Oliver Rousteing’s Fall 2012 collection for the house of Balmain was simply riveting in it’s jaw dropping Baroque richness. Rousteing’s line up had it all from ultra-rich ornamentation with needlepoint design embroidery to pearls and crystals, and of course some obligatory tough girl studding. There was a whole new take on iconic Balmain jackets and super sexy mini-dresses. Oversized boxy jackets, slim cut trousers and body-con dresses permeated the collection. Balmain’s smoking jacket was transformed into new a sportier oversize version as were other jackets using sumptuous stamped brocades that were deliberately decadent and unapologetically over the top. “I love the richness of all that jewelry, specifically of the pearls, and it was important for me to keep that richness. At the same time, it was important to have a new and strong shape at Balmain,” explained Rousteing. There was a sculpted, crosshatch (quilted) white leather mini with intricate needlepoint design that set the tone for the show, this was followed by a crew neck sweater embellished with the same, along with pearls and crystals paired over slim velvet pants. Oliver Rousteing’s stunning collection evokes the richness and luxury of the Baroque period setting Balmain on a path to soar again.
