Balmain Fall 2013 Show Review

Balmain. One of my favourite fashion shows at Paris fashion week, gave us a real treat for fall 2013. Shoulder pads were indeed present, (this is Balmain we're talking about) and colours were bright, very bright. Olivier Rousteing sure does know who to put on a show, and a fiercely fashionable one at that. Lets take a look at what he sent down the runway at Balmain this season...

In recent collections, Balmain has created striking geometric mini dresses, sky high ankle boots and severely cut jackets reminiscent of the 80's. This fall, colour was brought into the mix. Vibrant jewels colours in the form of emeralds, turquoise and shocking pink. Jackets were padded with quilted diamonds, like a court jester's costume, and adorned with studs and intricate patterns, ticking the oriental trend for this fall. Shoulders were big and pants were high waisted with huge belts, balancing out proportions of the models body. These baggy, harem pants are altogether quite new for Balmain as Rousteing usually presents leather pants that barely leave any space to breathe and give a more sharp, Parisian look. However, Balmain this fall seemed to apply that it was all about comfort and inspirations were taken from the oriental stories of old, not from inside the wardrobe of Joan Collins in Dynasty! 

Although this collection seemed masculine and harsher than the Balmain we usually know, there were feminine touches too. Long sleeved mini dresses with tulip skirts looked beautiful and would surely set you back at least £15,000. Structured silver dresses looked like they had been sewn using tiny pieces of glass as they shone and dazzled with the complexity of the patterns. Simply stunning; Kim Kardashian style. Yes, these Balmain dresses are defiantly attention grabbing so its no wonder that Katy Perry, Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Rihanna are just some of many celebrities who have donned a Balmain dress for the red carpet. 

Accessories was another key part of Balmain fall 2013/14. Earrings were silver and intricate, skimming the shoulder, ear cuffs sat snugly on ears and belts were used on almost every model. Metallics crept in here and there which gave the whole show an almost futuristic feel. You'll have to watch the show to see what I mean! 

As for hair and make up, hair was pulled back and clipped at the back of the head. Lips were dark as were eyes, with eyeshadow that had a tinted red/grey effect. Very eerie yet bang on trend.

I loved this show and the high drama (and shoulder pads!) it brought with it. I've seen these Balmain creations up close and let me tell you, they look like an Aladdin's cave; sparkly, vibrant and absolutely desirable. The price tag... Not so desirable! But in the face of fashion, what's a price tag when you can own a piece of Balmain?