Nicolas Ghesquière’s collections for Balenciaga always seem to be anchored somewhere in the future, but his Resort 2013 collection is a nod to the past, presenting much more functionality and understated femininity than the futuristic designs that have become the fashion house’s signature of late. He was inspired by a selection of costumes which Cristobal Balenciaga had created in the 1930′s for a ballet performance of Maurice Ravel’s Boléro and as an avid of the ballet, the influence is palpable in the femininity and functionality of the designs from their beautiful ruffled hems to their form-fitting and molded bodices.
Ghesquière juxtaposed the soft and fluid elements of his ballet-inspired pieces and bow-detailed booties with hard textures and styling including leather, harnesses, athletic-inspired raglan tops, and boxy silhouettes, bringing in the brand’s signature aesthetic.
Workwear and menswear-inspired designs also had a moment in the collection with pinstripes and trousers galore.
I have been such a big fan of Balenciaga under Ghesquière because with each season, he presents designs that are altogether different without straying from the brand’s core. No collection is ever repetitive or boring and Resort 2013 is one of the softest and most wearable offerings I have seen from the fashion house in some time. My favorite pieces are of course the eye-catching bow-detailed booties and ruffle hem skirts.
What do you think?
Images: Style.com
June 11, 2012 3:40 pm
What an exquisite write up. Well done, Faith. Love the booties as well.
June 11, 2012 3:51 pm
I’m loving the soft elements as well. He is definitly doing the brand justice with every collection.
June 11, 2012 3:57 pm
Great post. Well done Faith!
June 11, 2012 6:06 pm
close up on the shoes please
utter sickness, madness, retardation
June 11, 2012 8:05 pm
balenciaga is in my top three of names i’d like to have in my closet. the others are prada and dries van noten. just one dress or coat/jacket from each, and i’d be totally thrilled.
June 11, 2012 10:37 pm
Rhi Rhi comes to mind when I look at this pictorial.
June 11, 2012 10:53 pm
Balenciaga rocks this year again! I love all his designs. I would love to have one of those!
June 12, 2012 1:47 am
Beautiful wardrobes. Two thumbs up for this preview.
June 12, 2012 9:04 am
Those booties are so fly…its love!
June 12, 2012 1:48 pm
This is a beautiful collection…though you have to be pretty small to wear most of these pieces.