[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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