We’ve seen celebrity after celebrity poured into them. We’ve marveled at how flattering they are on women whose figures we know are not perfect. We’ve compared photos of women wearing them and decided who ‘wore it better’. So, what’s the craze all about?
Reviews from those who’ve tried the dress say it’s (yes) very tight fitting, but not ridiculously so. Because of the way it’s made, it tends to hold in the areas that need to be constricted and push up the areas that need to be augmented. Sounds kind of like the dress version of the Miracle Bra!

Keep reading for a little bit of history, Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 Collections and affordable alternatives.

History of the Bandage Dress

Herve Leger is the original creator of the Bandage Dress. After he started his own line in 1985, he was walking through a factory and saw some old bands of fabric that were considered garbage. He had the idea to ‘wrap’ them next to each other to create a form-fitting dress.
Cindy Crawford was one of the first celebs to wear the new design. It was a huge hit through the late 80’s and early 90’s. Popularity died off for awhile, but the dress was resurrected occasionally by celebrities such as Elizabeth Hurley.
A couple of years ago, wearing vintage Herve Leger dresses became wildly popular. So much so, the style began being created again.
Christopher Kane (who was about 8 when the first bandage dress came out) designed a series of neon bandage dresses for his first independent fashion show in 2006. In 2007, the Proenza Schouler collection contained many bandage dress inspired styles.
But, what happened with Herve Leger? Max Azria bought the name in 1999 and began to expand it. The bandage dress debuted again in the Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2008 Collection (see images below). Herve Leger is still designing, but has changed his name to Herve Leroux.

Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2008 Collection

Herve Leger by Max Azria Spring 2009 Collection

To Buy, or Not To Buy??