Pierre Balmain

Balmain announced it will be launching a diffusion line: Pierre Balmain. The line will yield a more casual and relaxed urban vibe than the main line and won't come with as hefty a price tag (albeit it's still not cheap). Prices will range from $172 for Ts, up to $1,200 for eveningwear.

The collection will include womenswear and menswear pieces ranging from knitwear to denim. The line is aiming to launch this December globally with a Spring collection and will be available in the US, Asia and Europe.

All images courtesy of WWD

Personally I like diffusion lines - but it helps to understand where and why they arise. While they reach a further target market and increase accessibility for consumers, at the end of the day - fashion is business and 99.99% of diffusion lines arise to generate money. In particular - with lux labels, while items may cost an arm and a leg - if you only sell a few of those items, at the end of the day it doesn't work (seriously - how many people can afford a $1,500 T-shirt). Diffusion lines bank off of the goodwill existing Brands hold, but are intended to generate cash through higher sell through rates and quantity - plain and simple.

DIY: Balmain Slashed Army Tee Shirt

Ever since I first saw this slashed tee make it's way down the Balmain Spring 2010 runways it was in the back of my mind to make this a project.

It's definitely been a while since we've heard the inevitable outrage over the $1625 price tag, but Balmain being very much in demand can get away with charging whatever they like. The original is currently on sale for $1,137.50 on Net-A-Porter but I just used a tee shirt I had in my closet already for my purposes. I used an oversized burnout tee from Alternative Apparel because I thought the burnout effect added to the overall military look of the tee. The tools I used are simple. A cutting mat, exacto blade and pair of scissors are all you need. Don’t mind the metal rulers! I suppose you can use the side to rake the holes bigger but it’s not necessary. First you place the cutting mat inside the tee with the cut surface against the side of the tee you want to work on first.

Then using the exact blade make random slashes in the surface of the tee. The smaller the slash the smaller the hole. Vary the pressure as you drag the blade across various areas to create a variety of holes. Try to be strategic in your hole placement as giant holes across your bust wouldn't be desirable, unless you were going for a “Mean Girls” costume. Continue slashing the surface and flip sides of the tee to get the back too. When you are ready for the sleeves, you can pull the sides of them over our cutting mat and continue slashing. I stretched out the holes with my fingers to enlarge the holes and then threw the tee in the wash for added distress.When you are finished, put on the tee and examine hole placement. You many find you’d like more on the sides or in the front. For this purpose, I carefully used a pair of scissors and snipped a few extra holes where I thought would be idea. Ta Da! Ready to be paired with skinny cargos & flowy minis! My tee is already semi sheer from being a burn out so the holes are a bit subtler but if you use a solid tee they will definitely be more visible.

Funky Fresh New Clothing Line: Funktional

Lani and I are always on the lookout for affordable, wearable, cutting edge fashion. That is why we couldn't contain our excitement when discovered Funktional, a brand new LA based label that just launched earlier this year. Designed by Jennifer Park, a former economics major who went back to school at FIDM pursue her passion, she launched her line after toiling for several contemporary brands. She wanted to create a modern luxurious feeling line that was accessible to every woman in high quality fabrics. Therefore no piece will set you back more than $150 except for the leather goods that max out at $400. 10/20 Update: The designer will be adding a few more expensive pieces to her line, but everything with the exception of leathers will be under $200. You can find pieces from the line like the blazers and cage dress on shopnastygal.com and styleq.com.

Thanks to the lovely folks at Dietch PR we got the chance to check out the clothing hands on. I was seriously impressed by the prices as many pieces are in a similar price point with H&M or Zara but with a significantly higher quality of fabric and detailing.

Some of the clothing looked even better on than it did on the hanger. I was only attracted to the zip front dress because of the fabric and color but once I had it on, I realized it was also super flattering. Lani even told me I look curvy and that almost never happens! Lani was obsessed with the ponte dress with caged shoulders! So fun!

As for myself, I thought that this jacket with the Balmain shoulders was super versatile and the leather skirt with the corseted was unexpectedly flattering.

In addition, I felt that the leather vest was a great staple piece

Lani had fun with this great sweater piece that loops around and can be worn in multiple ways. She also notes that it is super soft and fun to touch like a ball of cotton. The denim sweetheart dress incorporates boning which allows it to have a bell like skirt!

I wasn't sure what to make of this studded harness vest but it's definitely a fun statement piece that can add some flair even to the plainest tee.

Overall, I really felt like everything was super wearable, the color palette is easy enough to integrate into ones wardrobe and pieces are spot on trend without being fashion victim-y. Fabrics are really great feeling, sewing looks neat and prices are definitely decent. Fit wise, it feels slightly snug in the waist but still looks good, I might size up for bottoms. I'll definitely be picking up some Funktional to add to my closet :) For now it's available at the Belljar in San Francisco. ; 415-626-1749. Also, look out for Funktional on ShopNastyGal.com. I'll update you additional retailers when the information becomes available.

Double Vision: Couture vrs RTW

As I was looking at some of the Fall 2009 Couture collections, I noticed something interesting happening. Usually I feel like the couture shows are a jumping point for creativity and inspiration. But this time around perhaps it's just a coincidence but I really felt like couture was inspired by ready-to-wear! While the looks aren't identical, the silhouette and feeling is the same except for most part the couture looks more polished (exception being Balenciaga vrs Chanel Couture). Which version do you prefer?

Balenciaga Fall 2009, Chanel Fall Couture 2009

Balmain Fall 2009 vrs Armani Prive Fall Couture 2009

Alexander Wang Resort 2009 vrs Alexis Mabille Couture Fall 2009

Lanvin Fall 2009 vrs Armani Prive Fall Couture 2009

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2009 vrs Givenchy Fall Couture 2009

Remembering an Icon: Michael Jackson

Can't believe that Michael Jackson is no longer with us, he passed away today of a reported Cardiac Arrest at the young age of 50. What remains now is his undying influence on music, pop culture and fashion.

He was always ahead of the game, influencing an entire generation during the 80s and continuing to inspire designers and shows including the sequin gloves at Louis Vuitton and the crystalized jackets that sparked Balmainia. In fact, he was even seen spotted wearing Balmain in his final days. Though I'm saddened by the loss, I can't help but reminisce over his incredible impact on style.

Looking back over the years, here are just a handful of looks he's helped inspire:

Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 vrs MJ's Iconic Glove

Balmain's Spring 2009 Military inspired Jacket, MJ's many military jackets

Alexandre Herchcovitch's Joy shoes for Melissa, MJ's Moonwalking Loafers & Sequin Socks

Buckle Boots at Balmain Fall 2009, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2008, MJ's Buckled Legs

Red Leather and Zippers at Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Fall 2009. MJ's Red Leather Beat It Jacket

Countless celebs including Justin Timberlake can be seen sporting Fedora's these days, MJ has been sporting them since the 80s

Who can forget MJ's eyewear of choice? The aviators, a now classic.

RIP Michael (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)