By Christine Suppes

Nicolas Ghesquière showed some finely sculpted "classic Balenciaga" dresses before getting on with the meat of his collection--separates and dresses with lace or chiffon insets, short sleeved turtlenecks proclaiming "Balenciaga Paris New York", a lot of embellishment, ruffles and mixing of stripes and patterns.  Shiny silver and black brocade supertight pantsuits worn with high neck ruffled blouses called out the dandy.  A deceptively simple drop shouldered dress revealed swirls of lace inset on the back and appliquéd lace print  pieces sewn at the hem.  This collection was a tour de force because it spoke to how so many fashionistas want to look.    The work is exquisite, painstaking and very special.  It looks enough like couture that many pieces will no doubt have a waiting list--- a collection with the aforementioned merits that is shown in the colors cream, white, black with gold or silver accents will sell out quickly.  Place your orders now.  

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