As you may know from our previous posts about the Surrealist movement being the inspiration for our Fall 2012 line, almost all of HABITUAL’s pieces are influenced and inspired by art. Another instance of art influencing fashion that HABITUAL truly admires is Balmain’s Fall 2012 collection, which was said to be inspired by Fabergé eggs, specifically Elizabeth Taylor’s. Peter Carl Fabergé, “Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars,” was best known for being the master goldsmith and jeweler for the Russian Royal family, as well as many other ruling families of Europe during the 19^th and 20^th century. Balman’s Fall 2012 line includes intricate details of pearls, golds and florals. Fashionista explains, “These pieces look as precious as Fabergé eggs, like they’ll warrant the undoubtedly exorbitant price tag that will be attached to them.” Balmain’s line is absolutely exquisite, and you can definitely Fabergé’s lavish artwork is definitely shown through.

And if you want to get a closer look at the inspiration behind Balman’s collection, Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, has Fabergé’s pieces on display in their “Fabergé: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars” exhibit, which is going on now until January 6, 2013.

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