BALMAIN x H&M

BALMAIN x H and M COLLABORATION

Designer Olivier Rousteing unveiled his highly anticipated Balmain x H and M collaboration on October 20th in New York. The runway extravaganza was set in a subway terminal and featured catwalk appearances from a roll call of supermodels including Karlie Kloss, Joan Smalls, Alessandro Ambrosio and Toni Garrn. A high octane performance by American nineties boyband, Backstreet Boys set the scene, belting out their number one hit, 'Everybody'.

Fashion celeb of the moment, Kendall Jenner opened the collection in an ebony, hand embellished tunic featuring bronze, silver and gold beading throughout. Details included 3/4 sleeves, velvet cuffs, square neckline and signature boxing belt waist cincher. The opulent tunic was paired to languid, velvet, palazzo pants.

Victoria's Secret fave, Alessandro Ambrosio modelled an electric cobalt, structured shoulder, body con mini dress. Geometric diamond motifs were splashed across the scintillating number. Opaque stockings and caged, gladiator, peep toe booties concluded the after dark number.

Parisienne model Nadja Bender strutted with conviction in a strapless, lavish, embroidered mini dress. The gold brocade worked effortlessly against the sumptuous velvet bodice. Lady bug red, corded, choker necklace and cuff punctuated the arabesque with a jolt of colour. A boxy, elongated, tailored vest added urban elegance to the ensemble.

The liquid satin, ruched, tulip skirt was reincarnated and sat high on the thigh. The satin caressed the model's hips saucily. A peak shoulder, plunging blouse featured billowy sleeves with eighties powerhouse connotations reigning supreme. Second skin stretch suede leggings were twinned to suede, pointy toe, stiletto booties. The tulip skirt silhouette combination also starred against a sensual, peek-a-boo top in midnight complete with transparent, flesh baring panels. A navy, military inspired, polished overcoat was worn over the shoulders and featured prominent gold button accoutrement.

Fluid, ink, silk satin dhoti pants, reminiscent of MC Hammer does ostentation were modelled by ubermodel Karlie Kloss. A simplistic bandeau, stomach baring, crop was coupled to a luxurious beaded tuxedo jacket in streamlined proportions.

Calling all fur lovers; a mahogany and black faux fur flecked chubby ticked all the right boxes. The fur jacket was highlighted by an emerald jumpsuit featuring lace raven design motif, undeniable glamour for the perennial party girl.

Jourdan Dunn modelled one of the most replicated blazers of the decade. The form fitting ivory blazer came complete with double breasted gold button closure. The waist was defined by a matching, wide, belt displaying gold arrow centrepiece and iridescent trimmings. Molten peg leg trousers created volume. Bandage wrap sandals finalised the standout addition.

The Balmain x H and M collection launches in Sydney on Thursday November 5th. Pieces are available at the newly launched Pitt Street Mall H and M flagship store (October 31st) and Macquarie Centre. Plenty of affordable garments on offer with more deluxe pieces fetching over $500 and as Rousteing proudly stated, "What is Balmain is what is me".

By Courtney Jones.