WHAT: Balmain Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019. This is Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing's first outing at haute couture for the famed French fashion house after nearly nine years there.


INSPIRATION: Pearls were a central theme, as well as the sea, shells and coral. Rousteing was also inspired by Couture Grand Masters such as Yves Saint Laurent (isn't everyone??) and Pierre Balmain himself and his grand 1950's designs, showcasing ballgowns, fan-pleated suits, dresses.

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

























Click below to watch Balmain Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019 show:

                                                                     Balmain Fall 2017

                                                                     Balmain Fall 2017


                                                                     Balmain Fall 2017


                                                                     Balmain Fall 2017


                                                                    Balmain Fall 2017


                                                                    Balmain Fall 2017


                                                                     Balmain Fall 2017


                                                                    Balmain Fall 2017


                                                                      Balmain Fall 2017

The Look: 28-year old Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing was thinking--according to Style.com--of Paris in the 70's and Loulou de la Falaise as inspiration for this collection. And it's pretty obvious. It's very YSL--THE Yves Saint Laurent, of course--in the colors, shapes, those strong shoulders.

Inspiration: 

Themes: 28 year-old Balmain Designer/Creative Director Olivier Rousteing (above) said that this collection was about Transparency and Sexy and 90's Supermodels. That's nice to hear from someone who was born in...1986. There were also Mondrian-like moments in terms of the colors, and lots of SEX. I also can't help but think when looking at each and every one of these looks how VERY Kim K these are. If that isn't his muse, she should be.

Trends: Sheer/Solid; bright colors; windowpane plaids; color blocking; sexy, fitted; below-the-knee dresses; super-long pants; high-waist; peek-a-boo skin reveal; 80's/early 90's Shoulders; Sleeveless Jackets; bandeau-top dressing; 70's "Studio 54" jumpsuits.

Colors: Highlighter yellow; white/navy blue; white; "Rainbow" colors; black and white; red; black.

Oversized Jewels, Shapeless Tunics and Oh Yeah, the 90's Supermodel Look IS BACK:

First Up--Lanvin Spring/Summer 2013 by Alber Elbaz:


Japonisme (kimono re-do) , the Square Shape (Le Tunic) and as Lanvin Creative Director/Designer Alber Elbaz says "deconstructed classicism". There was also lots of asymmetry and  LOADS of BLACK. I also LOVED the oversized jewels, sequins and stones that were evident on fab jumpsuits and one-shoulder dresses. Here are some of my favorite pieces:






Below is the Full Lanvin Spring/Summer 2013 Runway Show Video:

 Balmain Spring/Summer 2013 by Olivier Rousteing:


The Vibe: Miami, Cuba, Early 90's Shoulder Pads, 90's Supermodels...Lounge House Music Cocktail Ensembles...

Designer Olivier Rousteing (above)--who is only 27 years old--said his reference was "90's Supermodel" and SADE, the singer...

Even Tim Blanks of Style.com asked "Ummm, how old was he in the early 90's?" At least he is referencing to that, as opposed to when I ask young 20-something wanna-be fashion designers and they say their favorite "designers" are Jessica Simpson and Kim Kardashian. Really? Cristobal Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent never crossed your mind, I want to ask??? "Who?" they say.... Anyway...


Balmain Spring/Summer 2013 had HUGE shoulder pads, lots of jumpsuits, Versace-like prints, and an overall vibe of 90's Supermodels Waiting in Line to a VIP Club in South Beach with a dash of Cuban influence. Here are are some of my fave looks:







 Below is an edited version of the Balmain Spring/Summer 2013 Runway Show: