Balmain RTW Fall 2012

In his second season as a designer for Balmain, Oliver Rousteing is not holding anything back, and proof of that was found in Balmain’s ready-to-wear fall 2012 collection. In the line, which was inspired by a gem owned by Elizabeth Taylor, Rousteing went all in with fabrics, embroidery, jewels, and more.

Boxy cut jackets paired with slim trousers, as well as form-fitting dresses and miniskirts, made up a majority of the collection. Quilted patterns, velvet, and dozens of pearls swamped the entire line, yet it remained fairly practical.

The collections color palette was comprised of deep greens and royal violets, along with a host of blush tones and metallic and gold accents,. Those colors, combined with armor-like jeweled coverings, metals, and embroidery, almost gave Balmain's latest collection a bold, medieval feel. The collection was, indeed, bold, and it was as beautiful as the piece that inspired it.

Text Quamé A. Hamlin
Source WWD

V Magazine's 72-Page Dedication to Liz Taylor

Dying for the September issues of this year? Well here is just another reason to continue counting down the minutes. The upcoming September issue of V Magazine will not only showcase hundreds of pages of fabulous and fierce fashion, but this year the mag is said to be featuring a 72-page dedication to the late Elizabeth Taylor; a Hollywood icon that will forever have an influence on the world of fashion.

The issue's theme for September is "Heroes" and it is no suprise that Liz Taylor is one of the heroines of choice. She captivated thousands of audiences with her beauty and played muse to artists of all types.  Yet the big question is, who is the team behind such momentous dedication? Look no futher than world renowned photographer Mario Testino and the highly influential Carine Roitfeld; a match made in editorial heaven! There couldnt be a more more dynamic duo for such a project and I for one cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of issue.

Text Lauryn Stone
Source: WWD

Elizabeth Taylor: The Loss of an Icon

It would be remiss of any fashion publication not to take out a little space this week and make sure and mention the passing of Elizabeth Taylor, an icon in far too many ways to list. On the morning of Wednesday, March 23 at Cedar-Sinai hospital, the star passed away of congenital heart failure. The style icon and actress appeared in features such as "Cleopatra", "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe", the latter for which she won an Academy Award. Taylor was known for her spectacular romances; especially to Richard Burton, whom she married twice out of her 8 marriages. She is survived by 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren, amongst her myriads of fans whose lives she has touched. Taylor's ability to touch so many people also comes largely with her advocacy for the Gay community, her role in AIDS research and understanding, and her timeless style which permeates the fashion industry to it's minutest of corners.

Her family requests any contributions that anyone might desire to give be given to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Take a moment and let us know which Taylor moment you find most inspiring.

Text Corinna Fabre