Fashion bloggers were buzzing with rumors that Balmain will test a diffusion line in the near future. Unfortunately, it’s only just that — a rumor.

World Wide Web – We here at The Blay Report were giddy from heads to toes when we heard that Balmain would launch a Fall collection in Blue Label that would be 40 to 50 percent lower than its runway line. But a spokesperson told Vogue.com today that “there is no Balmain lower priced line.” The spokesperson continued, “What I think you might be referring to is a capsule collection that was prepared for some Parisian retailers. Christophe Decarnin wasn’t involved in that project. The brand has decided to not repeat the experience, preferring to concentrate all its efforts on the mainline.” Someone pass the kleenex, please. [UK Vogue, Style]

Kristina Bustos

The French fashion house will tests out Blue Label for a lower-priced Fall collection.

World Wide Web – Do you know how much a Balmain destroyed t-shirt will cost you? How about one of its military-inspired jacket? As much as we love Balmain, it’s hard to give up several months of rent for a Balmain item. And apparently the label’s chairman and chief executive officer Alain Hivelin knows it too because the French brand, which is a favorite from actresses of yesteryears (Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Detrich) to the present-day leading ladies (Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Connelly), is quietly testing the lower-priced market. Hivelin realized that Balmain’s expensive price tags exclude potential customers, especially in the Asian markets like in Southeast Asia and China; thus, the brand selling a Mongolian cashmere range in China. Next up for Balmain in the near future is launching a Fall collection in Blue Label that will be 40 to 50 percent lower than the pricey runway line. Yes, please!  [Fashionologie, Style]

Kristina Bustos