Paris FW S/S 2008: Balenciaga

Florals and strong stiff silhouettes were the way forward at Balenciaga. Paired with gladiator shoes, that pretty much sums up Nicholas Ghesquiere’s spring 2008 collection. “I wanted the color of flowers but not their niceness, where the look was gentle yet tough,” he told FWD.

The collection featured pieces that were meant to be worn as a single outfit, the figure altering shapes meant no mixing and matching to tone down the floral print or softening the bright florals. Shoulders were stiff and puffed, hips were emphasied, hemlines were short, and flora was bright and abundant. Except for in the shiny and sleek shirts and pants.

Apparently 200 people were allowed in to watch the runway show, and see Natalia Vodianova’s runway return after having her third child three weeks ago. I loved the puff shoulders, but can it be worn off the catwalk?

[Photos: Elle.com]