How on earth did I miss Balmain’s S/S ’11 Collection from Paris?! This collection is totally me just blown all over the runway. I love this punk studded style. If you haven’t heard me say it before, you’ll hear me say it now: my alter-ego is a total half-sleeve tatted, I- can-throw-a-punch-better-than-you, bad-ass. But a really cute one, of course. For now though, I love to bring this style out of the closet more often than not!

This Spring/Summer ’11 collection doesn’t contain the usual flower prints and pastel colors and that’s what I love about it! Yes, it’s fun to find silk empire skirts adorned with flowers painted the colors of the rainbow and dream of Spring, but this line is fierce. And fierce for Spring with these studded motorcycle jackets, cropped trousers, leather shorts, sequined blazers, and ripped tees. Makes me all excited!

Do you love this line?!

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

I wish I was back at Paris Fashion Week this year, to say the least. All of the big-wigs are currently there, presenting their Spring/Summer 2011 Collections. What I would give to see the Louis or Chanel shows. Being in one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world, watching one of the biggest fashion houses ever present their latest collections would be like putting a kid in a candy store. In my case, it would be like finding Christian Louboutin’s on sale!

Anyways, while I was in Paris last winter, I had the opportunity to attend Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s show. It was awesome! The French definitely know how to put on a serious fashion show. Castelbajac is known as the King of kitsch. Kitsch, in everyday terms, tends to mean trashy, cheap, or inferior. Although, in fashion terms, it means exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces. Which is exactly what Castelbajac is all about. Castelbajac’s set-up consisted of a blown up, blonde hair, red-lipped girl, who appeared to be singing. The models would strut outside of her mouth, around the live rock band that played in the middle. Models wore out-of-this-world wardrobes adorned with characters from Sesame Street.  At the end of the show the models performed their final walk as they tossed fake money to the audience. Definitely kitsch, creative, and definitely one heck of a fashion show. So when it came to this year’s show, I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Pictures below are from the Paris Fashion Show of February 2009

Notice the model is draped in Kermit the Frogs

The designer himself!

Castelbajac’s Spring/Summer 2011 Collection focused on travel. Mainly, an imaginary airline, “Uber Tropikal Airlines” serving Africa.  The show was held in a tent next to Paris’ art nouveau Alexandre III bridge that began with a cabin crew-style announcement that takeoff was imminent. The show conisted of inflatable vests as accessories, models dressed as flight stuartists,  Ray Ban Sunglasses constructed into a top, as well as coutnerfeit watches made into necklaces. It was definitely a production!

Check out the Spring/Summer 2011 Collection HERE

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB