The French Fashion House of Balmain is one of those companies whose name precedes it. Simply say the word Balmain - and your mind is filled with imagery. You think -French Fashion, Femininity, Floral scents, the boutiques of Paris - all that and more. Reputations like that are priceless in the world of fashion. After all, some houses can tread for years on the images and advertising from seasons long off their runway.
Considering all this, it is even more adventurous that the House of Balmain chose designer Christophe Decarnin as the new creative director when he debuted 2 years ago! Especially when the legacy of Balmain was classic beauty - the last major designer to have creative control was Oscar de la Renta - who is as classic as you get.
The house was fresh of recent ups and downs (including a bankruptcy) - so some thought they would play it safe. Wisely, the powers that be realized that safe was nowhere when it comes to the big bad world of globalization. You must make a statement and make it NOW. 
Decarnin did all that and more. Season after season he has rocked the runway and brought a sense of raw sexuality that is rarely seen on the Paris shows. Some have even compared his looks to the East Village of NYC. To be clear - there is no comparison, the quality and level of sophistication at Balmain are impeccable. The Balmain show has quickly become known to be one of the hottest in the season and a very chic house is now as hot as they come with the ever powerful fashion editors. They are now seen each season sitting front in center in key Balmain pieces. Pledging allegiance to a future leader of the fashion world. These fall looks are in stores now.