RUNWAY REPORT....Paris Fashion Week: Balenciaga Fall 2017

Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2017

WHAT: Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2017. Designer Demna Gvasalia who also designs the UBER hip streetwear line, Vetements, has taken over the design realm at Balanciaga. Gvasalia said he was inspired by over 100 photo mood boards from the Balenciaga archives showing the cabine models of the 50's posing and clutching coats and jackets in fabulous ways...

Coat Inspiration: Balenciaga Couture 1950's coats

For Fall/Winter 2017, he sent out models wearing jackets and coats and wraps asymmetrically fastened, twisted and folded skirts, leather and neoprene pencil skirts with the Balenciaga logo. There were also colored tights and flower printed dresses that ranged from full and oversized to short and baby-doll-like. Most of the collection was seen as a directional and forward-looking take on the famed Fashion House. A lot of the styling--oversized puffy coats and tightly fitted hoods and scarves--did look like a Super Chic "Grey Gardens" revival when you see the photos and watch the runway video...

Balenciaga Poufs: 1950's Balenciaga Couture--inspiration for Balenciaga Fall 2017

But the stars were the final nine gowns which celebrated Balenciaga's 100th Anniversary. The spectacular gowns were an overt homage to Cristobal Balenciaga and his gravity-defying (and technically incredible!) couture gowns of the 50's and 60's. These dresses were all Haute Couture and only available--according to the designer--for Made-to-Order. And they were MARVELOUS!

Collection Photos: