NEW SEASON // Tsarist Russian inspiration from Balmain

Drawing inspiration from tsarist Russia, Olivier Rousteing’s Fall 2012 Balmain collection incorporates elements of art teamed with military tailoring. Highly ornamental pieces recall Faberge eggs through lush quilting and pearl and crystal embellishments, while Rousteing’s stand-out suede and velvet jackets fuse the same luxe quality with the straight lines and sharp shoulders of tsarist military uniforms. The collection’s overtly dark palette likewise sees military touches through oversize embossed buttons, buckles and gold-tone hardware.