At the Root of the Balmain Craze

Christopher Kane Spring 2007
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Balmain S/s 09
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According to the Sunday edition of the New York Times, Balmain is having its moment. I would argue rock & roll/biker inspired blouses used as dresses are having their moment. The silhouette of the Balmain dresses in question are the same as Christopher Kane Spring 2007 collection. These bondage inspired dress harked back to vintage Alaia and Versace, a high point in 80s/90s fashion.

I am not inferring that Christophe Decarnin is a copycat, when he is a true artist. I am as entranced by his creations as the Vogue Paris editorial team. But perhaps the heightened effect of his designs is their timing.

French style is also about the mix: biker boots with sequins, a smoking jacket with court shoes sans pants. The artful representation of it requires extremes to balance out each ensemble. Balmain dresses are the ideal dress under your father's jacket, with gladiator sandals or boots, with leather cord wrist cuffs, and no make-up. It references glam rock but encourages you to stray. Like Christopher Kane's creations, they are a perfect base for a cool girl's wardrobe.

Vogue Paris Nov. 2008

The accessorizing here is brilliant as well. I love mixing oldschool watches with cuffs, charm bracelets, and bangles. I also adore the babushka silk headscarf. Perfectly undone, functional, and beautiful. These are great ways to brighten up a dreary winter morning.

One more Clemence Post

Undone hair? Check. Fag in hand? Check. This spread from Vogue Italia's August issue's exhibits triumphant use of accessories. The hosiery and whimsical cuff make the outfit. On the other hand, with the ensemble's greatest strength being its irony, stock up on preppy do-dads; you need to have things to undo with dark and lovely add-ons.

If you love that cuff, check out some of the latest pieces from Jcrew's costume collection. Much of it is Lanvin and Dior inspired.

Hat Drama

I loved this shot of Clemence Poesey for T Magazine (NYT) because it showcases young french style blended in with current runway trends, like dramatic hats, ladylike dressing, and South American flair. Despite the massive ruffles and very 'obvious' pretty feel, it is so french due to the black-on-black, paired down silhouette, and Clemence's doll-like complexion.

By substituting the court shoes with statement boots and throwing on a sweatercoat, this outfit easily holds up in the winter.

Emmanuelle Mixes High/Low

altamira nyc

jakandjil

Emmanuelle Alt, the fashion director of Vogue Paris, artfully mixes dirty denim with couture footwear and biker mystique. It touches on an essential theme of the french gamine look: fabulousity and glamour are attainable sans bubblegum charm and bottomless purses. Did you notice---No it-bags! The chicest girl can get by with a clutch.

To my Miniscule Audience

Another Redirection: I will be exploring the concept of the french gamine. This is something I constantly pursue when styling myself, and will be translating current trends/collections to accommodate this.


I think it is the best option for creating youthful elegance while allowing for some sex appeal and staying within a mid-range budget.



stay tuned.

Fashion Post-Gossip Girls

Richard Nicolls
s/s 08

What's not to love?
Bondagy with tight panels of sateen and brocade exposing unexpected bits of flesh and coordinating lingerie. All this pristine pastel and 1980s socialite styling.... Is it an ode to the past two Marc Jacobs collection or simply pointing out bathing is currently a prerequisite for being hot. Sexy, young , rich hot.



Threeasfour
s/s08

Isn't it fascinating that one of the fashion world's most whimsical, on-the-fringe designers finished their collection with youthful frocks that even Blair would wear?
Perhaps this is the label's bid for a debut on the show. Or maybe, like their contemporaries, the slyly sexy, uptown brats crawled under their skin.

Cane Me Kane

style.com

Is any one else breathlessly in love with the direction of fashion for next spring?? I am stunned speechless. There is so much scintillating texture and exploration of uncharted territories. This past pic, taken from the Christopher Kane collection combines 60s childlike naivete with bordello sheer bits, and a juicy orange color for a touch of beachy/sporty. It's where Hussein left off with his s/s 07 show, but without the robotic spectacle and more sex. Prada fall 08 sex.

Don't you love it when designers cross reference other designers (and things their contemporaries pull from), contaminate it with foreign concepts, and make something AMAZING!! Does not happen often, but has been a consistent theme in s/s 08 shows.


IS there a soul left not utterly thankful Christopher Kane started his own line fresh out of school versus toiling beneath a older, more mediocre major label?



God Bless Mr. Kane!

Concept Reworked

Dear Readers:
I am currently experimenting with different topics to slowly gain focus on what I am drawn to, and what readers respond to.

So.... bear with me. I will start adding my own pics of relevant things,along with partuculary moving imagery.Scanned in.