BALMAIN – Spring/Summer 2016 | FASHION INSIDER MAGAZINE

Balmain's new Spring/Summer 2016 collection is the consummate example on how shape commercial tastes while maintaining editorial supremacy.

BALMAIN - Spring/Summer 2016

October 21, 2015

By Marcellous L. Jones

Photos Courtesy of Balmain

Paris, France – In spite of nearly each silhouette in the new Balmain collection appearing to have been designed to the specific tastes of what Kim Kardashian might want to wear, this writer is compelled to admit that he LOVES IT!!! Strong, visual and identity-strong, nothing is amiss in it.

Artistic director, Olivier Rousteing, has really outdone himself this time. The new Spring/Summer 2016 collection sees the Frenchman taking the Balmain woman into the wild. He covers her with serious cuts, silhouettes in web-like weaving and insane amounts of beautiful suede materials. The result is a body of work so fierce that no eccentric hair is required. And just like with Kim Kardashian, the models each look ready to do style battle with their hair pulled back into a tight, ponytail.

The Balmain silhouettes are crafted closely to the body. They include shortly cropped jackets, elaborate pencil skirts and leggings-like pants done in suede. The dresses and skirts are done not only in suede, but also in synthetic materials that are formed into hard geometric shapes, and which are in turn held together by metallic rings. Some skirts are done in large jewels and suede and have large diamond cut-outs. Knits are very present in the collection. They are used to shape long coats, catsuits, and entire dresses. And softness makes it entrance in the form of the chiffons, which are used to craft skirts and dresses. They add feminine charm to other pieces as they take on the role of embellishments.

Large belts and clutches form the backbone of the accessories. But one cannot ignore the presence of the large, metallic necklaces, earrings and daring high heels. This latter are lace-ups in the Balmain collection. Some are laced up with chiffon ribbons.

When all is said and done and once all has been taken into consideration, no one can challenge that Balmain has one of the most exciting collections of the season on its hands. This is an example of how to shape commercial tastes while maintaining editorial supremacy.