Apparently Balmain is back. I’m not much for disregarding design houses - especially those French in origin and with Edith Head-esque credentials (Balmain did a lot of Hollywood costume design), so the vicious fashion cycle strikes again. But - Balmain comes out on top with new design head Christophe Decarnin (formerly of Paco Rabanne), who is leading the the label in staging a movement towards an edgy, sultry and complicated boho genre - very far off from the original Pierre Balmain’s uncluttered and pure styling.

Although I’d love to see a bit more of Pierre in these shoes - I won’t lie, I’m definitely more cluttered than uncluttered, and I love a heavy metal shoe that I can wear with everything. I kind of think Balmain is the alternative answer to the somewhat retro and polished showings on the runways recently, more specifically the Balenciaga Fall 08 that we never had this year! Although Christophe is going against the grain with the house’s aesthetic, he’s doing what’s best for the label in the end - a fresh, young, and Bergdorf Goodman worthy collection to bring the name out of couture and into closets.

$125 @ Aldo.com

$22 @ GoJane.com

Buy the real thing, $1,950 @ LuisaViaRoma.com