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Balmain: Froth 'n' Roll

There was giddy sense of expectancy going into see the latest collection of Balmain in the Ritz Hotel Thursday, March 5, where scores of paparazzi scrimmaged for shots of the arriving guests. Not that the front row was crammed with celebrities. But everyone who mattered in fashion world was there because the house’s designer Christophe Decarnin, besides being a fresh talent, is probably the most copied designer in the world today.

The designer with the scruffy hair and suspicious stare, has delivered the goods again. Though not radically different than his spring collection, Decarnin did break new ground with his Afghan lead-guitarist-drop-crotch-pants look, and cut them so smartly, making you think a less than perfect figure could get away with them. Created in a glistening silver material they were the ideal juxtaposition to the peak shouldered slinky satin jackets and crystal ribbon T-Shirts.

While the Balmain look is racy and aggressive, the finish is posh French couture – whether the lattice metal covering to the micro leather dress or the crystal cloud worn jeans cut off above the ankle. The models strutted with such purpose you sensed the models loved the clothes.

Asked his views on his influence and the ultimate compliment of being widely copied, the designer responded: “That’s what they tell me, everybody’s been doing me. But, you know what, it’s fun, really.”

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