celebrity apprentice winner: WHO the EFF is BALMAIN?

Balmain has inspired the trend of GROMMETS in every store rightnow. For Fashion Merchandise we had to do a presentation on the trends that every store is following rightnow...and thanks to BALMAIN...GROMMETS aka STUDS are everywhere and in every store at the moment...well I must say Streets Ahead came out with the fabulous belt, FIRSTTT, That everyone was jocking from SEX in the CITY (the movie) that SJP was wearing in a few scenes. But the Studs weren't really demanding attention until Balmain made the shoes and had his model hit the runway with the fabulous Military Jacket. I love how we all embrace fashion and sometimes over look that the fact that major events in the world are seriously what inspires these designs...THE SHOES with the stores and rocks on them represent our rocky economy and how many people are suffering. The jeans are bleached and destroyed representing the recessions as well. The military jacket that Balmain pairs, on his model, with these shoes represent the US soilders in Iraq. Take notes that Fashion makes a statement. It always does. To thoes who live breathe and eat fashion...lol...we incorporate what's going on in the world into our designs and styles. The same way a person can have a bad mood and want to throw on some sneakers ans sweats...designers *think* when they are creating new designs, they may have a bad day and create something related to their mood, that's why fashion is an art another way of expressing ones self and opinions. Believe me these are not just clothes!

Don't ever say fashion is meaningless. One may not feel confident because of ~~what they are wearing~~...and as a designer you create clothes that build confidence or compliments ones figure. We all love to be complimented building confidence, "You look great in that skirt, it shows off your legs!" "Wow your figure is stunning, that dress was made for you!" "Wow what a great suit, you look flawless!" "Yea, thoes jeans were made for you!" These are the kind of compliments that can lifts ones spirit instantly. Believe me when you feel dressed to not only impress but to satisfy yourself you walk with your head up. Compliments can raise ones self esteem--->all of this because you purchased the right jeans, the right shoes on sale at LF, that bag from Zara that you treated yourself to because you knew it would compliment your outfit, and the jacket from Juicy that you were given from Christmas. Compliments! Compliments! & the Designer is the reason. Fashion is the reason...why you floated through that interview like you were having brunch with your bestfriend! FASHION says it all...it's the final statement. Says alot about you. We judge by appearance first and that's always a lasting impression. "She was a snob, but her shoes were very nice...and I loved that Balmain jacket. Very impressive fashion sense!" Don't be that snob, but be that girl with the killer shoes. The killer style. Be that guy that can work anywhere in retail without being gay, just be aware of your fashion surrounding---what's going on, what's hot, where you can shop for bargins, and where you can treat yourself to something pricey...NOW BACK TO BALMAIN!!!!

Facts on Balmain:

-Full name: Pierre Balmain
-Date of birth: May 18, 1914...Date of death: Jun 29, 1982 (age 68 years)
-His mother and sister operated a fashion boutique

-His father was the owner of a wholesale drapery business

-Balmain studied architecture at the Ecole des Beaux Arts

-Following his death, in 1982 his assistant Erik Mortensen took over the label until 1990. In 1999 Oscar de la Renta joined the house and designed for the Balmain label from 1993 until 2002. Investors purchased the house in 2003 and brought in designer Christophe Decarnin.