March 22, 2011
by fashionpulse
[Images via Elle.com]
Balmain
Considering how much Balmain’s Christophe Decarnin has worked the 70s era into the house’s collections, it’s no surprise that there was a Ziggy Stardust energy on the Fall 2011 runway. Bib-fronted tuxedo shirts, glittering jumpsuits with pencil-thin suspenders, and a girl-meets-the-man-who-fell-to-earth cut in his always incredible jackets. The volume on the rock n’ roll wasn’t as high this season, but that won’t stop Balmain die-hards like Rihanna from picking up a few pieces.
[Images via Elle.com]
Maison Martin Margiela
While the Maison Martin Margiela Fall 2011 collection may seem straight-forward, it certainly had its share of contrasts; dainty floral patterns amid matte leather, clean blocks of color that peel away to reveal an opposing layer, courtesy of lengthy vertical and horizontal zippers, jackets and dresses that moonlighted as coats. The textures were fascinating as well; patent leather was paired with knits, while another look matched fur with a simple sweatshirt. Like earthy caterpillars, the models seemed to be shedding a layer, ready to emerge as something else entirely.
[Images via Elle.com]
Jean Paul Gaultier
Sporting bouffant silver beehives, the parade of models on Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fall 2011 runway looked more like chic librarians than his usual Dita Von Teese-infused woman. Yet the Von Teese inspiration was never too far away; amid the flowing tweeds, pinstripes, and buttoned-up print blouses were wrapped leather skirts, tightly-netted lace catsuits and tights, and fur. The overall aesthetic may not have been quite risqué, but there was still some sensuality simmering beneath those tight collars.
-Kaci Hamilton
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October 20, 2010
by fashionpulse
[Images via Elle.com]
Alexander McQueen
The task of taking over any fashion house comes with its own special set of sresses, much less one as firm in its vision and feel as that of Alexander McQueen. Yet Sarah Burton, who worked with the designer for 15 years, proved this spring that you don’t share such close quarters without learning a thing or two. Her softening of McQueen’s quintessential details – the dramatic coat, the intense shoulders – was the right merging of two harmonious minds. Fortunately, Burton didn’t soften the drama too much, as her elaborate, awesome (in the true sense of the word) dresses harnessed the wildness of nature in its most wearable way.
[Images via Elle.com]
Viktor and Rolf
Amid the theatrics and tones of bright blue and earthy red, the overriding theme at Viktor and Rolf for Spring 2011 was the timelessness of a man’s shirt. Some outfits, like the opening quadruple-cuffed and collared shirtdress, may not transition so easily from catwalk to sidewalk. Yet, there were quite a few coat-tailed shirts with slim pants, and shimmering party dresses with asymmetrical embellishments of lace. Perhaps most surprising was the presentation of a few bridal pieces, with luxurious layers and structure. In the V&R world, the man’s shirt knows no bounds.
[Images via Elle.com]
Balmain
Fans of Christophe Decarnin who were expecting more of his heavy opulence from last season had another thing coming this spring. The designer stuck to his usual detail but went in the direction of punky studded jackets, second-skin leather pants, and safety-pinned tops with nary a dress in sight. It was focused and simple, but not without Balmain’s signature refinement. Starlets ready to up their rocker ante in a chic way in Spring 2011 now know exactly where to look.
-Kaci Hamilton
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