In the Balmain world, the Eighties are a constant fixture–made all the more this season by the show’s opening score: 1984’s “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince. Christophe Decarnin showed he still has the Midas touch with a sparkling collection of historically inspired short body-conscious looks and slick pantsuit dressing that channeled his love affair with regal rock ‘n’ rollers. The signature sexy silhouette, a standout in a season marked by a return to heritage dressing, saw the frock coat replace the military jacket, albeit still coupled with the super-skinny jeans. Gold, silver, black, regal purple (for “Purple Rain” anybody?) and a single shot of red dominated much of the garments, where dresses were thigh-high but the Balmain exaggerated shoulder was slightly softened this season. The pantsuit, tie-neck blouses and elongated 70s pant shapes threw a nod to the season’s emerging trends while long slashed-to-the-thigh floor-sweeping gowns for evening. Leopard prints? Naturally. All in all, it was a glittery affair–from the molten metallic leathers to the myriad of sequins and gold pinstripes offset with rococo brocade, chiffon and fur. Ineed, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
