BALMAIN'S OLIVIER ROUSTEING PLAYS WITH PASTEL SUEDE AND SATIN FOR FALL

Binx Walton in the fall 2016 Balmain runway show. Photo: Imaxtree

It feels like only yesterday that Kim Kardashian showed up at the fall 2015Balmain runway presentation with platinum blonde hair, effectively stealing the show. Flash forward to Thursday in Paris, when her powerful family was represented in the front row of the French house's latest paparazzi-targeted event by Kris Jenner and Kanye West. They left the spotlight-hogging to Kendall Jenner: The buzzy brunette model opened the show in a blond wig, followed by Californian blonde Gigi Hadid in a dark brown one, a switch-up repeated by a host of other top models. Two things to note: clearly Jenner has the most cache in the #BalmainArmy (she also closed the show), and there's a certain irony in trying to disguise the identities of models whose name recognition is the main reason they are hired. That's so meta. 

In terms of the clothes, designer Olivier Rousteing went deep on skintight suede in soft pastel blue, pink and camel, taking the form of thigh-high boots, waist-cinching minidresses and tight trousers. Those core Balmain pieces also came in stretchy satin in a metallic paisley and a vertically striped pink and blue pattern, sometimes accentuated by flowers. It reminded me of 18th-Century French wallpaper. The head-to-toe pastel striped looks also slightly recalled pajamas, albeit not very comfortable ones. And sheer lace pants and tops trimmed with ruffles along the arms and legs were a statement-making take on lingerie. 

Of course, it wouldn't be Balmain without thick, intricate beading and fringe, fur and cross-stitching accents that scream luxury. A black and pastel blue fringe skirt — Gigi's second look — was particularly impressive in motion. It kicked off the second half of the show's more evening-appropriate looks, featuring a darker color palette (with some flashes of kelly green) and a standout black and gold gown modeled by Binx Walton that probably deserved to close the show. It was gilded and glamorous and revealing in a way that felt newer than the rest. Oh, and obviously, it was perfectly designed for any number of the Kardashian/Jenner/Wests.

Collaborations (Obviously)

Hardly a day goes by now without news of a new high-low pairing set to drop or a rapper gearing up for a social media onslaught to promote his signature shoe, but that (usually) somehow doesn’t make these partnerships any less exciting.

The cultural cachet of a collaboration is obvious – you take two cool things and make them make a baby, with the theory being that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It doesn’t always happen that way, obviously, and can result in a snot-nosed devil child of a shoe which everyone will try to love because they know that’s the right thing to do, but god is it difficult…

Sometimes, though, it just clicks – like Common Projects and MRPORTER’s recent hook-up. It’s hard to predict what’ll appear this year – collabs usually tend to drop from the heavens like those frogs in Magnolia – but if 2015 was anything to go by, we’re onto a winner once again.

One of our favourites was cult German store A Kind Of Guise’s partnership with adidas – a hard to find drop that’s definitely worth searching around for: a deft mix of waffle sections, webbed outsoles and cool ‘raw cotton’ styling.

Retailer Skate also hooked up with New Balance for a car-inspired camel and black suede block dubbed the M998 ‘PRMR’, and who can overlook last summer’s heady brew of Italian label Diadora, Packer Shoes and Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon for the N9000 ‘Purple Tape’ to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rae’s legendary album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx? We’ve got fingers crossed for more of the same.

DIADORA X PACKER SHOES X RAEKWON N9000

PREMIER X NEW BALANCE 998 PRMR

MANSUR GAVRIEL INTRODUCES NEW BAG AND SHOE STYLES AT FASHION WEEK

A model sits alongside Mansur Gavriel's new Sun bag in a pair of matching slipper heels. Photo: Mansur Gavriel

Mansur Gavriel, maker of the famous — and still hard to find — minimalist bucket bag, held its second New York Fashion Week presentation in downtown Manhattan Monday, where designers Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel introduced two new bag shapes and five new shoe styles that are bound to get loyal followers panting.

In a two-tiered room painted Mansur Gavriel's signature pale pink, models swathed in soft camel walked about examining the styles on display, and lounging over bowls of fruit and couches the same delicate color as their clothes. In their hands were the two new bag shapes for fall 2016. The first of these, the Sun, is a top-handled bag threaded with a leather tie that comes in large, medium and mini sizes — in its largest incantation, it reads like a more modern, minimalist take on the Birkin, and would work well as a bag to tote to and from work. It comes in a lush suede as well as both calf and patent leather — the latter two materials are a first for the label. Other models carried a squarish, more vintage-inspired bag called the Elegant, featuring both a top-handle and a clasp, suitable for more formal occasions.

The Elegant bag in pink calf. Photo: Mansur Gavriel

On their feet models wore matching shoes in five new styles: a Venetian loafer (in heel heights of 10mm and 30mm), a classic flat loafer, a pointed heel, a backless "heel slipper," a ballerina (in flat and 40mm) and, the most novel, a suede ankle boot lined with thick shearling, which ranged in heel height from flat to 90mm, with the taller styles featuring a platform sole. In light-colored suede, it may not be the most practical winter option, but it's certainly a very luxe and chic one. "We just wanted a really cozy winter boot that felt wearable," Mansur said before the show. "The boot we always wished we could have," Gavriel added.

Mansur and Gavriel have been especially busy as of late, supervising the delivery of their spring 2016 collection — the first to feature shoes — and designing this one. The company now has 18 employees, but all of the design and production is still handled entirely by the two of them. "It's getting challenging, we need to build that team," Mansur said. As for the promised ready-to-wear line? They're still working on finding the right partners.

The Sun bag and ankle boots on display. Photo: Mansur Gavriel

For those of you hoping to get your hands on spring '16 shoes: Net-a-Porter has already received several styles, and will be receiving more over the next two weeks. A selection of other top-tier retailers — Opening Ceremony, Bergdorf Goodman, Dover Street Market, Colette, Steven Alan Tribeca and Lane Crawford — are scheduled to receive deliveries around the same time, with the label's own e-commerce site to follow.

For a closer look at the fall 2016 collection, check out the slideshow below.

MUST READ: KYLIE JENNER COVERS 'WONDERLAND,' AMAZON POSTS FASHION JOB LISTINGS

These are the stories making headlines in fashion this Tuesday.

Kylie Jenner fronts the "Spring Fashion Fame Issue" ofWonderland
Professional famous person Kylie Jenner has racked up yet another magazine cover, this time for Wonderland's "Spring Fashion Fame Issue." For the occasion, the 18-year-old beauty magnate leans up against a bathroom counter in nothing but a Gucci blouse and bright white undies — and what appears to be a light slick of her Lip Kit, of course. (Posie K, is it?) {Wonderland}

Amazon might have plans for a private fashion label
Back in October at the WWD CEO Summit, Amazon's Jeff Yurcisin said customers love brands, and they expect similar products when a brand decides not to sell on their website — and just recently, Amazon put up job listings for fashion industry professionals. One listing stated that the e-commerce giant is looking for a senior sourcing manager "to launch new high-quality products for our global customers." Could a private fashion label be in the works? {WWD}

Stephen Colbert learns how to pose sexy with Sports Illustrated's Ashley Graham and Hailey Clauson
On Monday night, Sports Illustrated cover stars Ashley Graham and Hailey Clauson taught "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert how to pose sexy in any and every situation, including, uh, hell. To watch the full clip, head here. {YouTube}

Tiffany Trump makes her NYFW debut
On Sunday, 22-year-old Tiffany Trump made her NYFW runway debut at"Rich Kids of Instagram" target Andrew Warren's fashion show. When asked whether she had plans to pursue modeling, Trump responded that she'll be taking the LSAT and applying to law school. So, no. {Page Six}

Barneys New York returns to downtown Manhattan
Barneys New York has completed its new downtown flagship, located in the same block where the company was founded back in 1923. The 55,000-square-foot flagship spans five floors, and will include a Blind Barber barbershop and Freds restaurant, in addition to clothing, accessories and cosmetics. {Fashionista inbox}

MSGM bans social media at fashion show
For his upcoming fall/winter 2017 show, MSGM's Massimo Giorgetti is asking press and buyers to put down their phones and not post any pictures on social media. His reasoning? Social media causes people to lose interest, and he'd like viewers to watch the clothes with their eyes. Now, that's reasonable, right? {WWD}

Stella McCartney might do menswear
While a spokesperson for the brand wouldn't comment, it's "understood" that Stella McCartney is preparing for her first menswear collection for spring 2017. {WWD}

Bag Snob's bag was stolen
During Diane von Furstenberg's supermodel-filled fête, Bag Snob (aka Tina Craig)'s bag was stolen.Her message to the thief: "... to the asshole who stole my bag — We have VIDEO! Grand theft larceny — off to prison you go when they catch you!" {Instagram}

Gigi Hadid displays her rock-hard abs on the cover of Vogue China
Want yet another excuse to check out Gigi Hadid's marble-cut body? Look no further than the latest cover of Vogue China. Her blue sweater and scalloped shorts? From Dior's romantic spring 2016 collection. {Fashion Copious}

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NEW YORK FASHION WEEK LIVE BLOG: DAY 6

10:12  Brandon Maxwell by Chantal Fernandez

Almost exactly 24 hours after he was in L.A. with Lady Gaga prepping for her Grammy performance in tribute of David Bowie, Brandon showed his second collection in New York at the Monkey Bar to an intimate crowd including Gaga herself, still sporting her bright orange hair.

This white jumpsuit that closed the show was crazy elegant.

06:07  Beaufille  by Chantal Fernandez

In its first season showing at NYFW, Beaufille presented a very clear brand identity with simple but distinctive silhouettes and fun textures.

05:28  Edie Parker by Fawnia Soo Hoo

Designer Brett Heyman worked Art Deco detail, bling and paint on acrylic (for the first time) into her handbag collection for fall. And more velvet, the fabric of our lives.

04:29  Pier 76 by Eliza Brooke

Thanks to the cold rain and strong winds blowing across Manhattan this afternoon, I was in a pretty foul mood while heading home from checking out Coach's beauty situation backstage at Pier 76. And then I saw this.

03:42  Backstage, Gypsy Sport

An upside-down heart shape on models' lower lips. Also: gloooooooosssss.

03:39  APC by Dhani Mau

APC's collab with Outdoor Voices, styled with street shoes because "yoga pants with sneakers is too much."

03:35  APC by Dhani Mau

Best presentation format. Best Frenchness. Best everything.

03:26  Alice + Olivia by Fawnia Soo Hoo

Also, this lady has the best job right now.

03:25  Alice + Olivia by Fawnia Soo Hoo

My sentiments exactly.

02:46  APC x OV by Eliza Brooke

APC's Jean Touitou and Outdoor Voices founder Tyler Haney show the looks in their collaboration.

02:43  Dennis Basso by Fawnia Soo Hoo

Red carpet gowns and loads of fur at Dennis Basso. Don't tell PETA.

02:32  Gypsy Sport by Dhani Mau

Whoopi Goldberg is here naturally.

02:06  Angel Sanchez by Fawnia Soo Hoo

The lacework on this gown is so dreamy. Maybe a hint for bridal season?

HOW TO STYLE 2015 FASHION COLOR LIKE CELEBRITIES

Fashion color 2015 is natural and refreshing Pantone 18-1438, Marsala, a naturally robust and earthy wine red.  “Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth.” said Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of Pantone Color Institute.

The subtly seductive shade of Marsala makes it a strong accent to many other colors,  perfect accessory color choice for handbags, hats and shoes. The elegant grounded statement of this color is also flattering when used on its own by wearing as a dress or pants.
Click through the gallery to see how celebrities style this color for daily wear or red carpet.

BEST STREET STYLES AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SPRING

Celebrities and fashion icons kick off New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 with very inspiring styles. From sneakers,  lace up sandals to cool ankle boots, the street style stars, fashion editors, bloggers, models and It girls, exemplify one-of-a-kind personal style and clearly have the fashion game mastered. Click through the gallery to view some of the best street styles, which make the view of New York Fashion Week.