Menswear Highlight #4; Balenciaga

As opposed to other, more outlandish designers, Nicholas Ghesquière chose a more subtle approach for Balenciaga's S/S 2013 collection. The primary aim of the designer appears to be removing all connotations that workwear has to be dull; the elegant separates were well-tailored yet still different enough to look young and fresh thanks to subtle details. Trousers were shown with a slightly dropped seat to create a laid-back look that came to life when teamed with an oversized trenchcoat and sharp loafers.

Balenciaga S/S 2013

Balenciaga S/S 2013

Ghesquière also proved himself to be one of the main influences behind the unlikely floral trend for S/S '13 - one of the standout pieces of the collection was a beautiful floral shirt, worn with simple separates to emphasise its appeal. The print avoids being too feminine by being oversized in comparison to some other designs, showing that florals for spring really can work.

The new floral; Balenciaga S/S 2013

Balenciaga S/S 2013

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Other highlights of the show were the cocoon coats; bold red with purple inlay, the clash of colours was daring but worked fantastically, making the coat a wardrobe staple that, although bright, could work with any outfit. Japanese influences were obviously present in the designs, with loose silhouettes and kimono sleeves being the one theme that ran through the entire collection. Overall, Ghesquière has displayed a true ability to move away from the ultra-tailored approach that designers usually take to men's workwear and create a collection which is as chic as it is comfortable, whilst also showing men that floral prints and cocoon coats can be a masculine wardrobe staple. For these reasons, he truly deserves to be the fourth menswear highlight of the week.

The amazing cocoon coat; Balenciaga S/S 2013

Balenciaga S/S 2013