National Geographic

BALMAIN is a fashion house created by French designer Pierre Balmain known for sophistication and elegance in 1945. The house at first started off showcasing long bell-shaped skirts with small waists that became popular as Dior's new look. In 1951, he opened branches in the U.S. selling ready to wear clothes. During the 50's he popularized the stole for day and evening wear as well as sheath dresses beneath jackets. Balmain's talent lay in his ability to make grand evening gowns and simple tailored suits using slender and elegant lines.




Passing away in 1982, Balmain's designs, most notably his vintage couture gowns still remain popular amongst the international jet-setters, movie stars, and socially prominent women. After his death, the house was taken over by Erik Mortensen and Oscar de la Renta [1993-2001] who brought classic, luxurious designs. Until 2011, the house was led by Christophe Decarnin who brought a more modern and edgier take. This past April of this year, Olivier Rousteing took over Balmain.




Seeing his designs make an appearance at the MTV Movie Awards this past Sunday made me intrigued to find out who this designer was. Kristen Stewart, Leighton Meester, and Mila Kunis wore his designs that night. What is also popular are the Balmain jackets that are military styled, very Michael Jackson-esque seen on Beyonce and Rihanna. Looking at his beautiful designs that have inspired designers after him, make me one day dream to wear one of the famous designs, I would be completely honored.






You Just Do You, Imma Do Me

Camille

Last night the MTV MOVIE AWARDS took place at the Gibson Amphitheatre. Blowing up the red carpet in summer fashion were plenty of mini dresses and French designer to look out for: BALMAIN.


LEIGHTON MEESTER literally shined in a silver Balmain mirror mini dress with long sleeves. This reminds me of JLo's Grammy dress from earlier this year.

MILA KUNIS kept it simple in Balmain with an embellished mini-skirt and blousy black top. No wonder Justin Timberlake couldn't keep his hands off her.


KRISTEN STEWART finally puts in some effort into her rocker persona with a Balmain strapless mini decorated with pins, studs, and rhinestones.


ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY is seriously on every red carpet nowadays, but brought out her animal side in this Dolce & Gabbana tiger print dress.


EMMA STONE, back to her beautiful red-headedness matches this Bottega Veneta sheer lace dress perfectly.


EMMA WATSON looks so chic in this white silk Marchesa mini with embellished neckline and shoulders. She looks great in this hairstyle and can't wait to see her in the final Harry Potter installment!


SELENA GOMEZ brings the sunshine in this Giambattista Valli printed top and skirt. She's so beautiful and put together all the time!


BLAKE LIVELY keeps it sleek and simple in a blue Michael Kors dress, very contrary to the recent naked pics surfacing on the internet.


REESE WITHERSPOON takes home the Generation Award and dresses to impress in a black and gray leopard print Zac Posen bustier dress. Yes, she doesn't have to take off her clothes to earn attention everybody!!!


You Just Do You, Imma Do Me

Camille

I finally saw the movie THE RUNAWAYS featuring Kristen Stewart [Joan Jett] and Dakota Fanning [Cherie Currie] which is about the all female teenage rock band The Runaways. Known as the pioneers of female rock n'roll, their famous hit "Cherry Bomb" catapulted them to international success, especially in Japan.


The Runaways were formed in 1975 by drummer Sandy West and rhythm guitarist Joan Jett who gave the idea of an all girl rock group to producer Kim Fowley who said, "I didn't put The Runaways together, I had an idea, they had ideas, we all met, there was combustion and out of five different versions of that group came the five girls who were the ones that people liked." After adding lead guitarist Lita Ford and bassist Jackie Fox, their lead singer was found at Sugar Shack, a teenage nightclub.


After being signed to Mercury Records in 1976, they began playing numerous sold out shows they began headlining with opening acts like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Cheap Trick, and Van Halen. What's crazy is that each girl patterned themselves after their idols: Currie after David Bowie, Jett after Keith Richards and Suzi Quatro, Ford after a combination of Jeff Beck and Ritchie Blackmore, West after Roger Taylor, and Fox after Gene Simmons.


After Cherie Currie left the group, Joan Jett who also shared vocals took over as lead singer. The most notable members of the group was Joan Jett and Cherie Currie. Jett pursued her own solo career where she found success remaking the infamous song "I Love Rock n' Roll." She also made the list of Rolling Stone's "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time." After leaving The Runaways, she released a solo album in 1978 and a duet album with her sister Marie, as well as appearing in films. Besides working as a drug counselor for teens and personal fitness trainer, nowadays she is chainsaw carving while still doing music until Jett's label Blackheart Records.


The Runaways success has paved the way for many successful female artists and bands over the years in such a male dominated rock n' roll game.

CHERRY BOMB [live from Japan]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMDn6V7ZLhE

CALIFORNIA PARADISE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-uqYk4iFG0&feature=related

I LOVE PLAYIN WITH FIRE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-uqYk4iFG0&feature=related

QUEENS OF NOISE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-uqYk4iFG0&feature=related

I WANNA BE WHERE THE BOYS ARE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-uqYk4iFG0&feature=related



Seeing their concert footage is so amazing because they are known as one of the first if not thee first all girl rock band in a male dominated industry. Being all teenagers, they grew up quickly but held their own. Their style is raw and edgy, it's too intriguing for words. GIRLS ROCK!!!




You Just Do You, Imma Do Me

Camille