The Rise of Hervé Léger: The Bandage Dress That Defined an Era

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BY Aine Lagan
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Few designers have captured a fashion era as effortlessly as Hervé Léger did with the bandage dress. It’s impossible to see the silhouette without picturing Jennifer Love Hewitt or Kim Kardashian wearing it in the early seasons of her reality TV show.

As Hervé Léger’s popularity grew, Peugnet gained international recognition by redefining Chanel’s silhouette before Karl Lagerfeld took over. If you’ve ever worn a bandage dress, you can thank Hervé Léger for making it mainstream.

Hervé Léger is a Parisian brand that has become synonymous with figure-hugging bandage dressesHervé Léger is a Parisian brand that has become synonymous with figure-hugging bandage dresses

It’s easy to be confused between Hervé Léger, the brand, and the original designer. Herve is known throughout the fashion industry by three different names, reflecting the brands he represented.

We’re sharing everything you need to know about Hervé Léger and answering the most popular questions about Hervé Peugnet’s fashion label.

The Fascinating Journey of Hervé Léger: From Hairstyling to Iconic Fashion

Hervé Léger was launched by Herve Peugnet, who later changed his name to Léger on the advice of Karl Lagerfeld, who suggested his surname would be too difficult for an American clientele.

His career started in hairstyling, but working at a Chloé fashion show ignited his passion for fashion. Herve began by designing hats and bags, and a chance meeting with Karl Lagerfeld led him to become the designer’s assistant.

He would go on to work for Fendi, Chanel, Lanvin, and Diane von Furstenberg.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Hervé Léger (@herveleger)

While Hervé Léger was starting to rise in popularity, Peugnet gained international fame after reinventing the Chanel silhouette as the brand’s lead designer before Karl Lagerfeld joined.

The pair had previously worked at Fendi and Chanel, with Lagerfeld becoming a major muse for the Hervé Léger brand.

Who is Hervé Léger?The French fashion house was founded in 1985 by designer Hervé Peugnet, also known as Hervé L. Leroux. Karl Lagerfeld advised Peugnet that his surname Peugnet would be too difficult for Americans to pronounce, and instead suggested the surname Léger.
How to pronounce Hervé LégerIf you're not sure how to say Hervé Léger, you're not alone. It is pronounced air-vay lay-jay.
Who owns Hervé Léger?The brand was acquired in 1998 by the BCBG Max Azria Group from the Seagram's Group.

In 2017, Marquee Brands acquired Hervé Léger from BCBG Max Azria and then sold it to Authentic Brands Group, which also owns Juicy Couture and Tretorn.
Where to buy Hervé LégerYou can buy perfumes on Amazon. Dresses and gowns are available at Revolve and Bloomingdale’s.

Peugnet famously altered the Chanel silhouette by evolving it into a more contemporary look with a shorter jacket, tighter skirt, higher heels, and larger jewelry. He began working out of a small studio in Rue du Pelican in Paris, making dresses and hats before launching the iconic bandage dress in 1990.

The fashion critic Suzy Menkes described Leger’s early collections as “a recipe for the Nineties” with designs that are “molded…to the female form, rather than draping and cutting it”.

Hervé Peugnet began his career as a hairstylist before working for various fashion houses and eventually launching his own brandHervé Peugnet began his career as a hairstylist before working for various fashion houses and eventually launching his own brand (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)

Hervé Peugnet would later become known as Hervé Léger and eventually by a third name, Herve Leroux, after selling his brand to BCBG. The designer was forced to change his name after losing commercial rights to ‘Hervé Léger.’

Karl Lagerfeld was once again involved in the name selection. He reportedly told Herve to “call yourself Leroux because your hair is red.”

Herve Leroux continues to trade today, with Jocelyne Caudroy acting as its current Artistic Director following the death of Leroux in 2017.

The Signature Style of Hervé Léger: Revolutionizing the Bandage Dress

Hervé Léger is synonymous with its signature bandage dresses that the brand describes as “celebrating the female form.”

Peugnet launched the iconic “body-con” dress in 1985 alongside Azzedine Alaïa. What made the dress different was that it used fabrics typically used for undergarments to mold and shape the dress to the wearer’s natural silhouette.

Hervé Léger pioneered the creation of bandage dresses or the body-con (body-conscious) dressesHervé Léger pioneered the creation of bandage dresses or the body-con (body-conscious) dresses

Hervé Léger is renowned for its signature body-conscious aesthetic, echoing the sculpted silhouettes popularized by designers like Thierry Mugler and Azzedine Alaïa in the 1980s, including Thierry Mugler and Azzedine Alaia. Hervé Léger’s dresses are famously knitted instead of woven.

The New York Times described the iconic silhouette as “elastic straps of fabric sewn together to make girdle-tight dresses,” creating the illusion of an hourglass figure.

Celebrities, including Kylie Jenner, Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, Katy Perry, Hilary Duff, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna, have been spotted wearing iconic bandage dresses by Hervé LégerCelebrities, including Kylie Jenner, Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, Katy Perry, Hilary Duff, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna, have been spotted wearing iconic bandage dresses by Hervé Léger (Credit: INFphoto / ACE / Elder Ordonez / INFevents / Humberto Carreno / startraksphoto / Jen Lowery)

The Hervé Léger bandage dress became one of the first ‘it’ styles of the 2000s. In the late 2000s, the silhouette was impossible to escape as it appeared everywhere, from red-carpet events to reality TV. While Peugnet had moved on from the brand, his iconic bandage dress remained its signature.

Joanne Froggatt, Miranda Kerr, Cara Santana, Nicki Minaj, Carmen Electra, and Vivica A. Fox are just a few celebrities who made the bandage dress their go-to style.

The Evolution of Hervé Léger: From Founding to Global Brand Ownership

Hervé Léger was purchased by BCBG Max Azria in 1998 from the Seagram Group. The brand was the first French couturier to be bought by an American designer.

Azria would go on to relaunch Hervé Léger in 2007 with a capsule summer collection of his own designs.

Tunisian-Jewish-born American fashion designer Max Azria, founder of clothing label BCBG Max Azria, acquired French couturier Hervé Léger in 1998Tunisian-Jewish-born American fashion designer Max Azria, founder of clothing label BCBG Max Azria, acquired French couturier Hervé Léger in 1998 (Credit: INFevents)

After selling Hervé Léger to BCBG, Peugnet launched another fashion brand, Herve L. Leroux.

In 2017, Hervé Léger was sold to Authentic Brands Group after being purchased by Marquee Brands from BCBG Max Azria the same year. The parent company also owns Juicy Couture and Tretorn.

Hervé Léger is now owned by American brand management company ABG (Authentic Brands Group)Hervé Léger is now owned by American brand management company ABG (Authentic Brands Group)

Juul Nielsen is currently Hervé Léger’s Creative Director. He is revisiting the brand’s original Parisian roots with an effortless, modern design focusing on a fresh color palette.

New York City-based designer Christian Juul Nielsen is currently the Creative Director of Hervé LégerNew York City-based designer Christian Juul Nielsen is currently the Creative Director of Hervé Léger (Credit: The Photo Access / Cover Images)

Discovering Hervé Léger: Boutique Locations and Shopping Destinations

Hervé Léger has several stand-alone boutiques in Florida, Moscow, and Las Vegas. You’ll mainly find Hervé Léger available at Bloomingdale’s across the United States. The brand is also available through its official website.

You can also purchase Hervé Léger from popular luxury e-commerce stores, including Amazon, Revolve, Farfetch, and Bloomingdale’s.

Mastering the Pronunciation: How to Say ‘Hervé Léger’

Hervé Léger is pronounced as “air-vay lay-zhay.” “Hervé” is pronounced as “air-vay,” with a silent ‘H’ and a soft ‘r’ sound, similar to the ‘r’ in ‘air.’ “Léger” is pronounced more like “lay-zhay,” where the ‘g’ is soft, resembling the ‘s’ in ‘vision’.

Behind the Labels: The Manufacturing Locations of Hervé Léger Dresses

While Hervé Léger products have a luxury price tag, most of the brand’s clothing is made in China.

The fashion label has followed the trend of exporting manufacturing to Asia. Its iconic dresses are made with eco-friendly recycled yarn and continue to be expertly knitted, not woven.

Although Hervé Léger dresses come with a luxury price tag, the brand manufactures its clothing in ChinaAlthough Hervé Léger dresses come with a luxury price tag, the brand manufactures its clothing in China

Exploring the Price Range: The Cost of Elegance at Hervé Léger

Hervé Léger sits at the mid-tier of luxury fashion. You can expect to pay around $700 for a simple classic dress from the brand. Popular styles start from $590 and range to $1,200 for evening wear.

Hervé Léger dresses are priced between $700 for simple styles and $1,200 for evening wearHervé Léger dresses are priced between $700 for simple styles and $1,200 for evening wear

It’s worth looking out for Hervé Léger in seasonal sales. The brand commonly discounts its non-permanent colors, including its most popular styles. A more affordable alternative is the brand’s diffusion range, Herve by Hervé Léger. Its everyday athleisure ranges from $155 to $325.

The classic Hervé Léger bandage dress has been making a comeback over the last year. It’s time to rediscover your love for the silhouette or splurge on a bandage dress that will give you the elusive hourglass silhouette.

Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Hervé Léger

Hervé Léger’s iconic bandage dresses have been a favorite among celebrities, who have showcased their curves and style in various occasions. Here are some memorable moments featuring Hervé Léger:

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Hervé Léger Dress Collection

  • Event: Multiple Red Carpet Appearances
  • Outfits: Jennifer Love Hewitt has long been a fan of Hervé Léger. She frequently wears the brand’s signature bandage dresses in various styles and colors, highlighting her affinity for figure-hugging designs.
  • More Details: Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Stunning Hervé Léger Dress Collection

January Jones’ Striped Hervé Léger Dress at the Fox TCA Party

  • Event: Fox Winter Television Critics Association All-Star Party 2015
  • Outfit: January Jones turned heads in a striped Hervé Léger flounced-hem dress, pairing it with matching two-tone striped sandals. The ensemble sparked mixed reactions; some praised its boldness, while others found the combination of stripes overwhelming.
  • More Details: January Jones’ Striped Hervé Léger Dress at the 2015 Fox TCA Party

Katy Perry and Cara Santana’s Hervé Léger Matching Ensembles

  • Event: Various Appearances in 2013
  • Outfits: Both Katy Perry and Cara Santana donned the same Hervé Léger by Max Azria Pre-Fall 2013 ensemble, featuring a haltered criss-cross top paired with a high-waisted pencil skirt. Katy accessorized with black Christian Louboutin pumps and understated jewelry, while Cara opted for nude-tone sandals, a clutch, chunky bracelets, statement earrings, and wore her hair in messy waves.
  • More Details: Katy Perry vs. Cara Santana: Who Styled the Hervé Léger Pencil Skirt Best?

Taylor Swift’s Bold Fashion Turn at the 2013 MuchMusic Awards

  • Event: 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards
  • Outfit: Taylor Swift surprised fans by stepping away from her usual style. She opted for a daring black-and-white Hervé Léger bandage dress paired with strappy Christian Louboutin ‘Karina’ sandals, showcasing a more mature and edgy look.
  • More Details: Taylor Swift’s Bold Fashion Turn at 2013 MuchMusic Awards

Taylor Swift’s Glamorous Appearance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards

Kaia Gerber Honors Cindy Crawford’s Iconic Look at TIFF 2024

Victoria Justice’s Playful Fringe Mini Dress

Katy Perry’s Chic Hervé Léger Ensemble

  • Event: ‘Kroll Show’ Appearance
  • Outfit: Katy Perry was spotted in a chic ensemble featuring a crop top and figure-hugging skirt from Hervé Léger’s Fall 2013 collection, paired with black Giuseppe Zanotti chrome stiletto sandals, exuding confidence and style.
  • More Details: Katy Perry Flaunts Curves in Hervé Léger and Giuseppe Zanotti

These moments highlight Hervé Léger’s enduring appeal among celebrities, offering designs that range from bold statements to elegant classics.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Steal the Show at Club SI Swimsuit Event

In February 2011, John Legend and his girlfriend Christine Teigen (of Thai-Norwegian heritage, just FYI) hit Club SI Swimsuit hosted by Vanity.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen pose for the cameras upon arriving at Club SI Swimsuit hosted by VanityJohn Legend and Chrissy Teigen pose for the cameras upon arriving at Club SI Swimsuit hosted by Vanity at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 17, 2011 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN / DJDM)

Unsurprisingly, Chrissy Teigen stole the spotlight in a bright violet and body-hugging Hervé Léger dress and peep-toe pumps that helped her look much taller.

Chrissy Teigen works the angles in a bright violet body-hugging Hervé Léger dress, pairing it with chic cream peep-toe pumps for a polished finishChrissy Teigen works the angles in a bright violet body-hugging Hervé Léger dress, pairing it with chic cream peep-toe pumps for a polished finish (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN / DJDM)

Hervé Léger is practically the uniform for models everywhere. For the Club SI Swimsuit party, Chrissy Teigen chose this Hervé Léger geometric jacquard dress:

Hervé Léger Geometric Jacquard Dress in Bright Violet ComboHervé Léger Geometric Jacquard Dress in Bright Violet Combo, $1,950

This dress is a good choice if you plan to make your first Hervé Léger purchase. Its bright violet and pink colors make it stand out from other Hervé Léger dresses so that you won’t look like a Hervé Léger clone.

Another good thing about it is that it still looks like a Hervé Léger dress. So, no “is she or isn’t she wearing the real thing” questions for you; you certainly wouldn’t want to be asked that, especially if you’ll pay the $1,950.00 retail price for this dress.