First Look: Agent Provocateur A/W 2014

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Exciting news! Agent Provocateur just released the images from its A/W 2014 lookbook a few hours ago and it's one big party! While they continue to utilize styles from their archives (you'll see familiar shapes, fabrics, and trims from last season), there is still a lot to celebrate about this collection. There are some gorgeous fabrics here, from sequined sheer tulle (I'm dying to see what that robe above looks like!) to gold chains and spacer bars.

The lookbook is styled with a sense of playfulness and decadence. It's like the ultimate dress-up party, with outrageous props and manservants to see to your every whim. It is disappointing that, again, Agent Provocateur chooses not to use models of color. Instead they've chosen to use two models that very much resemble life-sized Barbie dolls. While the irreverence of the shoot is great fun, it is tarnished by this fact.

Standouts from the collection include the Megan hot pink mesh and red Leavers lace set bound in black trim (love the little black tassels and the daringly ouvert knickers), the Patti bra and skirted suspender set with cutaways that show off gold bars, and the Yoshi set that uses exquisite sheer tulle with pale pink and black floral embroidery.Surprisingly, there are several dresses available this season. The slip dress is a real stunner, with French Leavers lace layered over beige stretch chiffon for a subtle peek-a-boo effect. The teal long slip is lovely, too, with two slits to the hip, topped with dyed-to-match hand-cut lace at the bodice. And I love the sparkly silver fabric of the cocktail dress, with a plunging scalloped neckline trimmed in eyelash lace. Sadly, the other dress in a brocade-inspired print looks like an afterthought.
The rest of the collection features a lot of strappy detailing and some really gorgeous laces and embroidered meshes. The use of mirrors in some of these shots is a great way to see details (and adds a bit of the voyeur, too). How fabulous are the following knickers?!

The following set doesn't fit with the aesthetic of the rest of the collection, but is noteworthy as it harkens back to the lingerie styles of the 1980s. While the color is vivid (it's such a joy to see emerald green lingerie!), the style is rather subdued for Agent Provocateur. I'm curious why this set was included and if it is a glimpse of of more classic styles to come in the future.

What do you think of the new Agent Provocateur A/W 2014 lookbook? Which is your favorite piece from the new collection?