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?

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, sienna miller

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.

READ MORE ABOUT: alexander wang, balmain, givenchy, japan

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.”

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, Christophe Decarnin, joan of arc, Pierre Balmain, runway

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

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, hair cut, harem pants, Rihanna, spock shoulder

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

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, Emmanuelle Alt, Inez & Vinoodh, kate moss

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

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, Blake Lively

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!

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, dolman sleeves, Fur, Megan Fox, trends, zara

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)

READ MORE ABOUT: aloha rag, balmain

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

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, i actually like the pictures in this set, polyvore, which is weird

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! 

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, Catherine McNeil, harper's bazaar, peter lindbergh, Robert Buckley

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!

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, Capri, Diesel, House Of Holland, Marc Jacobs, Zucca

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).

READ MORE ABOUT: 3.1 phillip lim, alexander wang, aloha rag, balmain, ksubi, lanvin, martin margiela

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!

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, neil barrett, Txell Miras

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!

READ MORE ABOUT: anja rubik, balmain, Daria Werbowy, erin wasson, lara stone, Lily Donaldson, Liya Kebede, natalia vodianova, Sasha Pivovarova, vanessa traina

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

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain

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!

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, kate moss

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.

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, king of pop, michael jackson, micheal jackson, Rihanna

Summer is all about road tripping, but that doesn’t mean your whole uniform has to be cut-offs and a beater. The very 80s silhouette of Balmain’s drummer boy coat is the perfect contradiction to the Western-like roadside diner in the background. Shot by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, this photo grabs my attention immediately. Daria Werbowy’s hard pose doesn’t distract attention away from the scene, but rather intensifies the look and feel of a deserted country road. I’m not a huge fan of the ripped, dirty jeans, but they look fantastic here with stilettos and the structured jacket. I’ll have to keep this in mind the next time I’m packing for a long weekend.

LINKAGE: Fab Sugar

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, Daria Werbowy, Inez van Lamsweerde, Vinoodh Matadin

Ok, so the title might be a bit of an exaggeration, but with today’s economy, it isn’t a half bad idea to forego those $900 Balmain shoes you’ve been dying to have and get a little crafty. I recently stumbled upon Dirty Laundry, a blog that compares designer garments to DIY remakes, among other things. Though I’m not very handy when it comes to the sewing machine, I’m thoroughly impressed at how amazing some of these DIY pieces turned out. The best part about DIY is the ability for creators to personalize garments. Take the above Balmain blazer for instance…it looks pretty killer in black, no? Be sure to check out the blog links for a more in-depth view into the DIY process! Happy creating!

Thanks Dirty Laundry!

READ MORE ABOUT: alexander wang, balmain, DIY, maison martin margiela

Sonia Rykiel

Stella McCartney

Gucci

Balmain

Chloé

With the New York weather forecast looking more promising and the sun shining a bit brighter, it’s time to plan those noontime brunches, swanky restaurant reservations and classy cocktail parties to celebrate the arrival of spring. But why wear another sun-dress when you can push the envelope and your daring masculine side with a boyfriend inspired pantsuit? The androgynous trend is full speed ahead and the pantsuit, with voluminous shoulders, double-breasted lapels, high-waisted pants and deep pleated pockets is all the go. The pantsuit, available in an array of colors, styles, lengths and shapes, is the perfect versatile outfit for any casually classy occasion. Grab a fedora, some platform heels and a billowy pattern blouse, and you’ve got yourself the ‘best dressed’ award for the night. 

Thanks The New York Times! 

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, Chloe, gucci, Pantsuit, sonia rykiel, stella mccartney

Never thought I’d write a ‘moment of style’ on Jacko…

Here’s Micheal wearing a women’s Balmain crystal encrusted zepra top from Spring 09 collection by Christophe Decarnin. Doesn’t actually bother me that it’s women’s, I think that’s mightly androgenous of him. Now if he was wearing the open front pants, that would be a different story.

LINKAGE: Grazia

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, Celebrity, Christophe Decarnin, micheal jackson

So apparently this is big news in the fashion industry. Rihanna was spotted on a night out wearing $1600 studded Balmain sandals that I wouldn’t buy at Payless for $29.99!!! I just don’t understand why studs make a shoe so expensive…after all, they’re not diamond encrusted.

Would you buy these if you had $1600 lying around?

LINKAGE: Nitro:licious

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, Rihanna

The rest of Claudia Schiffer’s shoot for the April 2009 issue of Vogue UK has been released.

Wearing Versace on the (kind of boring) cover, Claudia has a more interesting spread inside, with an Hermes poncho, black Louis Vuitton dress, and of course the Balmain military vest.

GALLERY: Claudia Schiffer for Vogue UK, April 2009

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, claudia schiffer, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Versace, vogue uk

Shot by Patrick Demarchelier for the April 2009 issue of Vogue UK, Claudia Schiffer is still going strong at 38.

The cover isn’t that interesting (April = Spring = pink!), but this shot is hot. Schiffer is wearing a Lowew pilot cap and ripped Balmain jeans.

READ MORE ABOUT: balmain, claudia schiffer, Loewe, Patrick Demarchelier, vogue uk