FabSugar

Balmain Spring 2012

Hannah Weil — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:59:31 PDT

From the looks of things, Olivier Rousteing knows exactly what Balmain is made of. For Spring 2012, the designer showed us what might happen if a Spanish dancer went west - a mix of long, duster-like leather skirts and denim button-ups paired with the label's signature embellishments on body-conscious minidresses, skirts, and slim pants and jackets. Gold embroidery and fringe on white pants, skirts, and boleros all hinted at beautifully ornate Spanish detailing; while leather pants, denim shirts and skirts, and laser-cut leather brought us back to the Old West. At the core, it's still what Balmain does best - standout, rich metallics, and beading on the slickest and sexiest silhouettes.

Trends: leather, boleros, embellishment, fringe, embroidery, and high-waisted pants.
Colors: black, white, gold, some florals and denim.
Key Piece: the black embellished suit; the gold and white embellished mini and denim shirt.
Accessories: embellished suede and cutout leather booties, gold cuffs, chain bracelets and belts, oversize gold belt buckles.
Who Would Wear It: Cool-girl types with an eye for glam-rocker pieces; Zoe Saldana and Anna Dello Russo would rock the embellished minidresses.

How to Channel the Opulence of Zoe Saldana's Balmain Dress

Noria Morales — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:17:50 PDT

Zoe Saldana chose a richly detailed Balmain Resort 2012 minidress complete with a white train to a screening of Colombiana in Miami yesterday. While the collection was designed with a Vegas-era Elvis in mind (and, yes, we can see references to that infamous white bedazzled suit), the ornate detail and mix of gold, white, and silver reminded us of something more classically opulent; indeed, Zoe reminded us of some Ottoman Empire princess. The effect is easily channeled for every day with a few good accessories. Here are our styling tips for channeling Zoe's opulent look without investing in a Balmain minidress:

Stack a mix of gold and silver bracelets on your wrist and wear it with a silky blouse in navy blue, cream, or white.

Try an ornate statement necklace or pendant earrings over something velvet and luxe.

Carry a gorgeous bejeweled clutch on your next evening out; it will immediately elevate a simple cocktail dress.

Pamela Love Navajo-inspired cutout brass cuff - $625.00	Oscar de la Renta 24-karat gold-plated necklace - Sold Out
Stephen Dweck Rectangular Rock Crystal Ring (Nordstrom Exclusive) - Sold Out	Matthew Williamson Embellished satin clutch - Sold Out
Ben-Amun Dream Catcher Earrings - $170.00	Stephen Dweck Floral Pendant Chain Bracelet - $490.00
Z Designs Rhinestone Art Deco Bracelet - $38.00	Tang & Song Hallow Octagon Ring - $63.00
Dominic Jones Fern 23-karat rose gold-plated necklace - $650.00	Roberto Cavalli Beehive gold-plated cuff - Sold Out
Stephen Dweck Clear Crystal Bypass Ring - Sold Out	Repossi Rose Gold & Diamond Maure Ring - Sold Out
House of Harlow 1960 Enamel & Crystal Sunburst Ring - Sold Out	Yves Saint Laurent Gold-plated stingray-effect chain cuff - $1,095.00
Andrea Valentini Vintage Copper Tassel Pendant Necklace - $108.00	Pearl Section Collar Necklace - Sold Out
Janna Conner Designs Gold Crisscross Drop Earrings - $58.00	SANTI CPB4938 Beaded Pouchette - Sold Out
Nicole Miller Handbags Lexi Minaudiere - Sold Out	Prezzo Vintage-Style Dome Clutch - Sold Out
Jude Frances Fleur Cross Charms with Cinnamon Topaz - Yellow Gold - $1,480.00

Don't Be Afraid Of: Wearing Head-to-Toe Print

Chi Diem Chau — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:45:01 PDT

Head-to-toe print might seem like a scary trend at first thought. But after peeping several celebs working the trend on the red carpet, we're more than warming up to notion. Case in point: Olivia Palermo wore a bright cobalt cobweb-lace outfit from Tibi paired with crystal Giuseppe Zanotti heels, Zoe Saldana rocked a blazer and shorts combo from Balmain, and Margherita Missoni donned a stunning woven midi dress paired with printed platform sandals. Each look is a different take on head-to-toe prints, but all of them look equally fabulous. Check out our three styling pointers culled from Olivia, Zoe, and Margherita's looks, and then start mixing and matching your patterns.

Match your prints for a seamlessly chic look this Fall - and don't forget to top off the look with a pair of statement heels.
On the flip side, mixing prints evokes a more bohemian-cool aesthetic, a la Margherita, making it an ideal daywear option.
Temper printed separates with a white tee for gorgeous laid-back look.

Photos of Balmain's More Affordable Second Line, Pierre Balmain

Chi Diem Chau — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:17:16 PDT

Paris fashion house Balmain just released images of its new, more affordable Pierre Balmain line, set to launch for Spring 2012. The new collection, described as more casual and downtown, is easier on the pocketbook compared to its main line, with prices ranging from around $172 to $1,291 for dresses, knitwear, leather, tees, and denim. Still not cheap by any means, but much less than the crazy $1,400 price tag on a t-shirt from the original Balmain line. The collection will be available online by the end of the year. Check out the slideshow to see more looks from the collection; will you be adding a piece to your wish list?

Emma Watson Bares One Shoulder in Balmain - Love It or Leave It?

Hannah Weil — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:59:47 PDT

Before tonight's big premiere, the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 star made a stop by The Late Show in a sparkly, one-shouldered Balmain mini and patent Louboutin wedges. We've seen Emma Watson play with lace, tulle, and texture as she's hit the red carpet promoting the latest Potter film, but this funkier style is a definite departure for the actress, who usually keeps things on the feminine side. Now, we want to know what you think of Emma's edgier style - does it suit the starlet or would you prefer something a little softer?

Happy Birthday, Zoe Saldana!

FabSugar — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 04:31:00 PDT

Zoe Saldana has been flying high on our fashion radar for a while now. The actress, humanitarian, and Calvin Klein spokeswoman never ceases to amaze us with her stellar style. In the beginning of her acting career - circa 2000 - the Dominican and Puerto Rican beauty worked the red carpet in belly-baring tops and bohemian skirts. Since then, Zoe has refined her style with a mix of sophisticated, sexy, and daring ensembles from the likes of Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, and Balmain. From casually cunning daywear to rad red carpet looks, Zoe excels in every fashion arena. In honor of her 33rd birthday this weekend, we're taking a look back at Zoe's impressive fashion metamorphosis.

Battle of Balmain: Kristen Stewart vs. Leighton Meester

Noria Morales — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 19:28:42 PDT

Both Kristen Stewart and Leighton Meester had a glamourous rocker-chick vibe at the MTV Movie Awards. Not surprisingly, both were clad in Balmain, the French design house known for exactly that. While Kristen's look was a bit harder, thanks to the plethora of safety pins adorning her minidress, Leighton made a big statement in complete sequins. Who wore Balmain better?

MTV Movie Awards: Kristen Stewart

BellaSugar — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:42:30 PDT

Kristen Stewart can rock a minidress, and at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards, she decided to stick to the familiar silhouette. Sporting a scarlett-hued, studded, safety-pinned Balmain number, she tops the look off with multiple rings, smoky eyes, and a rocker-chic hairstyle. Do you think Kristen's look is perfection, or would you like to have seen her do something a little bit different?

Vote on all of our MTV Movie Awards polls here!

Balmain to Launch a More Affordable Collection

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 23 May 2011 07:53:06 PDT

Balmain is known for its crazy expensive clothes - think $1,400 t-shirts - so we were stoked to hear that the Parisian brand is set to launch a more affordable collection. Price points are still under wraps, but we do know that the collection, dubbed Pierre Balmain, will be created by a second design team and overseen by Balmain's new head designer, Olivier Rousteing. The official Spring 2012 presentation is expected to show in September, presumably during New York Fashion Week. We're excited, are you?

Link Time: Missoni For Target Collaboration Will Hit Stores in September

FabSugar — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:33:04 PDT

Next up from Target? A collaboration with Missoni - Vogue Daily
Sarah Burton says that Kate Middleton is "low maintenance" - The Cut
Reem Acra's new bridal collection photos - InStyle
Madonna says she felt fat at the Met Ball - Jezebel
Juicy Couture launches a Tumblr page - Juicy Couture
See inside the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit - Vogue UK
Alexander Wang and the problem with stock photos - Purse Blog
Man of mystery: Balmain's new designer -Interview

Tibi Long Sleeve Cobweb Lace Blouse - Sold Out	Cobweb Lace Pant - Sold Out
Giuseppe Zanotti Women's E10089 Ankle-Strap Sandal - Sold Out	Missoni Zigzag Cross-Back Maxi Dress - Sold Out
Alexander Wang Metallic Lydia Clutch - Sold Out	Prada silver and salmon woven leather pumps - Sold Out
Green Animal Print Playsuit - Sold Out	Bottega Veneta Printed Silk T-Strap Pump - Sold Out
ASOS Spot Print Chiffon Blazer - Sold Out	Whisper linen V-neck tee - Sold Out
Marc by Marc Jacobs twilight blue cotton polka dot print knit shorts - Sold Out	Miu Miu POLKA-DOT SANDALS - Sold Out
ASOS Leather Floral Cut Out Clutch - Sold Out