Whether you splurge on Balmain or steal with the help of Ribbonne, this trend is inevitable.

At first glance I sort of thought that this dress was cool, but taking a closer look at all the rips and ragged edges I’ve changed my mind (the dress is Balmain if that makes a difference). What do you guys think? Hit or Miss?

In a new survey provided to Japanese retailers, Alexander Wang was named the ‘hottest’ international designer brand. He earned double the votes of the second-hottest international designer brand, Givenchy and Balmain.

Pierre Balmain once said “dressmaking is the architecture of movement,” and Christophe Decarnin managed to make a sexy and sophisticated collection with movement using mainly animal skins and metallics. A Joan of Arc inspired collection, critics claimed his designs were “a returning heroine moment of great zest and epic edgy beauty, saying Decarnin knows “how to rock–and how to sell.”

Rihanna cuts her hair again, is spotted at the Balmain Paris show wearing harem pants and a ‘spock ear‘ shoulder jacket.

“I have a dress-up chest at home. I love to create this fantasy kind of thing.”

Love when she does something different to her hair! (Blake is wearing Balmain)

We’ve got to hand it to them, Zara certainly did their trend-following homework for their Fall 2009 collection! From 80’s Balmain-esque blazers, to fur vests and dolman sleeves to harem pants, Zara has an array of pieces that stand out from other mass produced retail stores. What I really love about this collection is the basic appeal that allows you to still look trendy and fashionable whether you decide to accessorize and layer or keep it clean and simple! Oh, and the windblown, Megan Fox hairdo worn by the Zara look-book model is HOT.

GALLERY: FIRST LOOK: Zara Fall 2009 Collection

Thanks Racked!

Aloha Rag is hosting a 65% off sale on spring/summer goodies from Balmain, Alexander Wang, Common Projects and more. The sale already started so stop in before all the goodies are gone. Ongoing, 505 Greenwich Street, NY, NY 10013 (212-925-0882)

This is really different than a lot of the Polyvore users that I feature, and for the first time I can say what drew me to this set was the model photo (and I normally hate that stuff) Plus, those Balmain heels are really hot.

See this and more on underthesun’s Polyvore

Balmain and the bunny. 

Photographer: Peter Lindbergh

Models: Catherine McNeil and Robert Buckley 

GALLERY: VINTAGE SPREAD UM: “Street Chic” Harper’s Bazaar March 2009

Thanks Cyana Trend Land! 

Rocking out basic bold colors this spring is the indie Parisian designer, Zucca. Mix the boldness of Marc Jacobs, the structures of Diesel and the craft-like appeal of House of Holland, and you’ve essentially got this collection down to a science. The patchy denim denim dresses, accented with polka-dot fabrics, silver rivets and visible stitching, in addition to Zucca’s pleated and ruffled dresses, are all very beautifully crafted; pegging these craft-like pieces “amateur” would definitely be the wrong wording choice. 

The men’s collection, on the other hand, is either simple and tasteful or feminine and gawdy. I enjoy the simple solid color pants, paired with a print jackets and a button ups, but I am in no way, shape or form in support of the Michael Jackson,  Balmain inspired jackets or the button capri pants. 

GALLERIES:

RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Zucca Spring 2009 Women’s Collection

RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Zucca Spring 2009 Men’s Collection 

Check out Zucca here! Thanks Lexposure!

40 to 70% off clothing from the likes of 3.1 Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, Balmain, Lanvin, Ksubi, Martin Margiela and more.

Saturday, May 30th from noon—8pm. 505 Greenwich St between Spring and Canal Sts (212-925-0882).

To say that my jaw dropped when I saw Txell Miras’  Fall 2009 collection would be an understatement. Practically kicking myself for not discovering this Spanish designer earlier, I did a bit of digging and found that she’s fairly new to the fashion scene. Having graduated with a bachelor’s in fine arts from the University of Barcelona in 1999, Miras went on to win several designer awards, design for Neil Barrett’s womenswear and eventually establish her own brand in 2004. Miras combines formal body works and conceptual art to produce her structurally exquisite fashions. And with an array of inspirations, from cinema to Franz Kafka, her collection interpretations are seemingly endless. 

I must say, Miras can assuredly compete with the big boys. Structure and volume are two of the hardest fashion elements to pull off, and with her Fall 2009 collection as proof, Miras runs circles around her competition. While the structural cubes might not be so ready-to-wear, I simply can’t get over Miras’ bomber jackets, strapped bubble dresses, drop-crotch bloomers, Balmain-esque blazers and draped jackets. Amazing.

Sad as it may be, the only place to snag Txell Miras in New York gear is at Takashimaya …and that’s on a good day. Oh well, looks like I’m going to Barcelona! 

Check out Txell Miras’ website here!

Monday night’s feature presentation might have been the photographs in the Model as Muse exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but coming in close second were the muse models themselves. I’ve run into a few of these bread winners on the street, but I must admit, nothing would be more intimidating than being towered over by a glamorous, naturally gorgeous and fashionable beanpole.

I have few qualms here. Anja Rubik showed some major leg. Daria Werbowy braved the infamous Balmain shoulders. Erin Wasson rocked the androgynous look. Sasha Pivovarova went simple on the dress and crazy on the feathers. But Natalia Vodianova…she looked like an innocent Princess Peach. This is the Met Gala, not a Super Mario convention.

Thanks Who, What, Wear Daily!

Flat Sandals, Gladiators. Metallics, Ballets and Much More! – ALL SHOES $89 to $109 up to 75% off Retail Prices

Wednesday, May 6th and Thursday, May 7th 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday, May 8th 10:00 AM – 3:00PM
where: 145 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011
(6th – 7th Avenues)

Metallic Gladiators and Sandals – originally $295, at sale $89

Printed Floral Flats – originally $295, at sale $89

Supple Leather Wedges– originally $350, at sale $89

Brightly Colored Classic Ballet Flats – originally $195, at sale $89

Snakeskin Heels– originally $365, at sale $109

Shame on you, Balmain, for not designing couture that can withstand the wrath of an out of control celebrity! I at least would have expected 4-figures to buy me a dress that could withstand a night of absinthe drinking and obnoxious bar dancing! All jokes aside, this is the sad fate of Kate Moss’ severe shoulder, disco-ball Balmain dress. While the paparazzi snapshots of Moss’ ripped seam may be embarrassing, think of how humiliating it is for the designers at Balmain! So, who is to blame, Moss and her crazy party antics or Balmain’s lack of stable construction!? 

Thanks Daily Mail!

Rihanna bears a frighteningly striking resemblance to the King of Pop, circa 1989 while out shopping in L.A. recently. I’m pretty much on the fence when it comes to Rhi’s fashion choices, but jumping on the Balmain jacket bandwagon may not have been a wise decision. Not only is the drum major look a bit severe for daytime (not to mention those hideous shoulder pads), but with the hair and the shades, all she’s missing is a glittery glove and a monkey named Bubbles.