Guilloché Gown

I'm not much of a Balmain fan, I found Decarnin's designs a bit Eighties and show-offy, though I could appreciate their ostentatious appeal. Rousteing's designs have been a bit more palatable thus far. I particularly enjoyed certain elements of the Fall 2012 show which combined needle-point panels with heavy crystal and pearl embroidery. Nicole Phelps at style.com mentioned Fabergé eggs in her show review, but I was instead immediately reminded of compacts of the early 20th century, in particular those with guilloché enamel work (a technique which was, incidentally, used on Fabergé eggs). These compacts typically featured geometric etched designs on white metal, with a central coloured guilloché panel, usually floral in design. A pale blue backdrop with coloured roses was a typical design; something which could be seen on many pieces in the Balmain show. The dress above is like a walking compact coming down the runway... well, to me anyway.   

 Images from: style.com; Etsy seller 'PowerOfOneDesigns'; eBay seller 'antiques-thru-time'; eBay seller 'cabinfeverantiquesandmarketplace1'; eBay seller 'sandy810'; Ruby Lane seller 'Charon's Spoils Antiques'; Ruby Lane seller 'Synergy Collectibles'; and Ruby Lane seller 'Kristiesdeals.'