Nicolas looked to the past for inspiration . Balenciaga fall 2009 was not what I was expecting at all. Nicolas is known for pulling the envelope with his futuristic designs. And this collection was dare I even say it very "wearable". Ghesquiere looked to the Balenciaga's archives for most of the collection's focus and inspiration. The collection was more ladies drinking tea at high noon than scf fi glam alien (well at least in Nicolas's mind) which I applaud him for. Nicolas also paid close attention to the shoulder detail like so many other designers are right now. I like the puff shoulder trend that is going on. I think the wrap dresses were Ghesquiere's strength in this collection. And that not even start with the wrap dress made of shaved mink.
I really don't need to say much about Balmain. Clearly, Christophe Decarnin knows what he's doing in Paris. He just stuck to his winning formula. Every party girl from Paris to New York wants to be in one of Balmain's ultra sexy, ultra tight, Swarovski crystaled dresses. Or rock the fab yet effortless look of a structured jacket with a t-shirt and skinny jean or skinny black pant. Note that Christophe brought out today's BIG models who've all but retired or are at least VERY selective about who they walk for. Girls like Erin Wasson and Carmen Kass. Every designer has taken note. Every model wants to wear it. Every editor wants to wear it to every other designers show. Balmain's come suck a far way from when Oscar de la Renta was at the helm indeed.
I am going to completely honest to all our my readers out there I don't know who Francesco Scognamiglio is. But I know I like his work . As I was catching up on Milan week because as you guys know my computer was down I came across this amazing collection. I loved almost every piece. It was a very strong collection. I will be on the look out for him next season.