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.

MUST HAVE FOR WINTER: DUFFLE COAT

The duffle coats continuing resurgence was there for all to see on the autumn/winter 2011 runways. It was endorsed on the catwalks by the likes of Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Paul Smith, Acne and Balmain – quite a list of premium fashion houses.

BALENCIAGA SPRING SUMMER 2012

For the shapes, colors, prints and outside the box thinking, I love Balenciaga’s spring 2012 collection. Nicolas Ghesquière’s collection offered a master class in proportions, color, textile innovation, and the judicious use of print. The show will surely be unforgettable, not only because of the amazing collection of Nicolas Ghesquière, but also because of the bench accident which happened at the beginning of the show. Love: sporty looking track shorts and a chic new jean that was belted high on the waist and pleated for a fuller shape, also the idea of “architecture floating” with boxy jackets pieced from geometric shapes and segments of stiff 1960s haute couture fabrics. And the music was perfect for the show (Forever Dolphin Love - Erol Alkan).
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IMAGE OF THE DAY: RACHEL ZOE

 Rachel Zoe Brought 11 Suitcases to Paris Fashion Week plus two Louis Vuitton duffles. :)