Balmain in Paris

 Balmain has been one of my favorite design houses since I first read the name – and long before I could pronounce it. The collection shown at Paris FW this spring was classic Balmain –sophisticated, inimitable pieces with a rock n’ roll edge. The Balmain woman (as evidenced by the brand’s repeat appearances on the fashion-forward bodies of Beyoncé and Rihanna) has an effortlessly cool style demarcated by unique details. This season, those details included luxurious metallic fabrics, skinny studded belts, and floral brocades. There wasn’t a piece in the entire show that would look the slightest bit out of place in Kate Moss’s wardrobe – and coming from me, that is high praise.

 As is Balmain’s habit, silver, gold, and black were the go-to colors on the runway. These standards were punctuated by plum, lavender, and red. A floral-embroidered plum blazer made an unexpected statement paired with black suede skinny pants. A fitted black military jacket with chain-dripping epaulets looked fierce paired with second-skin carnelian leather pants. The signature strong-shouldered metallic mini-dresses stayed fresh by incorporating all-over fringe, bold leopard print, and large lavender florals. This collection was less than groundbreaking, but Balmain made a confident, charming showing – just as they always do.