Paris Fashion Week A/W 2011: The Balmain Pattern

I decided to wait a bit with doing this post, as I expected that the fashion blogosphere was filled with the news of Balmain's new collection. On Thursday, Balmain showed its A/W 2011 collection during Paris Fashion Week. I would write Christophe Decarnin for Balmain, but rumour has it that Decarnin was not part of the designing process for this collection. Instead, it is said that stylist Melanie Ward (known for working for Helmut Lang) created it together with Balmain's team. And where is Decarnin? Reportedly, staying in a mental hospital since mid-January, the reason being a nervous breakdown.

Still, I see a lot of Decarnin in the Fall 2011 collection. Especially in the pattern that was used for some of the dresses, skirts and jackets. The whole collection received mixed reviews, something I can understand. The pattern is wonderful, and I would love to own one of those dresses (or all three!). At the same time, one can't help but ask: how long can a fashion house rely on the embellished jacket + skinny pants combination?

Source: style.it + Fashionologie

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Balmainia

Finally today arrived; the day that Balmain showed its S/S 2011 collection. Since I adore Balmain, my expectations were many and very high. Unfortunately, I must say that I was slightly disappointed when I sat down in front of my computer and eagerly looked through the looks created by Christophe Decarnin. The last seasons, Balmain have produced collections that women have gone crazy over, and the term "Balmania" hasn't occurred without good reason. Still, I had expected more this season as I feel that this is something we have seen before. I believe that such a talented designer as Decarnin, who turned the Balmain fashion house around a few season ago, should take his collections even further and not rely too much on the previous collections he has made. But enough with the moral talk, and on to the good stuff - the jackets were stunning, oui? Definitely a great DIY project.

Source: picapp.com

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