: Balmain's New Creative Director - Olivier Rousteing :

he's not a new face in Balmain - Olivier Rousteing was the main assistant of Christophe Decarnin. He joined the brand's womenswear in 2009 and soon became a key person in the design team. Now, Olivier will be leading the design and development of men's and women's RTW collections. Can't wait to see what he's prepared for SS 2012!

: Christophe Decarnin exits Balmain :

it was confirmed... Christophe Decarnin is in fact departing Balmain after these 5 years.

with stylist Emmanuelle Alt's exit to focus on her new job as editor-in-chief of French Vogue, it appears the collection was largely designed by Alt's replacement, Melanie Ward, who was discussing inspiration with reporters after the fall show.

it was said that he got the depression from Balmain's CEO Alain Hivelin who urged him to create more sales with the highly over-priced clothes (over a thousand US for a tee) and also want him to manipulate a lover-priced line. frankly, it is quite a big pressure right after heating up the brand with the big shoulders.

what a pity...