BALMAIN RESORT 2017

BALMAIN RESORT 2017

Parisian designer Olivier Rousteing created an exuberant Resort 2017 collection. Rousteing worked his masterful way on impeccably glamorous garments ideal for the self assured woman. Retro, 70s style elements and alluring 90s connotations echoed throughout. A role call of uber models including Russians Sasha Luss and Valery Kaufman fronted the high octane Resort campaign.

Luss modelled a colour blocked, striated, macrame mini dress complete with gold chain trimmings. The eye popping number starred in shades of cobalt, emerald, pineapple, orange and rose. Exposed shoulders, long sleeves, thigh grazing hemline and scoop neck detail oozed with the elixir of youth. The signature boxing belt made a cameo appearance finalised with a jade and tassel fastening.

Electrifying denim was remodelled in various silhouettes including a 7/8 trench dress deconstructed with military accents spliced to reveal nude organza panelling. Desert sand, platform, suede peep toe booties and a matching tasselled suede obi belt concluded the avant garde creation. A mid wash, denim trench was worn languidly. The staple trench was coupled to a deep decolletage, fringed, wraparound, macrame, maxi. The tasselled, plunging neckline screamed of the 70s decade. A sleeveless, tailored, safari jacket in duck egg blue denim was a streamlined addition. Four pockets with gold button accroutement and tie sash waist highlighted the foxy ensemble. Floor grazing denim flares resulted in a polished look. A midnight halter macrame, transparent mini was layered to a calf length matching cardi worn off the shoulder for a nonchalant approach.

Lively, Crayola box brights punctuated a crochet, peak shoulder, long sleeve, mini dress. Undulating panels were fused with geometric shapes in a colour palette consisting of tangerine, royal blue, azure and cardamon. A boatneck, floor grazing version starred trompe l'oeil panelling, hugging curves in all the right places. Fluid draping prevailed on a mandarin, liquid silk, cutaway, floor sweeping camisole. A wraparound bust was divided to reveal a triangle of torso flesh. A high waisted multi hued crochet maxi with double side split detail was a sublime accession pared back to the generous power draped cami.

A jewel tone, marmalade, exposed shoulder, extended waterfall sleeve blouse with scoop neck featured a decorative fringed bib in pewter. The diaphanous blouse was worn tucked into flat front, high waisted trousers slashed to unveil thigh high centre split uncovering bare pins.A ponyskin, leopard, tasselled belt attenuated the waist.

Precision tailoring featured on a pristine, marshmallow, cut out suit, windows of skin exposed, adding a flirtatious edge. A v-neckline, flared sleeves and tie waist created a feminine arabesque. Relaxed, floppy flares, caressed legs while a statement making bold, gold, jewel encrusted collar framed the neck. An oversized, metallic silver woven knit jumper starred drop armholes, elongated sleeves and a ribbed neck and hemline. A matching maxi in narrow proportions finalised the nonchalant number. A deep forest green, slinky, tiered, mousseline, maxi skirt was ignited by thigh cut-outs. A round neck, mullet cami in the matching shade of green added minimalism to the equation. A sumptuous suede, khaki cape coat brimmed of polished pananche. Midnight blue, mousseline ruffles cascaded from above the knee to the ground. A colossal gold chain choker festooned with an agate indigo and sky centrepiece. Iridescent, burnished gold, embellished flared trousers in leopard were a dramatic after five option. A woven metallic funnel neck jumper resembling tactile chainmail worked well against the scintillating trousers.

An uplifting collection replete with ostentation and pulchritude.

By Courtney Jones.