Paris Fashion Week 2014: Balmain’s urban safari

PARIS -- At the Balmain show Thursday at Paris Fashion Week, designer Oliver Rousteing sent out an army’s worth of cargo jackets and pants, pleated leather gladiator miniskirts with woven belts, and curve-hugging mini dresses covered in elaborate silk braid or animal prints framed by caged leather, or worked with chains or tubular gold beads.

While the workmanship was stunning as usual, his take on the theme felt uninspired. And the show could have used an edit.

Still, the sexy skirts and dresses will surely find favor with Balmain’s celebrity fans, including Rihanna, the face of the label’s spring collection, who was sitting front row.

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