Olivier Routsteing, Creative Director of Balmain, created a new Balmain woman for Fall/Winter 2014. The glamour and glitz of the previous season was suddenly gone and replaced with layers of chic safari jackets, high waisted skirts, cargo jackets and pants. Prints were bold and featured leopard spots and zebra stripes. The color palette was olive, black, brown, gray, and touches of red. Not to mention accessories included silk cord and gold chain belts in black, grey and other hues and tribal beaded jewelry.

The safari and hip-hop themes that Routsteing was inspired by was so refreshing because for years the Balmain woman was only seen as a hot and sexy woman who used to show off a lot of skin. This season’s created a new aesthetic for the brand. No longer does the Balmain woman have to show off tons of skin to feel sexy, confident and powerful. It’s a wonderful message to send out to women and young women who look up to the brand.

The hair and make-up look was so simple as always however the centered-parted ponytails reminded me of one of Sade’s album covers from the 1990s. The funny think is Routsteing referenced Sade during his Spring/Summer 2013 collections but somehow I believe the Nigerian-British R&B singer is one of the secret muses of Balmain. You have to love Routsteing’s love of women and wanting to make them feel empowered by wearing more clothes during the winter months. The make-up again was very clean and looked like the models weren’t wearing a lot of make-up.

 

One of my favorite looks was look #9, a gray asymmetric top that look like it was wrapped like a bondage top with a full right sleeve to give an idea of half blazer-half corset in leather paired with gray cargo pants. The look was tied together by a red and gray silk cord and gold chain belt with a red tribal choker and black shoes. I hadn’t seen something like that in a long time. Perhaps on a Lanvin runway a few years ago but made from a lighter fabric during a spring collection.

Overall this new look for Balmain only continues to show that this label has had a true metamorphous and I believe will fly off the shelves making these pieces very desirable. This collection was such a winner for me!

Until next time….I’m Gavo Capote!