fuller, and if you have great shoulders, this is the dress for you too – just make sure that the skirt isn’t too clingy that it shows off hips (if you are conscious of this part).
bebe also has very party-worthy tops like this rusty gold tunic with beading at the neckline. It’s great for those who don’t want to show too much skin, but who still want to look sensual. It’s great with fitting pants, or if it’s a little long for you, leggings. The top can also be worn casually when paired with a pair of white or denim shorts and some gold sandals.
This is the dress to don if you have been hardworking at the gym and want to show the results, or if you have all the confidence in the world (and a great body corset underneath). Simply cut but very, very effective with your highest pair of heels and glitzy earrings, everyone will be looking at you twice if you are wearing this violet number. It’s shorter than the dress Sarah wore, and less forgiving.
The models also paraded bebe’s casual pieces including jeans, dresses, more ethnic, flowing tops and maxi dresses that can be worn for day or night. Whichever item of clothing you purchase from bebe, you know for sure that not only are their styles attention-grabbing, you also know that they design for the epitome of the confident woman.
