>> Designers like Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch showcased '70s inspired clothing for Spring. Why not jump ahead of the trend and start mixing in some basic pieces now? Wide-leg jeans dipped in dark and light hues cast a flattering silhouette, and flowy tops lend a feminine touch. Check out our svelte picks from Stella McCartney, Topshop, Balenciaga, and Gap for more '70s cool.
>> Balenciaga is amping up its presence in the US, an important market for the house, with the hire of Katherine Ross — "known for her brainy approach and art-world ties during stints at Prada and LVMH," WWD reports — as consultant.
While Nicolas Ghesquiere said he and Ross have no concrete plans yet, he hopes to do more events or special projects that could have artistic or historical angles stateside: “I’m questioning if there is a new way of communicating about a fashion brand. It could be an art proposal, it could be a movie. [The scope] is very open, very large.”
Ross echoed: “Balenciaga is poised for significant growth and increased recognition in the U.S.” When prompted on whether that meant Balenciaga might return to the New York runways, Ghesquiere said, "Why not," but stressed that for now, he's staying on the Paris show calendar. Fashionista suggests that he might be more open to showing a Resort collection in New York, like Stefano Pilati did with Yves Saint Laurent last Resort season, than a Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter main collection.
We always look to Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquiere for eye-opening styles, and his Pre-Fall collection is no exception. Tunics! Metallic pants! Plaids! Crazy bomber jacket! Now do we wear it all together? Click on the slideshow for more trends from Balenciaga.
>> For Pre-Fall 2011, Nicolas Ghesquiere showed off a collection filled with tunic dresses paired with slim cigarette pants, printed statement coats, and lady-like skirts. On the accessories front — ever a point of note in the Balenciaga realm — meanwhile, Ghesquiere highlighted silver point-toe heels and colorful frame bags.
Dakota Fanning traipsed through the LAX airport looking adorable in her casual outfit. Our favorite piece was her Autumn Cashmere beanie, but we have affinity for her Balenciaga bag too. Shop those items, with a white tee, army jacket, blue jeans, and flats for the complete Dakota ensemble.
>> After closing out Balenciaga's Spring 2011 runway show back in September, rumors swirled that Gisele Bündchen would be the face of the ad campaign. And they were true: images of the campaign just surfaced featuring Bündchen, accompanied by ghostly-looking male model Yuri Pleskun, channeling her inner punk in Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest collection. The campaign was shot by Steven Meisel and Marie-Amélie Sauvé styled.
Remember when Gisele Bundchen walked Balenciaga's Spring catwalk? Well, it makes sense that now she would also star in the latest ad campaign. Only this time, she's traded in her ponytail for a choppy wig. It's certainly not the sexiest we've seen Gisele, but this just proves that she can do high-fashion just as well as she once did Victoria's Secret. And is that Balenciaga's new, limited-edition watch I see on her wrist? What do you think of this ad?
Balenciaga just came out with its new limited-edition watch collection ($1,375-$1,445), and I want to get your thoughts since they're unlike many watches out there. That's probably because they're inspired by Cristobal Balenciaga's historical clock. They make a statement, that's for sure — the thick strap is standard, but the circle face on the rectangular plate is a unique look. Price aside, would you want to sport one?
>> Balenciaga stylist Marie Amelie Sauve recently worked with Gisele Bundchen on the brand's Spring 2011 runway show and campaign; needless to say, she's a fan: “You know what I like, and more and more I think it’s important, is to be toned . . . When you look soft, that I don’t like at all. Gisele is of course the best body, for me, because she’s doing a lot of different sports." As for why Sauve "never ever" wears makeup: "I started in fashion when I was 19, and as soon as you start in the fashion business, I don’t know why, but you don’t wear a lot of makeup. Especially when you’re shooting and you see a lot of models, because they are wearing a lot, you avoid it, maybe? It’s a funny thing.” [Into the Gloss]
![Balenciaga Fall 2011 Ad Campaign with Liya Kebede [Video]](http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2011/07/28/1/166/1668379/f20b0f27ea1cea7e_balenciaga.xxlarge/i/Balenciaga-Fall-2011-Ad-Campaign-Liya-Kebede-Video.jpg "Balenciaga Fall 2011 Ad Campaign with Liya Kebede [Video]")
