Alexia Aslanidis: Runway Report

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Kenzo 2013 Fall/Winter | Runway Report

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Balmain Spring/Summer 2011 | Runway Report

A woman’s best weapon, in the true sense. This season Balmain opted for a more over the top 70’s punk-rock chic. The juxta-position between the hard edgy punk couture and music from the Sex Pistols, against the classic setting of the Grand Hotel was nicely done.

The studded embellishments were more extreme this season, swapping sequins for safety pins, studs, screws and staples. These adornments looked dangerous and gave a feeling of empowerment for women. I enjoyed the raw materials used that seems like we can all DIY our own couture at home. Women willing to pay thousands of pounds for this must seem foolish, however, in my belief the high street versions that will appear will be no match for the detail and high quality design of this collection.

As usual a lot of leather was used and lots of different treatment of denims, bleached, distressed, faded and frayed. Teamed with holey fishnets and studded accessories, worked well to magnify the rock couture aspect. Although the overall style was more boyish, the lavish finishing’s and texturing gave it a luxurious final look which adds to the brands already well-known eminence.

The feel of the clothing was mostly day-wear casual with the rock edge amplified. I was however, expecting suggestions of evening-wear, like an extravagant mini dress thrown in but the designer stuck to his day theme throughout. Hair and makeup of the models suited the looks perfectly with a sort of sexy ease or expensive-bed hair as well as the effortless makeup.

As mid-west America was a theme throughout due to colour choices, denim blues, white singlets and metallic red. Decarnin worked in the torn and faded stars and stripes T-shirts and singlets. Personally I did not enjoy the tribute to the confederate states so much, however I was willing to overlook this due to the overall drool factor from the entire collection.

I adored the hard edge but at the same time an effortless ease, he gives woman what they want in their clothing and life, strength confidence and sex appeal!