Stephane Rolland paraded his latest catwalk collection during Paris Couture Week and grabbed headlines with one show-stopping dress.
The focus of the spring-summer haute couture line was simplicity and structure in terms of colour and design, with blocks of red, black, white and lime green showcasing flowing tailoring and sculptural forms.
However, it was with fabric that Rolland really experimented, with an array of materials employed to create his eye-catching range of dresses, inspired by the work of Michel Deverne, French sculptor and kinetic artist.
Fabrics such as gazar, silk jersey and organza were set off beautifully by the elegant cuts and gold accessories the designer had chosen for the floor-length gowns.
The feminine creations clung to the figures of the models evoking high-end glamour with long lines and three-dimensional detailing.
The most breathtaking design was the dramatic 50-kilo red silk jersey piece worn by iconic supermodel Yasmin Le Bon, who was assisted down the Paris catwalk by two men in tuxedos.
It has been reported widely in the press and comprised a figure-hugging, long sleeved gown, with a huge fishtail skirt that fanned out elegantly around the model as she reached the end of the runway.
In the same colour as the dress, a row of lacquered metal panels ran down the front of the piece, the fabric of which measured 45m at its longest point. It formed the finale to the designer's French show.
Stephane Rolland joined Balenciaga after studying fashion at l'Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la haute couture, leaving the company at 24, having been promoted to the role of creative director of its menswear collections.
He has run his own pret-a-porter label, been artistic manager of Jean-Louis Scherrer and worked as a costume designer, launching his own couture collection in summer 2007, which represents "a modern and original interpretation of couture".