Monthly Archives: January 2013

This season, Balmain incorporated a Japanese/Chinese theme into the their signature silhouette. There were a number of Kimono like pieces including a purple down filled noragi and a bedazzled kimono jacket belted in the center.  Not only did they create Asian themed clothing but also took classic suiting and added embroidered Chinese dragons on the lapels and belted the middle to embody a traditional kimono.  Many of the pieces I have featured are not very prominent in the lookbook and are some of the more exponential items of the collection. The super distressed denim motorcycle jeans, green asymmetrical hooded jacket, and the short gray shearling coat are some of my favorite pieces and can see them doing very well with retailers around the world. I was also intrigued with Balmain’s take on the down blazer. Instead of opting for the usual blue, gray or black they created a teal colored quilted blazer made out of lighter-weight down and cotton. This piece is perfect for the early Fall or Spring. Overall, it was a great Balmain collection and I admire the Eastern Asian infusion.