BCBG Max Azria Pre-Fall 2013 | Pictures

A trip to Istanbul inspired Max and Lubov Azria to create a softer collection for Pre-Fall 2013 than the leather-infused offering they turned out for Spring.

Here, instead of the strappy harnesses that adorned the bodice, there were soft ruffles of fabric that spilled from the necklines and shoulders of shirts and dresses. Pants were cut wide, and as with a number of other designers this season, the Azrias let a few skirts fall below the knee to midcalf.

You can see the Turkish capital literally in mosaic-tile prints and rich color choices — like the tomato red of a dress with sheer sleeves decorated with buttons of varying sizes. But it was also felt in flounces like lace insets and decorative cuffs. "It's such a romantic place," Max said. "It was really influential of the collection's mood."