Balmain Fashion Collection: Fall 2008 - New York Fashion Week

Balmain is one of the older and more established fashion houses. They have been around since before World War 2, and they were originally named for and led by Pierre Balmain. After his death, several people have led the label, including Oscar de la Renta. Currently, it is being led by Christophe Decarnin, who has decided to take it in a rock and roll direction. Whereas most long term labels tend to have very classic signature looks that have stood the test of time, Balmain is one of the few that has been able to survive with an evolving look. As such, Balmain is not the household name that Valentino or Oscar de la Renta might be, but they can appeal to a wider audience by recognizing the trends and adapting to them.

Balmain's Fall 2008 fashion collection featured a very unique look for this season. While many designers have failed to coalesce around a single, recognizable trend for the Fall, they have all tended to be fairly bland and unrecognizable. Balmain has come up with a collection that is instantly recognizable. They have borrowed from the 80's punk scene, and gone for a rock and roll type look. And in many respects, they succeeded. With lots of plaid and animal prints, shiny, rhinestoned fabrics, and extremely short dresses, it's definitely a bold collection.

One of the strongest pieces is a simple red lurex top with one sleeve, paired with a pair of tight, black pants. The look is strictly rock and roll, and it is not for the faint of heart. The top clings as though it's painted on, and the pants are tight enough that they could be. The pockets on the pants are horizontal slits, with silver metallic zippers. The pants have a sort of rubber type quality to the fabric.

Another piece in Balmain's Fall 2008 fashion collection features a rhinestone jacket, a white t-shirt, and a black pair of pants. The rhinestone jacket is the type that initially causes you to wonder how you could possibly wear something so attention-grabbing. The simple answer is, you can't. The piece, and Balmain's entire collection is meant to be ideal for beautiful women that sing hard rock. It's a fantasy of sorts, and as such, it's absolutely perfect.

One of the more unusual pieces is a dress that features three different patterns. There is zebra on one side, black and white cheetah on the other, and a smaller cheetah print in the middle. The small cheetah print is in the shape of a lightning bolt as it separates the two pieces. This is a long dress, with a long slit up one leg. It's pure glamor, and as with the rest of the pieces in Balmain's Fall 2008 fashion collection, it is also pure rock and roll.