Balmain Spring 2012: Breaking Dawn

We’ve all been collectively holding our breath at The Blonde and The Brunette.  We love Balmain and the sudden departure of Christophe Decarnin had our heads spinning.  Today was the big moment many of us have waited for with great anticipation.  Olivier Rousteing‘s (the 25 year-0ld young designer, who worked under Christophe Decarnin for two years) assumed the design reins at the house after his former boss’ sudden departure.  We’ve seen the show and just exhaled.

This is a stunning and sophisticated collection Balmain lovers everywhere can embrace.  So what has actually changed and engaged us?  There is an new aura of  elegance.  Smart, right?  Rousteing has managed to maintain all the signature style hallmarks of the line with a strong dose of  edgy black pieces and then add a new pastel silk embroidery. Two additional themes delivered a strong undercurrent by weaving into many of the looks  a touch of Mexico and the “troubador”.  Welcome back, Balmain.  We can stop worrying.

– NJ, The Brunette & Ashlee, Brunette Contributor & Astrid