What needs to be said first is that the most unfortunate
part here is that Olivier Rousteing and Balmain will forever be inextricably
linked to KK in my mind and that diminishes their achievements.
Well it was a feast for the eyes or maybe a visual
extravaganza but most importantly it was all about fashion and how a young man
redefined and reimagined a house/brand and did it successfully. What intrigues
me most about Rousteing is that he has this very modern sense of glamour that
is deeply rooted in the past or history of fashion. He successfully channels
what was into what is and that alone is a HUGE talent. He is talented beyond
his years and hope that he can continue on this path which will lead to a very
long and glorious future.
Okay now collection time ...
pleating, wrapping/draping, color blocking and tailoring are all in
place. His fringe signature is played out to amazing lengths including one
helluva fringed jacket. The multi colors are extravagantly lush as well as are the
solid pieces. The “little” ruffled skirt is predominant whether in skirt or
dress as is his signature “bandaging.” I think the message is clear that
Rousteing has built on top of what he started and consequently delivers
amazingly strong collections because of it. He has a look …. He has a signature
... the clothes are distinctly his and recognizable!
As for his sex appeal, I think depending on whom you ask,
the reply would be quite different. To me, they are sexy and overtly hot, much
in the fashion that Ungaro of the 80’s delivered that quality. What gets messy
is those lace pieces which look too Fredericks of Hollywood and not enough
tasteful. His prints are nothing to write home about but he manages to offer an
alternative to the hot to trot pieces. While on the topic of possible deficits,
there is always that overriding image of KK wearing any of it making it look as
cheap as free lunch or a wardrobe for those girls who sell love by the hour!
In the end, Balmain is an acquired taste and make no mistake
this is not a collection for those who wish to blend in but it is a collection
that stands out in a sea of sameness and
applauds a designer who designs and doesn’t espouse. Or ... in other words the
clothes speak for themselves!
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