few seasons ago, a stylist from New York came to shop at the Closet (where I work). She was asking for Alaia and vintage Leger. Not long after, the dresses were seen everywhere. I assumed the trend would pass, but it hasn't. Boston can't get enough of the bandage dress.

I asked my boyfriend what he thought of them.

"You mean like for a mummy?"

No, I meant Alaia (or Leger).

Azzedine Alaia set fashion on fire in the 1980s with body-conscious silhouettes from Paris. A man named Herve Leger was working for him at the time. Leger started his own line in 1985, basing his designs on bands of elastic fabric, sewn together in a manner that does nothing except flatter the wearer's figure.

It was also highly reminiscent of the style of his previous employer.

A decade later, Alaia threatened to pull his collection out of Barneys New York unless the store ended its relationship with Herve Leger. Copycat accusations lingered, until the name was sold to Max Azria in 1999. It's now been more than 20 years since the first bandage dress hit the floor.

This week alone, I've seen them in the local party pages, in fashion magazines, on Katy Perry, and on the HBO show Entourage. A sunset-colored ombre mini from Herve Leger (above) was consigned at the Closet recently. It catches the eye of nearly everyone who walks in the door.

Now, if only I was brave enough to wear one myself.