Paris Fashion Week

Balenciaga, Spring/Summer '08 (scroll down to read the review)
Balenciaga
Is patterned carpet back? Nicolas Ghesquiere would seem to think so as he had the Rue Cassette showroom, normally a white box, decorated with black floral-print carpet and grey mirrored glass on the walls. It provided a bold backdrop to a stunning collection whereby he married the season’s love of romance and florals with his predilection for structure and precision.

First out were silk jacquard mini corseted dresses in bold florals and abstract ikat-like weaves in tangerine, lime and purple base colours. The silhouette was cut like armour with shoulder lines arching and tiny criss-cross lacing running centre.

He created a series of doublet-like short-sleeved jackets paired with mini skirts, matching shorts peeping from beneath, with much play at the shoulders in the form of intricate pompoms, flutters and layers. Cape-like backs, a Balenciaga signature swung out from mini dresses while puckered and ruched metallic fabric was crafted into mini suits with panels at the back featuring surreal embroideries with flower motifs.

The collection ended with his models appearing like little princes at court, wearing silk shantung trouser-suits with doublet tops and laced trousers cut to perfection in shades of kingfisher, pale pink and cornflower blue. A whole new spin on the suit for 2007.