Givenchy Haute Couture, Balmain, Nikhil Thampi
Givenchy Haute Couture, Balmain, Nikhil Thampi

They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery and while fashion keeps repeating itself, sometimes, one particular design is so great; it reemerges, not just once, but twice. Two days ago, Olivier Rousteing showcased his collection for Balmain at Paris Fashion Week. Olivier’s designs make it to my wish list almost every season. With top models walking the runway, he had his besties Kim Kardashian and Kanye West sitting front row. The design in question was this one

Balmain S/S 2015 (Pic: www.facebook.com/BalmainParis)
Balmain S/S 2015 (Pic: www.facebook.com/BalmainParis)

A beautiful white suit made edgy with cutouts and a twist.

Meanwhile, closer to home, Nikhil Thampi, another favourite, designed something on similar lines last year, take a look…

Nikhil Thampi Summer Resort 2014 (Pic: www.facebook.com/NikhilThampiLabel)
Nikhil Thampi Summer Resort 2014 (Pic: www.facebook.com/NikhilThampiLabel)

What everyone might not know is, the style was first seen in 1997. Alexander McQueen’s Haute Couture collection for Givenchy saw a white suit with cut outs on the side and an added jacket thrown on as a cape. Possibly the most wearable look from that collection, it certainly left a large enough mark.

Givenchy Haute Couture S/S 1997
Givenchy Haute Couture S/S 1997

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, yes, but sometimes, designs are eternal which means you’ll probably see them reborn in the future.

The question remains, who do you think did it best?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below.