Balmain

“Imagine being stuck between a Balmain jacket and a Faberge egg—both decorative, decadent and a king’s ransom when it comes to price (although, on the latter, the Faberge egg may actually outdo the Balmania. But only just). How to decide between the two? For Balmain head honcho, Olivier Rousteing, the choice is easy: both. With a cherry on top. That, after all, is the Balmain way. It made for a rather sensational show.” —Alex Fury, SHOWstudio.com

“It was 26-year-old Rousteing’s second turn at Balmain today—his chance to confirm the promise he showed with his first collection at the helm last season. He pulled it off, with honors, in a show that managed to better all the maximalist decoration the house is known for … He also proved that a crystal-decked velvet pant could be worn in that offhand way, even, conceivably for day, with something as ‘down’ as a beige shetland sweater. Karlie Kloss—damn.” —Sarah Mower, Vogue.com

Buzz Words:
super ornate over-the-top opulent, very definition of visual overload, glitz blitz, couture, but effortless, elaborately hand-worked, rocker vibe, real-world wearability, tough and lovely, more is more, and then some, dazzling results, amped up the flash, Baroque, sexy and ultrarich, tremendous, brilliantly glittering, boldly beautiful, a bling fest of epic proportions, juicily lean hit, punch panache, red hot whiff of the excitingly new, hot French chic, classily directional, refined and more thoughtful, luxe and regal effect, real freshness