From The Straits Times    |
Pierre Balmain Spring 2012

Still bemoaning the departure of Christophe Decarnin from Balmain? If you’ve been a loyal fan of Balmain – even if you could hardly afford thousand-dollar ripped tees – you’ll be delighted to know that Balmain’s more affordable line, Pierre Balmain, is slated to open in Scotts Square this March.

Ever since the announcement in July last year that Balmain would be launching a lower-priced line, the fashion world’s been eagerly awaiting its debut Spring 2012 collection, even though Christophe Decarnin’s replacement, Olivier Rousteing, will not design the Pierre Balmain line.

Pierre Balmain opens in SingaporePierre Balmain opens in Singapore

Instead, an “independent design team” will be creating the what has been classified as a “downtown cool” menswear and womenswear line.

That doesn’t mean that there’ll be little of the Balmain identity though. From what we’ve seen of the Spring line, the edgy rock ‘n’ roll vibe that Balmain is so known for has been carried into the Pierre Balmain aesthetic; replete with black leather, lots of hardware and the requisite zebra print.

It isn’t all rough and tumble though. The Spring 2012 line also has plenty of soft, ladylike pieces like black-and-white paisley print shirts and blazers in silk chiffon to complement all that masculine androgyny.

We are falling head over heels for the very French anti-establishment feel of the Spring 2012 collection and so come late March, you can expect us to be heading straight for the store to rack up a serious credit card bill.

Pierre Balmain will be located at #01-11 Scotts Square from March, 2012. Prices for apparel range from $329 to $4699 while accessories range from $349 to $2199.