Not since my love affair with fashion began have I been so enthralled and swooned by a collection. I, like most others, died a little when I watched the first look storm the runway of Balmain Spring 2009. The look says it all. Shredded, acid washed jeans. Jewel and stud encrusted sandals. Line-backer worthy shoulder pads on an asymmetrical band jacket. Loose, lived in T's.
Pierre Balmain opened his design house in 1945, primarily focused on couture and creating gorgeous elegant pieces. Movie stars like Marlene Dietrech, Katherene Hepburn and Bridgette Bardot counted Balmain as a personal favorite.
Balmain passed in 1982, leaving a design house with dwindling finances and little backing. The house survived through the nineties with Oscar De La Renta designing from 93 to 2002. Soon after, the house filed bankruptcy.
Over a little time, investored breathed life back into Balmain and Christophe Decarnin took over designing the line.
Since then, the company has seen doubling and tripling revenue with a projected $28 million for 2009.
Decarnin's edgy, sexy and relevant designs have launched Balmain back into the Designer Label circle with chart topping pieces selling out world wide.
F/W 2009
There are many immitators and many more influenced by these two collections. One great place to find pieces that will help you acchieve this look is RiverIsland.com
