Designing well for a storied house means respecting the past and forging into the future – a balancing act at which Nicolas Ghesquière excels. Referencing the architectural shapes of founding couturier Cristobal Balenciaga, he spun them forward into a collection that is sartorial, modern – and diverse. “The tailoring is graphic and construction compact,”Ghesquière said. Sharply cut jackets – some in thick linens – looked rich, as did an ottoman silk coat in pale green. Riffing on a subtle Japanese theme, there were high, kimono collars and gleaming metallic samurai sandals. There were also terrific screen-printed T-shirts and sturdy denim jeans and jackets. Although still in its infancy – men’s wear launched in 2004 – Balenciaga men’s wear is building towards a complete and more accessible wardrobe.   (*original text’n pix from WWD)

It might be young, but sure it’s getting stronger ‘n stronger, I like it. The above pix are my some of my personal choices. I just love the ever developing world of Balenciaga men, particularly on the tailoring pieces. The shoulders are precisely cut either in razor-sharp angular or roundly sculpted when the rest remains sleek and svelte. They are architectural and ‘well-built’. It gives the wearer a shape without looking like a filmsy twat. So chic and stylish. Above all, the collection grows bigger ‘n bigger. Some said it feels a bit Slimane-Dior Homme, why not? If my source is accurate, Balenciaga did hire a Slimane protégé, I guess that explains so much. See more below.