Christophe Decarnin for Balmain

[Spike413]

Balmain is a little trashy...

That's putting it mildly.

Balmain reminds me of that old Dolly Parton quote: It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.

 

[the-smiths]

We agree.

 

[helmut.newton]

Wow I am shocked to hear of the prices.

$7,000 for a leather jacket!!!

Wow. Why would anyone pay this much for Balmain? I mean, at least at Balenciaga you're getting something with a touch of class and couture.

 

[the-smiths]

I disagree. Balmain isn't classy or well made...

Balmain is just sl*t wear w/ high prices.

 

[Spike413]

^ I think that's what helmut.newton was saying, that compared to a label like Balenciaga where you're at least getting something really incredible for so much money, the prices for Balmain seem ridiculous.

 

[the-smiths]

^ Sorry. Typo. I meant to say "Balenciaga isn't classy or well made"

 

[dior_couture1245]

^^I have to disagree. Balenciaga is EXTREMELY well made. I saw the FW 06 collection in stores and went to the FW 08 trunk show and I was impressed by how well constructed the mainline clothes were (on the other hand, some of the archive reproduction outfits looked a little cheap).

But even if you think Balenciaga isn't classy (I don't think I would even associate 'classy' with Balenciaga myself, either, not because I think it's tacky, on the contrary, but I generally associate the term 'classy' with clothes more along the lines of Oscar de la Renta, etc), you have to realize Balenciaga is a far better investment. The two labels are similarly priced. However, when you purchase something from Balenciaga, you're getting something different, new, innovative, interesting, fashion-forward. With Balmain, you're getting jeans and a t-shirt.

Balenciaga is definitely more 'bang for your buck.' Because, for the most part, you could find clothes in your local mall that really don't look too different from what you see on the Balmain runway...and you'll certainly find it at 1/100 of the price.

 

[style_expert]

well I think that's basically the point Cathy Horyn is trying to make with the article. Everybody agrees the prices are outrageous...I even think Christophe himself must agree with that.

The point is...Balmain is out there for a very specific group with loads of money. I think part of the entire appeal of Balmain is the crazy pricing....and apparently for them it works.

I guess it's a psychological thing...because it's crazy expensive people are blinded and think it just has to be something really special..while in the end it isn't. It also makes sure there's only a specific group of people who can buy and wear Balmain

I do think Balmain is well made though....just not worth the price

 

[tricotineacetat]

... and on top of that, embroideries, for instance, made in India - not that there's anything wrong with that circumstance, just outrageous considering the pricing of the pieces. You would at that price expect it to be Lésage-beaded in Paris to allow for all of that price-y, snob attitude.

 

[KKnardi]

^in india? hm, that sounds a bit sneaky & cheap. sorry. so not "everything" is made above the store in paris after all...

 

[Les_Sucettes]

I guess it's a psychological thing...because it's crazy expensive people are blinded and think it just has to be something really special..while in the end it isn't. It also makes sure there's only a specific group of people who can buy and wear Balmain

In my opinion that's exactly it, absolutely nothing more, Most people cannot wear the brand so that makes it perfect for snobs. The other day I saw a pair of crappy ill fitting corduroy trousers that I would not buy even if i saw them on Primark, for almost 600 pounds...how can someone justify that price? How does the brand justify those prices? Apparently does not need to because the fact that they crazy expensive is their value in itself.

 

[cato.]

imo Balmain is really trying to bring back the exclusivity in fashion with the outrageous pricing. I mean, honestly, who's buying that black dress with the silver chain mail for almost 10,000 dollars? A lot of people because it's sold out in an heartbeat. Is it really that special? Is it really worth it? Especially in a time where our world is in a state of financial turmoil ...

I think the people wearing Balmain also have a lot to do with its popularity .. Take the Vogue Paris team for example. They're considered cool, and on the edge of fashion right? .. So whatever they wear is cool right? People have generally been blinded by that idea. & Face it, are Carine and her team really buying this..? Let's be honest here. ... The pricing and its general psychological effect also play a great part in this.

I think Christophe's reinvention of Balmain has been successful so far.. but I am eager to see what's gonna happen next..

Just my two cents

 

[cato.]

That's putting it mildly.

Balmain reminds me of that old Dolly Parton quote: It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.

Oh sweetie, you took the words out of my mouth. But it's fun trashy non? Everyone needs a little bit of that in their lives.

 

[212DRESSINGROOM]

I don't think that Balmain is trashy, some of the dresses in the S/S 2009 collection are treading but in good fun, almost like mocking fashion and the previous look that Balmain was built on. Christophe Decarnin has cleaned the slate and now he's free to do what he wants as he sees fit. The joke is on the people who buy his clothes thinking they will look cool but end up looking like victims because the Balmain look is not their style. The Balmain look is very specific and needs the right attitude to pull off. Every time i see a star or editor in his clothes they look fantastic not cheap or trashy, but very chic.

 

[JuiceMajor]

Trashy or chic? I wonder what he will think of this. But given that he doesn't go out much he won't even realized it. Ignorance is bliss!

Someone wore this to the James Bond premiere in London.

[email protected]

 

[Deleted member 7575]

trashy, definitely trashy

 

[FogUponLA]

That's putting it mildly.

Balmain reminds me of that old Dolly Parton quote: It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.

Oh Spike, you managed to sum up how I feel about Balmain in just one sentence. Thank you

 

[albertli1984]

Any information about Balmain Homme ?

 

[eugenius]

^hopefully not.

 

[TraiT]

^I think we'll have to wait till menswear fashion week...