PARIS, Feb 27, 2006/ FW/ --- After two years absence, Balmain is back in the ring, staging its first catwalk show in two years under its new Creative Director, French designer Christophe Decarnin.

The founder of the house, Pierre Balmain is known for bringing architectural elements to life in human forms with a mantra of ‘elegance brought by simplicity.’

With his debut collection for Maison Balmain, Decarnin brought the spirit of the house front and center, sending classic silhouettes turned voluminous with pleating and draping, then adding texture with appliqués, beading and embroidery that touched on Balmain’s couture past.

Long-sleeved mini dresses with boat necklines and scalloped hemlines; trousers that came in all sizes for pant legs, from pencil slim to wide legged; a trench coat embellished with straps with big buttons as closures and turtlenecks covered with embroidery all looked contemporary with an aura of quiet elegance.

There were also overtures for the working girl, with the tuxedo-inspired pantsuit sets and tailored day jackets. For a younger clientele, there were the wide-legged palazzo pants and trouble-free tops. It’s biggest statement of opulence, a sleeveless white fur coat.

The most memorable – Sara’s strapless white gown with an empire waist, its only adornment was a neckpiece. It is ‘elegance brought by simplicity’ as Monsieur Balmain would have said if he was still alive today.

Balmain by Christophe Decarnin

Balmain by Christophe Decarnin

Balmain by Christophe Decarnin