Next Week:
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More NY Autumn 2003 photos -
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Ralph Lauren, Oscar
de la Renta and
more!
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Oscar de la Renta built the house of Balmain into a couture wonder. His client list was just about the best in the business. He retired from Balmain last summer to concentrate on his own collection in New York City. Laurent Mercier has been designing Balmain's ready to wear, and this is his first collection for the couture season. He is probably best known as the designer for pop star Lenny Kravitz, and naturally, he is not following in the footsteps of his predecessor. This was a Hollywood inspired collection, with oversized ruffles, flamboyant colors and skinny pants. Mr. de la Renta's Balmain clients have already bailed, Mr. Mercier knows this, and he is doing something entirely different for a much younger customer. It remains to be seen whether or not Mr. Mercier will join the ranks of the couture greats. One thing is for certain: he is taking Balmain into a different direction, younger, hipper and more modern. We say let's give him a chance!
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