In case anyone is listening, I would like to respectfully disagree with the New York Times columnist Vanessa Friedman‘s assessment of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut Haute Couture collection for Balenciaga. As qualified as she may be to share her opinion, I too have eyes and thus crown myself worthy of an opinion. No, I wasn’t in the front row rubbing elbows with Demi Moore or Naomi Watts, absorbing the atmosphere firsthand. But, the show moved me, nonetheless. I find it difficult to believe the audience was as underwhelmed or “indifferent” as the article suggested.
Friedman argued that what the collection lacked was, “some mess, some sense of movement, experimentation and challenge to the status quo.” I couldn’t disagree more. I saw experimentation in unexpected color pairings and in the tension between billowing softness and architectural precision. Together, they felt like a fresh, confident expression of the house and the customer it aims to dress.
Several color combinations dazzled the eye. This cabernet balloon dress paired with periwinkle leather gloves read as a quiet act of rebellion. So did a vivid coral feathered jacket worn with khaki wide leg trousers. Aside from color, throughout the collection, volume became its own language. The delicately oversized proportions of the gowns and sweeping maxi skirts didn’t whisper. They shouted for women to take up more space, not merely as representations of beauty, but as confident, decisive masters of their own power.
In my own little act of rebellion, and just for fun, I have paired a few of my favorite Balenciaga fall couture looks with standout jewelry pieces at local jewelry stores. Because women should never be afraid to go too far in life or in fashion.
Clockwise from Left: Hamilton Ventura S Quartz Watch, Lee Michaels, Simon G Ring, Aucoin Hart, Egypt Painting Earrings, Pilot/Powell, Vitrice McMurry Cast Sterling Silver Wave Cuff, Symmetry
Clockwise from Left: Dottie Earrings, Pied Nu, Crest Ring, Mignon Faget, Crystal Bypass Bracelet, Dillard’s, Estate Cultured Pearls with Diamond Clasp, Friend & Co
Clockwise from Left: Golconda Diamond Earrings, 16.21 Carats, M.S. Rau, Omega Aqua Terra Watch, BOUDREAUX’S, Rainbow Fan Earrings, Moda Operandi, 9.64ct Kunzite and Diamond Ring, HGM Fine Jewelry
Sale & Event Picks:
Family & Friends Sale Event (online use code Family50), Ballin’s
Deeper Discounts to Sale, Pilot/Powell
