Olivier Rousteing loves a good ruffle—so do his legion of fans all over the globe and fashion at large quite honestly. He spread the dainty detail across high-neck blouses for a Victorian feel, sheer lace midi dresses for that quintessential Balmain sexiness, the top of a corseted dress for a modern take on boning, and a white lace jumpsuit that was a bit of 70’s and a lot to take in.
Fringe moved down the catwalk on a black long-sleeve gown on Ming Xi that would’ve been a dream on the Oscars red carpet, a flirty white mini dress that will surely be worn by a bride-to-be at one of her many pre-wedding festivities, a cold-shoulder top that could give life to even the most pared-down jeans and shoes, and a stunner on Gigi that screamed “Cannes”.
Texture was introduced on thigh-baring mini skirts in both fur and feathers, while a cozy cutout topper made the case for wearability.
And color play was a point of focus, with Rousteing showing vignettes grouped by hue or lack thereof. Morticia Addams would’ve been impressed with the range of all-black ensembles. She wasn’t much for functionality, but we fashion girls can appreciate the appearance of black tights as anchors.
Baby blue wasn’t decidedly Fall, but it felt fresh with suede lace-up mini skirts, a stripe suit, one of the brand’s signature mesh and fringe beauts, and a zip-front dress in a romantic brocade.
And pink was just as frilly and girly as most associate with the shade. Ruffles, lace, cutouts, form-fitting silhouettes: some of the most powerful and unabashedly sultry getups in the whole collection.
A Fall collection wouldn’t be complete without outerwear. The coats and jackets shown were strong and surprisingly wearable: waist-cinching belts not required, though they will certainly accentuate your figure.
This was the trademark Balmain way that Rousteing has forged since his time at the brand: strength, jaw-dropping details, an attention to form, and sky-high luxury. We’re pretty sure the Kardashians are already figuring out what they want from the assortment: especially as Kanye West and Kris Jenner sat front row. Get ready to see these looks on the red carpet in 3…2…1…
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Images: VOGUE.com