Balmain Fall 2014

Olivier Rousteing produced one of my favourite collections for Balmain this season. The collection was centred around an infusion of safari tribalism and the urban edge of Rousteing's character, which is passed through all of Balmain's collections.

Last season we saw a kinder, girlier side to the Balmain woman; with the subtle pastel coloured bomber jackets and rough and rustic houndstooth suits, very 90s. However, that collection was replaced by a fierce, strong and powerful woman. Rousteing covered the catwalk in cargo pants, oversized biker jackets in leopard prints and zebra stripes, vibrant colours of orange and a tangy yellow featured on dresses made of rope and leather latticed silks with golden chokers. 

Layering was a key idea for this fall and Rousteing expressed this by the build up of leather on bandeau or leather and cord. It was certainly one of the shows which kept close to the texture-blocking trend for the colder months.

                                        

                                       

                                       

                                              Pictures obtained from fabsugar.com

                                        

                                        Picture obtained from fashiongonerogue.com

Christian Dior's 'New Look' Revolution

The late 40s brought about a new fashion era. Christian Dior was the first to introduce the world to a differently captivating silhouette that would change fashion forever. The 'New Look' as called by then editor-in-chief, Carmel Snow, was an immediate success. The designs included a fuller bust, a cinched-in waist, sloping shoulders and a full skirt. Unbeknownst to everyone, this would turn out to be the most iconic collection in fashion history.

One outfit featured in the 'New Look' collection called 'Tailleur Bar' (Bar Suit), was considered legendary as it contrasted with the dominating boxy silhouettes of Cristobel Balenciaga and Lanvin in the 20s and 30s, bringing more femininity to womenswear and preserving their natural curves.

 

 

 

Christian Dior paved the way for many designers; without his revolution we would not know of the famous Jean Paul Gaultier's iconic hour glass silhouette or the 60's Mod takeover; the birth of the new, modern age of fashion, an antithesis of the immediate post-war, military style.

 

Dior's sketch of 'Tailleur Bar'

 

Jean Paul Gaultier's hour glass frame

courtesy of magazine.foxnews

 

 

Note: I do not own any of  these images.