PLAYFUL OPULENCE
Paris: After just three short seasons at Balmain Olivier Rousteing has established a cult following. Countless editorials have documented his baroque embellishments and slouchy take on luxury, a trend sure to continue for S/S 13. Turning his attention to the 90s, a decade when the 26 year old designer was only a small child, Rousteing produced his take on halter tops, pleated trousers, exaggerated shoulders and playful graphics. Harlequin diamond repeats ran throughout mixed with wide stripes, while quilting and articulated basketweaves added the texture Balmain is known for. With wide shoulders and a tapered silhouette the focus was squarely on the waist, an area also accentuated by wide belts and flared skirts. Confidently playful, this season Rousteing proved Balmain’s opulence can also be fun.—Nina Stotler
Silhouette: Tapered / Body conscious / A-line
Color: Black / White / Soft yellow / Mint / Canary yellow / Periwinkle / Silver
Key Items: Strong shoulder blazers / Tapered & pleated trousers / Halter tops / Wide leather jackets / Embellished & textured minidresses / Printed overcoats / A-line miniskirts
Materials: Leather / Stretch twill / Basketweave knits / Mesh / Denim / Lurex / Silk / Lace
Print + Pattern: Diamond repeats / Basketweave patterns / Stripes / Seashell shapes
Details + Trim: Lace appliqué / Quilting / Basketweave / Beading / Padded shoulders
Accessories + Footwear: Corset belts / Pointy pumps / Large hoop earrings / Patterned belts / Ankle boots
