The Fall Winter 2011-2012 pre-collection expresses a clearly transversal approach, both in terms of its stylistic elements and in the materials used. Combining in this manner the tried and true classic cuts with innovative fabrics and avant-garde prints, the collection revisits the Balenciaga DNA, without succumbing to nostalgia.

On the contrary, these cuts, which have found their place in fashion history, give a special resonance to the materials used, announcing a minor revolution in the Balenciaga universe.In the style of Diane Arbus, whose work strives to highlight the gap between the strange and the banal, the collection underscores a formal distortion between the materials used and the conservatism of the lines.All the standard items of a chic wardrobe are revisited in that spirit, with double-breasted coats, pencil skirts, trapeze skirts, jumper dresses or pea coats.

Playing on the alignment of prints, the collection transcends the original tenor of the motifs in the manner of romantic paisley wallpaper or Indian print patterns, thereby jostling the perception of the most striking looks.One also notes the reclaiming of the Anchor theme, one of Cristobal Balenciaga's favorites, through the prints, the jewelery collection and the accessories.The juxtaposition and the intensive work with fabrics also underscore this desire to transcend the ordinary.To this end, radzimir or satin-finished wool are combined with imitation leather, and synthetic knits are finished in a velvet effect.

Layering garments introduces a new silhouette that is similar to a complete protective covering of the body, for example, by wearing unitards as a base or dresses over pants. Comfort is omnipresent with loose-fitting garments such as the teddy, wraparound dresses, quilted pants or kilts.

IconicThe silhouette is slimmed down with pencil skirts, flared pants and pea jackets. The waistline is accentuated with a fold belt. The coats are straight cut and are available in classic wool fabrics as well as in surprising combinations such as satin and fake fur. The silhouette is completed with pumps as the finishing touch to a narrower fit that just keeps elongating.

The intarsia knits are woven with graphic elements (geometric, dog motif as an allusion to the FW05/06 fashion show, and Norwegian). The anchor theme appears as a reinterpretation of one of Cristobal's favorite symbols. Technically sophisticated fabrics are used, such as lurex, technical faille, or imitation leather. Masculinity is omnipresent in this contemporary wardrobe. This profile is articulated around pieces that have become iconic in the Balenciaga wardrobe but always with a slight twist.

Neo-ClassicBorrowing from the nobility of the traditional Balenciaga lines, this theme strives to conservatively revisit the founding elements of fashion at the end of the 20th century.

The fits are oversized, larger and more generous. The fabrics are classic, such as brushed wool and flannel. It is a modern interpretation of Cristobal Balenciaga's lines with the idea of a cocoon as the leitmotif.

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