At times, high fashion can be very intimidating to even the riskiest of Fashionitas/os. Sometimes, even ready-to-wear lines seem like they aren’t truly ready-to-wear. I often find myself drooling over a designer’s collection, but then—when faced with the task of recreating the look—struggle to translate it into an outfit that’s wearable for everyday. The best way I’ve been able to confront this struggle is by trying to establish what the key trend or overarching theme is that sets the line apart, and then I use that to inspire a look that is suitable for me. Side note—this also makes it way easier to utilize and revamp pieces from your current wardrobe.
For me, Balmain lies within the realm of those designers that are both extremely appealing and extremely intimidating. In the case of Balmain’s spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection, it is the brand’s boldness, elegance and sensuality that create this tension for me. What’s more, is the intimidation factor is heightened by the fact that Balmain seems to be the uniform for celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian who are constantly spotting wearing the brand to this gathering and that. With neither high profile events to attend, nor an endless amount of cash flow, it can feel like achieving a look that is at all reminiscent of Balmain is off the table for those of us who may not have a “household name.”
However, Balmain becomes a lot less intimidating when you are able to focus on just one overarching trend that defines the collection. From the designer’s spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection, the key trend I picked up on was the futuristic trend. This trend is evident in the collection’s high necklines, geometric shapes, stiff fabrics and bold colors.
In line with Balmain, I went totally futuristic with this look. A black and white color palette makes for a surprisingly bold look. The colors stand out against one another, which makes each unique element of the outfit, such as the texture of my dress, stand out as well. The white dress I’m wearing gives off a very futuristic vibe. With its thick fabric, clean lines and mock turtleneck, the dress is reminiscent of the always famous white dress Princess Leia wore. My knee-high gladiator sandals attempt to take the look to the next level. With these, I go full-on futuristic gladiator woman! My black cross-body purse keeps the look clean, but also adds another futuristic element with its chain detail on the strap. Finally, I added one last bold element into the mix with my deep red lip—a color that appeared several times throughout the collection. This added touch also gives the look the sensual element that Balmain’s collection calls for. All in all, the look makes a bold, yet clean statement. I have no doubts that just about anyone could look fierce in an ensemble like this!
Get My Look: 1. Mock neck dress. 2. Knee-high gladiator sandals. 3. Small black cross-body purse.
