Balmain Fall/Winter 2012, Paris Fashion Week

On March 1st, the new Balmain collection premiered at Paris Fashion Week, and with that premiere came inspiration to me.  The beading and embellishments and velvet, oh my! Creamy neutrals and soft pinks to rich green and blue velvets, ugh, I am pretty smitten. And with the embellishments? This collection has me extremely excited for my beading class coming up in the very near future (DIY, what?). Take a look at what I mean.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe

Pseudo Couture? Sure. But that doesn't mean that I can't crush on owning a boxy, beaded jacket this Fall? While I know these are elaborate and time consuming, I am sure that similar, easier versions will trickle down to my closet eventually.

I have already mentioned velvet being a recurring theme in the Fall runways; Balmain was no different. Maxi skirts with a high slit, trousers with embroidery and quilted jackets incorporated the velvet and more. There was a richness but also a RTW feel to a good amount of the separates... and is anyone else being reminded of a carpet bag? A really chic, wearble carpet bag? I dunno, moving on.

What inspired me the most was the beading and the belts. I most definitely feel a do-it-myself coming on perhaps with a belt or beading something (once I learn how). I really just loved the details, details, details. Balmain is on my fashion map.

*All photos by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe