Balmain

There was a lot of last-minute shake-up at Balmain this season. First, the label’s long-time show stylist, Emmanuelle Alt, resigned due to obligations and responsibilities at her new job as Editor of Paris Vogue. The label quickly called in veteran stylist Melanie Ward to fill the role—problem solved. But then designer Christophe Decarnin failed to show up for the Fall 2011 show (rumors are he was under doctor’s orders to stay home after being treated for depression recently). Things could have gone all wrong with this last-minute fumbling, but au contraire! The collection was gangbusters, full of the gutsy, decadent, rock-n-roll glamour that the label is known for. The most exciting looks were encrusted in swirls or stripes of jeweled beading and sequins, paired with low-slung toothpick jeans or asymmetrical slashed suede tops. Perfection.