Balenciaga F/W 09

A luxurious exotic exploration at Balenciaga. Illustrious French designer Nicolas Ghesquière presented a glamorous collection for Balenciaga. This collection was entirely new direction from last season’s sci-fi presentation and this time around it was all about opulence and glamour. Ghesquière was simply inspired by a holiday vacation to India where he discovered his love for satin and draping, a fabric and a technique that he has never explored. The skirts were inspired by the ultra conservative sari with draping that was very voluminous and short unlike the overly covered traditional garment. The silhouette of the clothes had a 1980’s sensation with pieces like a printed satin blouse with wide shoulders that was open to a lace bandeau. He also managed to invoke the Cristobal Balenciaga archives from the 1950’s with the wrap and draped dresses in floral prints, spots and polka dots. The draped trousers that rippled delicately at the hips and tapered at the legs was a nod to the late Yves Saint Laurent, a designer that has been compared with due to his ability to feel and shape fashion. The decadent impression was evident with the draping of luxurious satin, velvet and printed silk fabrics that gave this collection an sumptuous and glamorous appeal.

The show was held in a salon at the Hotel de Crillon which is located at the north end of Place de la Concorde and at the foot of the Champs-Élysées. A completely different venue from the ordinary location at the Balenciaga Head Quarters on the Left Bank. The sparkling sunlight emitted light threw windows, floor to ceiling, and reflected the light marble floors giving it a pragmatic touch. The soundtrack for the show was from French musician Serge Gainsbourg. Model Liya Kebede opened the show in a grey sparkling Manharani top with a black and draped black and silver satin short skirt. The draped satin skirts came in various colors of light blue, black, brown, beige, pink, silver, emerald, navy and lilac. Devore velvet was used in the draped dresses and in the blouses with defined shoulders and plunging necklines.

Every season Ghesquière always gives us the shoe of the season and with no exception he offered an amazing fishnet covered platforms embellished with ribbons. On some footwear there was heels with unique marble prints from the Balenciaga archives. There were also the striking pair of spotted stockings that finished off each look with a glamorous sensation.

The admired pieces in the collection were the incredibly draped satin skirts that came in a variety of colors. Another look that was very appealing was the floral print silk dresses that were prints from the Cristobal Balenciaga archives. A must have piece was the gorgeous tailored black tuxedo jacket was impeccable.

Nicolas Ghesquière has polished the Balenciaga brand and supplemented a pleasant amount of sophistication to create this marvelous collection. The Balenciaga women this next winter season is ready to enjoy a pleasant amount of glamour and luxury. -Brent Billiman, Paris, France.



Luca Bruno Photo: Model Siri Tollerød for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Sigrid Agren for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Liu Wen for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Ali Stephens for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Anabela Belikova for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Magdalena Frackowiak for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Freja Beha Erichsen for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Natasha Poly for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Hanne Gaby Odiele for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Karmen Pedaru for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Liya Kebede for Balenciaga F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Iris Strubegger for Balenciaga F/W 09