As I had my morning cup of coffee at the office today, I came across the announcement that Christophe Decarnin would be leaving his post as Creative Director of the legendary French fashion house Balmain. My heart dropped, and I felt a great sense of loss as I read the disappointing news. There was no reason or statement from the brand, just reports that they were parting ways because Christophe and the owner of Balmain were not seeing eye to eye on the future direction of the company.
Since the Fall 2008 collection, I have followed Balmain closely, taking cues on what have been some of the hottest silhouettes in fashion. Decarnin has really helped to reshape how we think of styling and designing. He helped to reinvigorate a stagnant denim industry with exciting new styles, wash treatments, coatings, zippers and even leather. Without his influence, many of us in the denim industry would not have had a very easy time weathering the recession.
In honor of his work for Balmain, we have pulled five of our favorite runway looks from his tenure, each representing a key trend or concept that has continued to influence the HABITUAL line, in no particular order:
1. THE MOTO PANT (FALL 2010)
2. METALLICS, including leather and coatings on denim (FALL 2010)
3. LEATHER (FALL 2008)
4. THE RETURN OF SHOULDER PADS (SPRING 2009)
5. MILITARY MIXED WITH ROCK & ROLL (SPRING 2010)
I can’t say enough about the quality, detail and innovation that Decarnin brought to the house of Balmain. I’m sad to see him go and wish him well.
-Jennifer Wojinski, Design Director, HABITUAL
*Images courtesy of Stylesight
