Best World Fashion: Balmain's Pricey Chic

If I were given a Rorschach test with a series of inkblots resembling some spectacularly lavish couture gowns, I'd most probably see The House of Balmain. Synonymous with elegance and his fashion peers Christian Dior and Cristobal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain epitomized opulence with his magnificently constructed evening and party dresses. The Balmain label of today, however, more closely resembles an inkblot of Swarovski meets Rock & Republic.

Thanks to designer Christophe Decarnin, who took over designing duties in 2005, one of Balmain's most popular-selling items is the Biker Jean. Pretty much an otherwise hot pair of jeans with cool "ripped looking" seams, it retails for a staggering $2,270. Yes you read that right. Actress Lindsay Lohan (who should be bankrupt by now) owns a pair, as well as Victoria Beckham who wears head to toe Balmain as if to tell us "My bank account is mahjah." Hundreds of uber-fashionable celebrities are also clamoring over the label's peak-shouldered tux jacket ($5,000), sequin Paillette mini dress ($13,395), and zipped-up booties ($1,479). I get it. The collection, though by no means innovative, is super cool rocker-chic and sharp, and what fashion-crazy coquette wouldn't want to own every single piece. But a blue Sequin-Zip skirt for $7,665.00??? ('cos it's fully lined?)...For goodness sakes people, we're in a recession!!!!