Balmain Pre-Fall 2012

Staying true to those trademark sharp shoulders and fine tailored jackets, Olivier Rousteing's Pre-Fall collection for Balmain was filled with flawless--or in the 25 year old designer's own words, "comfy"-- French accents. Once more, the cult of the garçonne--or in more familiar terminology, that boy/girl thing--came to be glorified, this time with blazers in men's proportions, biker jackets and silk pajama painted pants. 

Even though I wasn't there (which theoretically discredits me from providing any semblance of an authoritative analysis here), the ambiance's minimalism did not seem to bother. In fact, it only served to better outline the androgynous visions embodied by model Kasia Struss. And if I shall remind you that vintage comes back to the runway every now and then, I will also stress that those oversized 1980s double breasted blazers handpicked from my mom's closet DO count for something.

Photos via Style.com

Finally, although Rousteing respected the strict and structured silhouettes which the fashion house is most celebrated for, he surely infused them with his own originality. Inspired by Russian czarist art, Fabergé eggs were recreated as head-to-toe watercolor prints, and Autumn inspired feminine colors such as blush pink and deep emerald green were included, relaxing the overall tone of his lineup. Call it French fashion à la Ruskie or Autumn in St. Petersburg, I'd be curious to know what you think. Do share some insight!