Balmain Fall 2012 RTW Collection

Innovative artisan techniques meet futuristic sharpness in the Balmain fall 2012 ready-to-wear collection presented during Paris Fashion Week. See how Olivier Rousteing contributes to the amazing evolution of this luxe couture house.

What to expect when a 26-year-old artist is named head of a non-conformist and visionary couture atelier? This is the second round when Olivier Rousteing has the chance to showcase his unique style vision and strengthen the reputation of the Balmain brand as a real fashion force. Numerous style creators were inspired by modern and contemporary artworks. The Balmain fall 2012 ready-to-wear collection is dominated by the iconic Faberge egg, the gift offered by Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor. As the designer reveals, “I went to New York and saw the Christie’s exhibit, and it was so beautiful,[...]I loved the opulence.”(WWD)

The young artist decided to transplant elements from the glitz-and-glamor as well as the sophistication of this Russian imperialist jewelry into the creative project which gave birth to the amazing apparel parade presented below. These dazzling eggs soon became the ultimate symbols of royal luxury, an inspiring factor for the Balmain atelier oh-so-famous for its love affair with refined and complex embroidery patterns and extravagance. Studs, crystals, floral elements and pearls serve as the perfect means to re-create the marvelous decoration Olivier Rousteing spotted on these artsy eggs. Where once there was Goth and feminine sensuality, now there is geometrical precision and flamboyance.

Wrestling himself out of the age-old design patterns defined by Oscar de la Renta and Christophe Decarnin, Olivier Rousteing decided to break with the tradition of formfitting jackets. Now, we have a repertoire of boxy silhouettes which radiate futurism and more edge. Drainpipe pants matched with statement ponyskin and smoking jackets made up the secret recipe which guarantees the popularity and overwhelming visual impact of the collection. Flaunting his free-spirited style vision, Rousteing paired the hand-worked and suave embroidered tops and jackets with velvet flare trousers.

Fashionistas definitely witnessed the moment when masculine tailoring patterns and elements were drenched in elegance and grown-up feminine glamor. Body-con dresses topped with the restrained rock chic sex-appeal of A-list models injected seductiveness into the collection. French couture at its highest form aims to take us into a miraculous realm where tact and finesse is achieved with an original and unique style charisma. Promising a bright future for the Balmain brand, the young designer again succeeded in flaunting his potential to become the next iconic designer of contemporary fashion.