TREND I-SPY

Architectural minimalism, body-conscious bell shapes, innerwear-as-outwear, tartan and plaid, sparkle and shine: All recently popular trends, all seen first on the runway of Balenciaga. Certain designers are known for having a signature style, while others seem to spearhead whatever is the most important trend of the season. In the case of Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, he is more often than not ahead of the curve. I found some great examples when I scoured through Style.com. Francisco Costa was lauded in S2009 for his architecturally-biased collection for Calvin Klein. Three years before, a very similar dress appeared in the S2006 Balenciaga show. The innerwear-on-the-outside trend was the overwhelming success of the S2010 Collections. Balenciaga showed a version with an exposed bra back in Spring 2006! For Pre-Fall 10 Vera Wang twinned a sparkling shift with a fine knit cardigan resembling a dress with a similar feel from Balenciaga's Spring 06 show. Balenciaga's collect...

US Vogue January 10 US Vogue's featured designers for this decade Alexander McQueen , Balmain (Christophe Decarnin) , Calvin Klein (Francisco Costa), Celine (Phoebe Philo), Dior (John Galliano), Dior Homme ( Hedy Slimane), Dolce & Gabbana, Dries Van Noten, Gucci (Tom Ford), Helmut Lang , Lanvin (Alber Elbaz), Marc Jacobs , Marni , Oscar de la Renta, Prada, Proenza Schouler, Rick Owens. Rocha ( Olivier Theyskens), Rodarte , Versace (Donatella Versace ), YSL (Tom Ford), YSL ( Stefano Pilati) . Just one GLARING omission, naturally I am referring to Nicolas Ghesquière's work for Balenciaga where he has been since 1997. More to come ...