Spring 2011: A Punk in Paris

The New York, London & Milan shows declared a preppy romanticism and such Paris shows as Balmain literally screamed, "I'll do it my way!" (the soundtrack professed).

Christophe Decarnin's way wasn't necessarily a way for which I would've liked to travel. Decarnin's latest collection seemed revisited & was cluttered with everything/anything tiny including, cropped-biker pants that appeared as if a direct copy of Isabel Marant's Fall 2010 success. Balmain seems to repeat itself each season.

Google defines Punk as, "rebelling against the established order" and Decarnin established said punk fashions during the Fall 2008 season.

This confusion has sparked a scatterbrained vibe throughout the industry, "I think it's much more about fashion culture than fashion [which is why it seems all over the place].", admitted the New York Times' columnist, Cathy Horyn to Harper's Bazaar.

For the Spring 2011 season, Balenciaga took over Balmain's former role as rebellious, offering wearable pieces that explore new silhouettes. Balenciaga's show opened with a slew of unknown models that Ghesquiere's crew cast off the street (as apposed to the industry/establishment's casting of the same top models for each show). Nicolas Ghesquiere explained prior to the show, "I didn't want clones".

I would much rather take the road less traveled, for which Ghesquiere has paved extremely well! Despite the toughness exuded by the houndstooth leather and clunky brogues, the simple Tuxedo cuts and sheer panelling of the shirts add a dose of softness, making for a fresh take on punk style.

Nicolas Ghesquiere told Style.com's Nicole Phelps, "It's about individuality", which certainly backs the theory that every fashion house has a knack for something different at the moment.

photos, tfs.