Olivier Rousteing expands upon the rich hues, varied textures, and ’70s inspired silhouettes he introduced in Balmain’s Pre-Fall 2013 offerings in the fashion house’s latest collection for Fall. Taking inspiration from Christian Lacroix and Paul Poiret, the designs are a study in vivacity, excess, and rock and roll chic, with the kind of energy and “wow” factor that simply cannot be denied. “It” girls flock to the brand season after season for fête-ready gear and these pieces show precisely why.
The pizazz is on display with the very first look: a silver metallic quilted mini dress with a draped skirt paired with thigh-high boots. The same pattern plays on harem pants, boxy vests, jumpsuits, and more.
Silver isn’t the only metallic on the bill as gold is splashed everywhere from quite functional crewneck knits to a draped tulip maxi skirt that will most likely make its way to the red carpet this year.
Designers are showing no signs of giving up on leather and the edgy material uplifts draped jackets and dresses cinched at the waist, high-waist harem pants for a not so functional take on comfort, barely-there mini skirts, and turtlenecks sure to keep their wearers warm.
The season’s requisite fuzzy knits are presented, though layered under sparkling blazers and beaded tops, nipped at the waist, and juxtaposed with satin trousers: not exactly your grandmother’s idea of the perfect sweater (or most people’s for that matter) but these are definitely glitzy and glamorous spins on the classics.
Pops of color shine through for the season in rich jewel tones of fuchsia, cobalt, emerald, and purple.
There is more than enough red carpet-ready wear here for the brand’s fans including Kelly Rowland, Nicki Minaj, and Brandy, among others. I’m most interested in seeing how the collection’s boxy yet glittering suits are worn, as well as how celebs pair the season’s thigh-high boots.
Thoughts on Balmain’s last collection? Check out our review of the fashion house’s Pre-Fall 2013 offerings here.
Images: Style.com
March 4, 2013 6:34 pm
This collection is absolutely stunning! I am really loving these glamorous art deco/old hollywood looks.
March 4, 2013 7:14 pm
this collection is a little too 80s for me
March 4, 2013 7:50 pm
Love it! The 80s is where they made me at! :)
March 4, 2013 7:53 pm
My favorite collection this season.
I love what Olivier Rousteing has done at Balmain. I see him having a long career in the industry.
March 4, 2013 8:10 pm
I dont love but I dont hate it either…
March 4, 2013 8:17 pm
Lawd what century are these gaudy clothes from its like Genghis Khan meets Studio 54.
March 4, 2013 8:46 pm
I love this collection! The fourth one was my favorite look and the 80s made me too so its all good lol
March 4, 2013 9:08 pm
What on earf is going on here? This is too much for my sensibilities!
lol @ Genghis X Studio 54.
March 4, 2013 9:45 pm
the last collection was better.
i feel like he doesn’t interpret or get inspired from the 80s/90s, he just makes literal representations of the period.
i’d like to see him move on from this. i get it. you like sade and that time period. this is 2013 now.
March 4, 2013 9:53 pm
Why do all these models look sick, tired, sleep-deprived, hungry and on suicide watch? smh @ the fashion industry. Y’all promote the weirdest and most disturbing trends. The clothes are mess too. They look like Lawrence (or should I say Laurette?) of Arabia at a striptease. Goodbye!!!
March 4, 2013 11:11 pm
OMG this collection is amazing I absolutely love Balmain!!
March 5, 2013 1:16 am
I love every look with gold in it, but I would never wear it.
This is more like art.
March 5, 2013 1:23 am
Jesus why can’t I be at these shows! I think I would just faint…
March 5, 2013 6:25 am
waw!
March 5, 2013 7:43 am
I love all of it!!!!!!!
March 5, 2013 11:26 am
Love it!
March 6, 2013 11:33 am
EVERYTHING IS PHENOMENON!
March 6, 2013 7:44 pm
The most wearable line this year, it definitely translates off the runway
March 9, 2013 6:49 pm
I want to jump into the screen and scream! This collection is soooo amaaaaazing!
Dynasty meets Battle Start Galatica meets Conan the Barbarian meets Paper Dolls (all of these are 80s shows that you youngins will have to youtube to feel what I’m saying).
Just OHHHH Wow!!!!!