Balenciaga

Balenciaga- Spring/Summer 2008- Paris

When the name sake of a fashion house passes away, his (or her) assistant takes on his name. It's all very Johnny Lingo. Who will be the new Lingo? Will he carry the name of his forerunner's fashion house successfully? I've heard much talk about the failings of Nicolas Ghesquiere, the current 'master in command' at Balenciaga; talk that the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture is threatening to strip Balenciaga of the "haute couture" appellation if Ghesquiere doesn't produce fashion that people actually want.

Those of you outside the fashion industry may wonder what more is needed to secure their "couture" entitlement than showing something freaky and unwearable down the runway. What's all this talk about a couture designer being anything less than avant garde? Admittedly, runway shows don't read over to the general audience. But believe me, there is a method to the madness. There is genius and mastery that an outsider cannot recognize. But when it comes to Ghesquiere's contributions to the Balenciaga name, I've maintained a steady thumbs down to his famous "futuristic audacity." True, Balenciaga earned his name through masterful tailoring but that shouldn't confine his house to only severely manipulated silhouettes and construction. It's not at all aesthetically appealing. I'm just not inspired or motivated by what he creates.

But after reviewing the Balenciaga Fall 2009 collection, I'm hopeful. The construction has relaxed. Doesn't this skirt make you a little breathless? ...just a little bit? Oh Ghesquiere. Are you giving up on the insanely tailored looks and bowing to the drape? About time, buddy. I'm taking notes. Let's cross our fingers for Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2010.

Balenciaga-RTW Fall 2009- Paris