Balmain S/S 2010

A warrior goddess presentation at Balmain. Notable Parisian designer Christophe Decarnin presented a strong military chic collection that would have been perfect for a modern day warrior goddess. Except this warrior goddess is armed and ready to walk the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris rather than an actual battle field. Armored with metal mesh dresses with intricate detailing with skillful cuts that made them fall off the models body like a second skin. There was certainly an immense indication of Gianni Versace from the 1980’s in the metal mesh dresses. Leather and python leggings were exceptional with a meticulous lattice weave. The signature Decarnin pagoda shoulders with metal epaulette embellished the precise cut military coat giving it a spectacular effect. Every piece in this collection was unique and had the haute couture like quality with great attention to details and a lot of one of kind pieces, in other words every piece in this collection will be very expensive. Christophe Decarnin shows us with this collection his take on a modern day warrior goddess in Paris.

The event was held in a marble ballroom at the exquisite Grand Hotel with soundtrack from American hip hop group The Sugar Hill Gang’s 1980’s hit single, “Rapper’s Delight.” Canadian Supermodel Daria Werbowy opened the show in a green cotton military coat that had a metal epaulette embellished Decarnin pagoda shoulders and was paired with a destroyed t-shirt and black leather leggings. Every look was a sensation with golden bronze chain mail dresses that fell from the body like a second skin. Exquisite attention to detail was seen with the threading completed in the mesh metal, sequins and the lattice weave on the python and leather leggings. T-shirts, jeans and jackets were destroyed and stained with visible bullet holes giving authentic warrior sensation.

Admired pieces in the collection were the metal mesh and leather dresses that were astonishing and fell off the models bodies like armor or a second skin. Another incredible piece was the black crocodile coat that was utterly bold made out of a complete skin of an entire crocodile with back that had actual eye cut outs.

Christophe Decarnin has brought strength, quality and authenticity with this unique collection. His take on a perfect wardrobe for a warrior goddess was a complete success and left the entire audience at the Grand Hotel speechless and excited for one of the most important label in fashion today. The Balmain women is ready to take on the world with great strength and sex appeal ready to conquer anything in sight this next spring season. -Brent Billiman, Paris, France.


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Carmen Kass for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Anja Rubik for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Natasha Poly for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Daria Werbowy for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Isabeli Fontana for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Maryna Linchuk for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Anna Selezneva for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Abbey Lee for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Kasia Struss for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Magdalena Frackowiak for Balmain S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Freja Beha Erichsen for Balmain S/S 2010

Gucci S/S 2010

A sporty chic presentation at Gucci. Italian designer Frida Giannini presented a collection that was inspired by extreme sportswear. The sporty idea was combined with the signature Gucci DNA infusing a powerful and sexy sensation into the collection. There was an experimentation with the use of high-tech fabrics that were similar to the sportswear of a true athlete. A hint of a sci-fi element was apparent with the use of the high-tech materials giving it a futuristic impression. Actual pieces from parachute backpack were attached to the back of a cocktail dress. Cinches, pulleys, silver latches and a sports clasp were attached to several pieces giving it a bondage sensation. Authentic parachute sports mesh material was inserted on the torso of a dresses and side of the leg of a pants. Immense detailing was impressive with the silver embroidery and the embellishments of metallic and crystal beading. The added detailing gave each piece a hint glamour but still maintained that athletic sci-fi emotion. Prints were inspired from the ikat geometric pattern carpet from Uzbekistan. This pattern was also seen on the various cuts and embellishments on the dresses. Frida Giannini has reached a new level of innovation with a good dose of Gucci DNA to present an athletic, sexy and glamorous collection.

The show was held at Gucci’s Piazza Oberdan show space with an Uzbekistan ikat carpet pattern that decorated the floor of the runway. Russian model Natasha Poly opened the show in a multi-strapped white dress with matching multi-strapped high heels. There was a great amount of jackets with that were offered in the mesh sport fabric and also a biker jacket that came in crocodile. The ikat pattern was used in the embroidery work on a few black cocktail dresses. The colors of white and black dominated the color scheme in the collection with a few splashes of color from the ikat prints. High tech fabrics were used in the high waist leggings, skirts and jackets. The sexy element was introduced with open backs and blazer that revealed bare skin and cut outs that had mesh inserts giving it a subtle sexual appeal.

Admired pieces in the collection were the multi-strapped dresses that were offered in white and black. The crocodile biker jacket, the backless blazer, and the parachute jackets.

Frida Giannini has brought back the DNA of Gucci and has infused it with an innovative idea of sportswear to have a remarkable collection. The Gucci women this next spring season is athletic, sexy and exciting. -Brent Billiman, Milan, Italy.


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Karlie Kloss for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Lindsay Ellingson for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Jac for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Charlotte di Calypso for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Vlada Roslyakova for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Natasha Poly for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Kasia Struss for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Lily Donaldson for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Lily Donaldson for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Chanel Iman for Gucci S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Lindsay Ellingson for Gucci S/S 2010