Home Style Features Editor's Note About Us Contact Us Staff Shop by Brand Shop by Category Featured Items Write to Us! Select an issue: 07 June 07 May 07 April 07 March 07 February 07 January 06 December 06 November 06 October 06 September 06 August 06 July 06 June 06 May 06 April 06 March 06 February 06 January 05 December 05 November 05 October 05 September 05 August 05 July 05 June 05 May 05 April 05 March 05 February 05 January 04 December 04 November 04 October 04 September 04 August 04 July 04 June 04 May 04 April 04 March 04 February 04 January 03 December 03 November 03 October 03 September 03 August 03 July 03 June 03 May 03 April 03 March 03 February 03 January 02 December Next Week: More NY Autumn 2003 photos -   Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta and more! 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!