Runway Report: Balenciaga Spring 2012--Broad Shoulders & Collapsing Benches!

After Milan...comes Paris Fashion Week-Spring 2012

Balenciaga Spring 2012

Designer Nicolas Ghesquière showed his latest collection for the famed House of Balenciaga in Paris today. According to some attendees, several of the audience benches collapsed--yes COLLAPSED--as people were taking their seats. Then, a voice came through the loudspeaker telling everyone to just "Stand Up".

Salma Hayek, at the Balenciaga Spring 2012 Show, sporting a bandage over her torn ligament (not from the collapsing benches!)

So, yes, that's how everyone got to see the newest collection, even A-List front-row celebs like Salma Hayek and Catherine Deneuve and yes, Anna Wintour was standing too! What did they see? Lots of Cristobal Balenciaga-esque shapes but modernized for 2012. Structurally sturdy yet still floaty skirts, dresses and architectural jackets...

Balenciaga Spring 2012

Bright bold colors--navy, magenta, gold, brick red, bronze, and prints--both geometric and Art-inspired. Shoulders: Out to THERE! Sloping at times. The big bold tops were perfectly matched with slimmer above-the-ankle "cigarette" pants that looked effortless and oh-so-chic.

Balenciaga Spring 2012

Easy-breezy asymmetrical tops. Contrast patch pocket details that if any other designer did them, would look almost "Fashion-School Amateur" but Ghesquiere knows how to make it all look Ultra Luxe Sporty.

Balenciaga Spring 2012

Cristobal Balenciaga 1967, Sik Gazar One Seam Gown with Matching Hat

The final dresses, in all the color-and-print-blocking glory, as well as with all those stunning sequins are sure to end up in all the top fashion magazine editorials. And then there were those hats: A major nod to the House's founding couturier for sure.

Click Below for the Full Runway Video of Balenciaga Spring 2012:

Trend Alert: Scuba Chic for Resort 2012

Where's the Swimming Instructor?

Herve Leger by Max Azria Resort 2012: "Tron" Divas Much?

The 2012 Resort Collections are in full swing and it seems that several designers are into the Scuba Theme. Lord knows why. But they are. It's an Official Trend darlings! It's about COLOR BLOCKING, very fitted, Spanx-like fabrications (Hello Ladies, can you say...Forgiving?) as well as, it's "Resort" so, let's go Swimming!!!...to a Cocktail Party! I guess it makes sense--right?

Michael Kors Resort 2012: Not so sure about those Teva Sandal-looking shoes. Not a fan...In NYC, the Hamptons, or Mykonos...Not so much! It's definitely anti-fashion fashion.

Alexander Wang Resort 2012: OK, now we're talking! This looks a bit better, in terms of using the "Scuba theme". Wearable. Sexy. And still "Real Life" when it comes to looks---especially the swimsuit with ankle-strapped heel!!! Ha! ABSOLUTELY Love that!

Donna Karan Resort 2012: Scuba looks for the 40-something with "Designer Fashion" money. I'm OBSESSED with that color-blocked knee-length pencil skirt!

Derek Lam Resort 2012: Scuba Looks for the NYC Trust Funder...For sure!!! Very cute.