BALMAIN FALL 2016

BALMAIN FALL 2016

Designer Olivier Rousteing of Balmain produced a hedonistic, sizzling collection steeped in opulence. Feminine, sculptural silhouettes reminiscent of Alexander McQueen's design DNA featured, pulsating energy echoing throughout. The decadent collection was held at the Palais Royal and played host to a menagerie of celebrities, all ready for their close up.

Model of the moment, Kendall Jenner opened the show in a powdered storm grey, pinstripe, sharp shouldered, full length, cardigan coat teamed to matching body con tank. A restrictive, high waisted, corseted skirt fell on the upper thigh. Details included boning, silver hook and eye and sumptuous fur panels.Suede thigh high boots emulating Stuart Weitzman's 'Highland' style concluded the look.

Tami Williams exuded 80s prowess in a powerhouse suede and fur sleeve, crossover, wrapped jacket. The voluminous jacket was paired to high waisted, flat front, stretch suede leggings. A signature boxing belt in chrome finalised the ensemble.

Danish beauty Josephine Skriver modelled an ice vo-vo, baroque inspired creation comprising of a high neck with cut out shoulder detail, ornate rose gold pearl embellishment and copious rows of tasselled pointrines dangling from the bust and sleeves. A white and gold cincher nipped in the waist which flowed fluidly into a scalloped hem mini skirt adorned with delicate, undulating beading. 

Statuesque Karlie Kloss took to the runway in a ballet pink, corseted camisole. The structured bodice celebrated the female silhouette. Ethereal, transparent lace trousers caressed legs and starred cascading silk waterfall ruffles. A corrugated crystal plate choker with gold hardware was oversized and hardened the romantic garments. A powder puff blue, tapestry silk brocade ignited a striking, off the shoulder, long sleeve, corseted blouse. Sheer panels highlighted the decolletage with brocade seams concluding the peplum blouse. Matching body conscious, stretch trousers encased every curve of Katya Ledneva's lithe physique.

Catwoman references were evident on a  sensual, black velvet, bodysuit. Long sleeves, structured shoulders, nude panelling and velvet breast cups exuded a modern day gothic renegade. Stretch flat front trousers with darting concluded the fierce look.

A spectacular collection brimming with couture like finesse. Perennial party girls rejoice, Rousteing has delivered yet again.

By Courtney Jones.

Balmain Pre Fall 2015

Balmain Pre Fall 2015

Revered designer Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, produced a Pre Fall 2015 Collection replete with grandiose and extravagance. The seventies decade style cue proved to be popular once again with designers this season and Rousteing was no exception to the rule.

Rousteing delved into new territory and experimented with bold, striking floral prints that commanded plenty of attention.

Rousteing states,"For this collection I felt the confidence to further evolve the signature look of Balmain, incorporating new and unexpected prints, colours and cuts".

Hemlines on offer included the signature micro mini proportions and free flowing, floor grazing pants so full in volume they resembled a maxi skirt.

Devon Windsor opened the collection in a monochromatic, photosynthesis inspired floral print Palazzo pant which was teamed to a black and white, candy striped turtleneck knit complete with black cuffs, neck and side panelling detail. A golden chartreuse overcoat punctuated the look adding a dose of colour and the staple leather boxing belt defined the waist creating a feminine silhouette.

The Balmain femme fatale is full of dynamism, uninhibited with a strong appetite for all things opulent updated with a modern edge. An ebony, fine knit turtleneck  sweater with exposed shoulder detail was twinned to a burnt tamarind, ruffle flounce skirt in sensual satin with high-low hem detail. A lustrous candy apple red waist cincher attenuated the waist. Semi sheer stockings, gold toe cap ankle cuff court shoe stilettos and raven woollen overcoat finalised the look.

Azure florals graced a high neck, ruffled mini dress with peekaboo keyhole and fluid, diaphanous Palazzo pant which was paired to a transparent, seductive blouse with a velvet tuxedo blazer thrown casually over the shoulder for an insouciant touch.

Disco fever prevailed on an ice silver, multi fringed cape dress. Crystal encrusted sleeves dazzled conjuring copious amounts of ostentation to the mix. Fringing continued to star on an emerald green, round neck mini dress complete with dolman sleeves and fringing in undulating patterns swathing every curve of the model's torso. High voltage glamour came in the form of a scarlet, ruched satin evening dress with provocative centre leg split. Sharp shoulder, aspirin dot mesh sleeves added the va-va-voom factor. Overblown fur sleeves accompanied a waxy leather blazer which was finalised with billowy, sheer, pleated trousers, leaving little to the imagination, ribbed knit and boxing belt. 

A magnetic, halter jumpsuit oozed of impeccable glamour and decadence. Fire engine red florals and jade green fauna were plastered throughout the garment. A high waisted matching belt elongated the languid trousers which draped casually on the floor. Pointy toed, velvet, crossover ankle strap stilettos concluded the look.

This collection is sure to resonate with the 'Balmain Army' with rigorously cut, defined silhouettes still proving to be an integral role in Rousteing's design mantra.

By Courtney Jones.