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Inspired By

Inspired by: Balenciaga S/S 09

Nicolas Ghesquière, the visionary designer behind Balenciaga, consistently creates the most innovative and dazzling collections. The man who reintroduced the world to fitted blazers with preppy piping, ethnic scarves, and equestrian jodhpurs just a few seasons ago, ventured into high-tech, sci-fi territory this spring and experimented with iridescent textures, asymmetry, and pleating. Referencing such disparate items such as space suits, scuba gear, and even solar panels, the garments he sent down the runway were completely awe-inspiring and definitely cutting edge. And while celebrity Balenciaga devotees like Jennifer Connelly and Charlotte Gainsbourg get gifted with the season's greatest hits, the rest of us shouldn't expect a beige Bonded Cotton Dress ($1630) or a gray pair of Skinny Trousers ($1500) to show up on our doorsteps any time soon! But don't get discouraged, dear readers, because we have gathered some brilliant pieces for today's Inspired By: Balenciaga story, which will help you get the futuristic feeling without straining your finances for months to come!



Though the Balenciaga models were wearing some seriously conceptual clothing, we have gathered a choice selection of pieces that reflect the runway looks in a playful way. Try to incorporate them into your wardrobe as stellar separates, or combine them for a particularly far-out effect!

1. WPQ Bolt Sequin Dress ($93)
Ghesquière was fascinated by the way in which light is reflected and absorbed by the Lurex and jersey fabrics he used to construct the runway garments. We were equally mesmerized by these matte and glossy pieces and set out to find a sparkling example of our own. We took a real shine to WPQ's Bolt Sequin Dress ($93), which will no doubt help you get a flashy and on-trend look fast! To ramp up the runway resemblance, try this dress over American Apparel's Double U-Neck Body Suit ($32) in Slate and Shimmer Opaque Tights ($15) in Wild Dove for a luminescent, layered vibe!

2. Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner ($19)
The beauty look at Balenciaga was as incandescent as the clothing, yet somehow it remained subtly neutral and easy to wear. We sought a makeup product that possessed similar qualities and found that Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner ($19) in Samba-dy Loves Me absolutely fulfills all our requirements. The new dusky pink hue has a crease-proof, smudge-proof formula and will help you get that soft, runway-ready glow.

3. Steve Madden Genious Shoes ($170)
Steve Madden is always a go-to resource for our favorite runway-inspired footwear; however, this season they really outdid themselves. The Genious Shoes ($170) nods in the direction of Balenciaga's T-Strap Sandals ($1295) and features spring's unstoppable nude trend. We certainly won't be taking these sandals off anytime soon–and neither should you!

4. Bumble and Bumble Gellac ($24)
The perfectly pulled-back hair on the runway was a futuristic-meets-minimalist look that complimented the designer duds. Of course, getting this slick style au natural is nearly impossible! Fortunately, Bumble and Bumble offers assistance via Gellac ($24), their brand-new, first-ever hair gel. The technologically advanced polymer formula is guaranteed to give your strands flexibility, strength, and a touchable finish—basically everything you need for a Balenciaga 'do! Just give yourself a center part, slick your mane back with a little bit of Gellac, and secure a tight chignon at the nape of your neck for a low fuss, high drama look.

5. 7 for All Mankind Metal Link Envelope Clutch ($235)
Each look Ghesquière sent sauntering down the catwalk was complete with a shiny and chic compact clutch in hand. This Metal Link Envelope Clutch ($235) from 7 for All Mankind mimics the shape in supple cream leather for a totally luxurious, wearable alternative—at a fraction of the original's price! —KM

Runway images, from First View.
COMMENTS (17)

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Love Balenciaga, and love the shoes! <3

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