After some deep breaths...

... and calming down over the FW'10 Balenciaga shoes, I have been able to concentrate further on the collection.

The seemingly cubic-inspired collection not only uses a variety of innovative fabrics, but also brings out pastels and soft colors for the fall. Ghesquiere stuck with the typical boxy Balenciaga silhouette, but it never seems to fall short of brilliant. The chunky platform oxfords and mary-janes speak for themselves, but the jackets are so brilliant in its futuristic patchwork and mixed fabrics, while the sweaters with the tightly-cinched waist are equally unforgettable. 

... all in all, just too amazing for words. 

I can't wait till these hit stores so I can touch them, even with the close up images, I can never really feel what the fabrics are. 

I am pretty sure Balmain-ia will ensue with this collection of strong shoulders, mini-dresses... and deep V gowns. What's different, you ask? Oh, Decarin decided to throw in some brocade and some band jackets here and there. And that's pretty much it. Don't get me wrong, I think Balmain clothes are great- figure flattering (if you are 5'10 and weigh a little more than a feather), while the Balmain tuxedo jacket has single handedly revived the notion of the 'trophy jacket', but it's getting a little tedious...

Regardless, they are pretty clothes...

My man, Rick Owens... can do no wrong. Although I must admit the sleeping bags that came down the runway the first few looks were a little questionable- the rest was more than reassuring that his collection would be one of my favorites this week. 

The diamond print tights, the Palais Royale fur (I believe heaven, if there is such a place, looks pretty much like the Palais Royale line's showroom), the big collars, the triangular metal cut-outs, to the fur-lined hooded vests... definitely some drool-worthy pieces. 

Sharon Wauchob, another Parisian designer that makes it increasingly difficult to differentiate from Rick Owens... I really liked the leather cut-outs, as well as all the stringy detailing on the dresses. I wouldn't mind one of her long leather jackets or vests either. 

A.F. Vandevorst is also a brand I've come to quite like. Something about this season's collection I really like. The color palette to start off with, was nude, black and red, which sounds pretty generic but turned out to be anything but. The tops reminded me of some flesh-toned armor, or something like the game, Operation; all these little black screws that hold the top together. I also can't get over how amazing the shoes are- wish I could get a side profile look at these bad boys...