BALMAIN SPRING SUMMER 2012

Very Chic/Rock & Roll coming from the historic brand of Balmain. Olivier Rousteing (previously spent several years working for Roberto Cavalli) is given the chance to show off exactly why he was named creative director at the tender age of 26. Heading in the right direction, he will be able to leave his stamp on the brand without destroying what was once done by Christophe Decarnin. As some of you know, the sad disappearance of Christophe Decarnin for "health" reasons from the top job at Balmain earlier this year was, unsurprisingly, almost-entirely overshadowed by the deeply unhealthy demise of John Galliano at Dior. Love: buttock-skimming minis, suggestive zips, big shoulders, and jackets with more studded, pearlescent embellishment than a potentate's palace. Hands up for this new designer.