Balenciaga Spring 2013

Balenciaga Spring 2013

For Parisian powerhouse, Nicolas Ghesquiere's final collection under the helm of Balenciaga he showcased a stellar line up bursting with ingenuity and purism.

A disparate shift of aesthetic was evident. A profusion of liberated silhouettes with plenty of flesh on display roamed the runway. Ghesquiere conjured up images of sophistication combined with robustness and strictly disciplined garments.

Characterful high waisted skirts featured thigh high splits, oozing with conviction and cascading ruffles.

Masculinity reigned supreme with androgynous pants suits in dove grey, very Emporio Armani.

Bandage body con bustiers were paired with high waisted, tapered leg pant, with pleat hip detail. Fashions current obsession with peplums continued and found there way on to garments adding hints of Spanish ethnicity.

Oversized, rigorously cut, angular bibs offered avant garde qualities. The austerity of the bib was softened with the juxtaposition of shapely, floor sweeping, flounced skirts. A clinical, white trench dress was belted and featured perforated hem and bodice, think clean, minimalistic lines.

A sensual, white lace shirt featured shoulder pad detail, paired with navy, tweed boucle like, kilt mini skirt with gold button detail. Tweed boucle like embroideries also made appearances on bibs, blazers and brassieres.

A succession of saccharine, guipure lace dresses came in shades of muted yellow and powder puff blue. Mosaic, leaf pailettes featured heavily on the closing garments of the show including empire strapless dresses and art noveau shifts.

Triumphant, statement making accessories flourished. Chunky, yellow gold ring bands encased models fingers, fine gold bands were worn as midi rings resulting in hand embellishment which had an overall warrior like effect. Fine, gold chain necklaces with charm detail dangled coquettishly from models necks.

An exceptional preeminent hair accessory ruled the runway and came in the form of a headband complete with silver twig detail yet instead of being worn on the crown of the head it was placed ever so cleverly at the back of models heads, above the ears. This accessory complimented the undone, bed head hair style worn half up, half down.

Footwear included two tonal navy and black lace up bootie heels, which were finished in waxed leather. Conceptual, heeled black brogues offered chic practicality paired with fashion panache. Handbags came in structured shapes of hat boxes, makeup and binoculars cases.

By Courtney Jones.