“Welcome to the jungle.” This was Olivier Rousteing’s empowering mantra when describing the Balmain fall 2014 collection. As an African American and French designer, Rousteing conveyed elements of safari chic and hip hop street style to create the freedom riding looks on the runway. Balmain’s fall line plays with orange and green hues as well as diverse fabrics like leather and rope. The patterns and use of chains connect the pieces and bring out the feminist beast in every fashionable woman. What better way to show the distinction of strong women by flaunting this look on campus?
I found it most important to layer and play on different shapes within the look. After all, Rousteing labeled layering the newest trend when he said,”In 2014, you can be sexy without exposing two meters of legs.” I went for a heavy parka with fur lining to bring the military-safari combination to the ensemble. To add a wild side to my outfit, I layered a cheetah cropped top under my baggy cardigan. My trousers tame the outfit to emphasize the reign of woman in fashion history. To entertain the chain textures of the Balmain army, I chose a black statement necklace and motorcycle boots with metal buckles.
The Balmiain army graced the runway with its animalistic edge this fall, leaving its mark on the fashion industry. This is a collection that will go down as a movement both in retail and feminism. After experimenting in my wardrobe, I realized the importance in feeling empowered by the clothes you wear and the overall style you execute.
Get My Look: 1. Army green hooded parka. 2. Animal print crop top. 3. Black motorcycle boots.
