Balmain: Spring 2011 collection

Balmain has been anything but light-handed and conservative lately. Christophe Decarnin's designs for the fashion house are laden with refined aggression and strike the perfect balance between anarchy, party glamour and raw sex appeal. The designer has come a long way from his debut collection for the label back in Fall 2006. And with every season, we are able to witness how Decarnin is evolving as a designer as he becomes more confident and comfortable working for Balmain. Over the seasons, we have seen Decarnin slowly steer the label from one that was considered to be the go-to brand for ladylike evening wear to one that is considered to be one of the sexiest and most rebellious labels in the industry. Skin tight pants, leather, ripped t-shirts, embellished jackets, sequined mini-dresses, thigh-high slits and way high strappy heels are commonplace in a Balmain collection now and each piece is in high demand despite the astounding price tag on it.

Therefore this season comes as no surprise. Decarnin's latest collection for Balmain is almost a natural step for the label. Spring 2011 is infused with a sense of rock 'n' roll culture and punk rock trends - the Parisian way of course. The collection is a far cry from the lighter palettes that are normally used for the warmer seasons and is instead comprised mainly of red, black, white, denim and - in true Balmain style - lots of sparkle,sheen and leather. Exquisite, heavily embroidered soft leather motorcycle jackets have been paired with ripped tops and beaded bustiers. And when combined with tight leather pants and tiny sequined shorts and miniskirts, the effect is a unique look that is somehow extremely wild and glamorous at the same time.

I do like this collection but I feel that it is a little more grungy than glamourous for me. I am extremely fond of Decarnin's dresses and this collection didn't have a single one so I am a little disappointed. Not his best collection to date by any means (see Balmain: Best of the Decarnin era) but it should be noted that Decarnin has set some very high standards for himself and in fact his latest work features some truly outstanding pieces and showcases his brilliant creativity. But I'm still keeping my fingers crossed in the hopes to see a slightly a more polished and glamourous rebellion in the Fall 2011 collection.

See Balmain's latest collection slideshow and runway show clip for Spring 2011 below.

Balmain Spring 2011 slideshow:

Balmain Spring 2011 runway show: