Balenciaga’s Spring Summer 2013 was a bit different than past collections by Nicolas Ghesquière who typically is known for menswear-inspired designs with boxy jackets and tapered trousers. This season, Nicolas Ghesquière said that he had looked to Cristobal Balenciaga’s work beyond fashion for inspiration, specifically for dance and its movement. “I thought it was interesting to play with that contrast between Balenciaga’s cubism and architectural rigidity,” he explained, “and with mythology, antiquity, and movement.” Beyond dance, femininity reigned supreme and Ghesquière told his audience that “skin is in” – but so is impeccable craftsmanship and strength.
Themes – The fluidity and movement of dance against Balenciaga’s signature cubism and architectural rigidity.
Colors – Ivory, black, eggshell, light blue, pink, grey, beige, light denim
Key Items – White cotton coat Dress; ruffled flamenco skirts; high-waisted pants; tweed slit miniskirts; jagged hemline skirts
Fabrics – Neoprene, rubber, cotton, laser-cut leather, double gabardine, laminated tweed
Accessories – Lace-up shoes in shiny leather with chunky cube heels (solid or cut out) in steel or leather, pill bags, solid gold headbands with and without silver branches, gold finger rings
Swag – Balenciaga is for the modern girl. A woman who likes simplicity with masculine or menswear inspired silhouettes. The brand has been driven towards a tough girl but, with some feminine touches. Kristen Stewart is not just a fan in the crowd but, a frequent wearer and campaign ambassador for this chic brand.
