[Pradable]

Quote:

Originally Posted by christian zh They changed the venue?

I don't know but this show was at Intercontinental Le Grand Hôtel Paris.

[pixiedust1603]

The detailing looks exquisite. I'm sort of in love with this collection.

[Tentacl Ventricl]

I'm sorry but the conclusion 6 looks in has to be that, compared to Decarnin, Rousteing's work is just not a-rousing.

In terms of continuity of wearer support that has to be a serious code to omit. Just as I said of Pre-Fall and Spring/Summer - where is the sexy, where is the chutzpah, where is the rock and roll?

Then at look #8, Rousteing announces himself. Under his helm Balmain is to become conceptual. Look #8 is quite interesting actually. It's sort of Mary Katrantzou gone graphic plus inner silhouettes, bodymachine references and playing with scale - in the inner fishnet enlarged, flattened surface.

But as soon as look #9 we know what we've been coming to see - it's looking curtains Mr Rousteing. Gone sort of baroque in some sort of smoking affair jacket it just can't flow into the previous look. And it so needed to because now it brings out the worst in #8

And omg - this is potentially the real killer. Is that who I think it is? And could you ever ever imagine Decarnin making a top model look mumsy like that! At look #12.Omg. As Julien McDonald might be heard to say (and he should know )''She looks absolutely awful''

The collection then just drifts off into dreary generic platitudes. Had there been any fire to start with I'd have said it well and truly extinguished by the end. Cup of tea anyone. The bare minimum thing this label might expect to be is in at least some sense French. It became thoroughly Anglo-Saxon. Dreary like rain. Or Burberry. No ooh la la, no chic and sexy, no inteligence. Umbrella anyone. Tissue?

How is old Christophe. Any news of his welfare?

[get fashion]

The same always, I prefer Decarnin job, at least he was authentical and rock and roll, these dresses are for grandmas.

[RedandNavy]

There are definitely some very nice looks here. Sadly, I am still having difficulties to admire a brand that sells cotton tees for 1500 USD.

[chloesaab]

i like this collection, though i haven't seen anything new but it's undeniably beautiful

[thejarc]

I dont know why people still keep bitching about Christophe, he tended to be repetive and shallow and although Olivier doesnt do the cliche rock n roll, it is still very much in line with the Balmain Christophe established.

And the price thing got a bit old, didnt it? If you dont like the prices dont buy it, its easy as that.

[Prairie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by christian zh They changed the venue?

Well, at least they changed something.

Nice collection, yes. But I don't see the point to replace a designer if you want him use the same silhouette etc.

[vivi27]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejarc you dont like the prices dont buy it, its easy as that.

Yep, I agree with you.

[lelaid]

nothing really new or innovative but still great pieces.

[HeatherAnne]

I thought people were going to scoff at me when I said I missed Decarnin, as so many were rooting for (and subsequently cheering) his dismissal, so I'm happy to see people expressing the same sentiment. What is Rousteing bringing to the brand that is innovative or exciting? It's great to see him keeping their brand identity in the form of their signature embellishment (though whoa, he went over board on some of those pieces), but as far as tailoring and overall execution go I'm not impressed at all.

[stelouche]

I like the collection but I don't love it, Balmain used to be COOL and ROCK'N'ROLL, even if you didn't have the money to buy a t-shirt you could still get inspired from it!
Now, it's too something and I can't find the word!

[Donatello89]

this is the 1st time I can say he really designs something. usually it's just ALWAYS the same, but this tie i have to admit there are really nice pieces

[TaylorBinque]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejarc I dont know why people still keep bitching about Christophe, he tended to be repetive and shallow and although Olivier doesnt do the cliche rock n roll, it is still very much in line with the Balmain Christophe established.

I totally agree. This collection looks great but definitely it is going to the direction that Decarnin has paved for the brand. Though I feel like Olivier's collection is more sophisticated.

[LabelWhore4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeatherAnne I thought people were going to scoff at me when I said I missed Decarnin, as so many were rooting for (and subsequently cheering) his dismissal, so I'm happy to see people expressing the same sentiment. What is Rousteing bringing to the brand that is innovative or exciting? It's great to see him keeping their brand identity in the form of their signature embellishment (though whoa, he went over board on some of those pieces), but as far as tailoring and overall execution go I'm not impressed at all.

I think he is taking the Valentino route. He stays true to the brands look for a few seasons while slowly transforming it in his own way. So, I think its a bit premature to accuse him of being unauthentic this early in his tenure at the house. Now if nothing has changed by this time next year i will fully support your sentiments.

This collection feels much, much fresher than Decarnin's last 4 showings for the house. While I'm not fully impressed or in love, I think he's off to a generally pleasant start.