BALMAIN RESORT 2016

BALMAIN RESORT 2016

Advocate of all things embodying feminine allure, Olivier Rousteing of Parisian house, Balmain delivered an empowering collection brimming with undeniable sass and ostentation. Pulsating energy engulfed intricate handiwork as Rousteing took us on an exotic journey back to the seventies decade with safari sojourns and  disco fever on the agenda.

The collection opened with a rigorously cut mushroom peak shoulder blazer which starred lace up panelling detail. A restrictive leather waist cincher in the shade of pearlescent pink drew in the waist. A stretch rose quartz ruched pencil skirt was a figure hugging addition with triple bows gracing the centre of the skirt. Signature vertiginous black suede caged booties brimmed with attitude.

A taupe harlequin check duster coat graced Dutch newcomer Julia Van Os' shoulders. Matching high waisted leggings were teamed to a cross over, deep decolletage bustier. Ysaunny Brito modelled a drawstring , leather shell in honeyed beige complete with safari inspired oversized pockets and interwoven pannier leather strips. A matching a-line mini skirt concluded the dapper ensemble.

The YSL archival 'Veruschka' safari dress was seemingly reinvented to star in desert sand suede. The body con dress was highlighted by structured shoulders, lace up front, chest and hip pockets, attenuated by a suede boxing belt complete with gold hardware.

A languid, burnt terracotta, floor sweeping maxi dress featured colossal sized, cuffed, drop armholes. The fluid silk fabric offered an iridescent sheen. Drawstring toggle waist, parachute pockets and suggestive centre split brimmed with siren-esque connotations. The forever covetable Balmain mini dress was updated in an earthy shade of mocha which featured a tight knit basket weave  bodice complete with textural suede lace up panelling throughout. Statement bamboo earrings oozed of jungle luxe. 

An LED city skyline played backdrop to a seductive khaki jumpsuit flaunting every curve of Van Os' physique. The plunging number featured lace up eyelet detail descending from the armpit to the ankle finalised with a leather waist cincher belt, polished perfection. Technical feats were prevalent on a lustrous chain engulfing, bronze embroidered, textural ebony, three quarter sleeve mini dress, decadence reigning supreme. 

Monochromatic graphic coral branches punctuated a velvet lace up blouse reminiscent of Tom Ford's 2002 YSL glory days. The coral embellishment continued to flourish on a ruffled flounce high-low hem evening skirt which was married to a matador derived cropped jacket.

The collection closed with a cherry blossom pink, cutaway ruffled evening dress. A voluminous top was paired to a romantic mermaid frilled skirt which conveyed sheer elegance. A striking coral collar in ink looked as though it was discovered deep in the depths of the spellbinding ocean.

By Courtney Jones.