The future’s bright at Balenciaga's s/s 09 show

The pictures are in and the future looks bright for Nicolas Ghesquiere as his latest vision for the house of Balenciaga dazzled in the City of Light yesterday.

(Click here now to see the whole collection, plus see who was on the front row).

For spring/summer 09 Ghesquiere focused on texture and light, working matt and shiny fabrics together, placing lurex and stretch jersey next to waterproofs, sequins and suede. His always precise silhouette this season showed the signature, skinny jodhpur style trouser carefully constructed from panels and new cocoon-like cape tops featuring a heart motif. These were worn over nude stretch body suits which completely covered the hands and the shoes. A futuristic and industrial feel prevailed (Ghesquiere has long been fascinated by these themes although he is a designer reluctant to pin his designs to complex, conceptual theories).

Beautiful finale dresses with drop waists were short and cut in shimmering, sparkling sequinned cloth in gold, silver and bronze. Accessories were notable only in their absence and footwear was cocooned in the body suits (no statement heels this season then). There were however a few tiny sparkling clutch bags to lust over - precious and jewel encrusted - future fashion heirlooms for sure.

By Melissa Dick

Posted 01 October 2008

For all show news and catwalk updates, including frontrow and videos - click here now.