Fall Fashion Preview – Part II – Marc Jacobs, Balmain

In addition to going back to the 40′s, fashion will be revisiting the 80′s. Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Balmain among several designers featured eighties-style dressing.

At Versace and Balmain, Donatella and Christophe exhibited power suits, wide collars and big shoulders (Balmain with its now characteristic upwards-swooping shoulders) and of course thigh-baring sequined dresses. I loved the blazers at Balmain. They’re well worth checking out.

I love both of these dresses, although I must say I’m not sure I have the guts to wear the Balmain. With different shoes (ones that elongate rather than cut one’s legs off) and good accessories, I think it would be wearable, but only in the right place. The Versace is infinitely more wearable with its big round sequins reminiscent of pink pearls arrayed in rays. It’s almost certain we’ll be seeing this gorgeous on a celebrity.



























Versace, Balmain


Both Vivienne Westwood and Gucci exhibited power dressing. Gucci especially had an emphasis on sparkly and leather leggings, with high impact makeup.Gucci and Vivienne Westwood had heavy, eighties style eyes. Gucci’s hair was more office slick, whereas Vivienne Westwood had rocker-chic, disheveled hair.



























Vivienne Westwood, Gucci


Marc Jacobs exhibited a collection that was entirely devoted to the eighties. From the makeup to the colourful tops and the big hair, Marc was taking the eighties and dusting them off. This yellow velvet dress modeled by Canadian supermodel (woot!) Jessica Stam is my favourite look from his show. It’s eyecatching, nods to the eighties while still feeling very fresh. The eye makeup is also very eighties but since the rest of her face is bare, its balanced out. The big hair is also an obvious eighties reference, but the asymmetry and conical shape keeps it modern and very edgy. The way he’s shown it, with opaque black leggings is a perfect ensemble for going out in the fall.

Marc Jacobs