Balenciaga 2013 Fall/Winter Collection

While punk may have been a dominant inspiration this season, Balenciaga took a decidedly refined approach to its Paris presentation. Channeling the spirit of dandyism, the house turned out a balanced collection of fit and fabrics -- perfect tailoring in sumptuous materials like black velvet were juxtaposed with voluminously-cut outerwear in distressed canvas or wool while belted jackets, a duo of riding-inspired looks in tan and the use of subtle textures throughout provided a modern, minimalist...