China Doll Gladiator Fashion Edit
Jennifer Connelly for Balenciaga

Can fashions get any stranger? Balenciaga is always known for throwing a few over-the-top pieces in their collections, but the dress worn by Jennifer Connelly in the Spring/Summer 2008 campaign is downright bizarre.

Nicholas Ghesquière has been hoping to get the actress in his campaigns for years, and now his wish has finally come true. But what type of frock has he laced her into? The first time this dress paraded down the runway, it was paired with the same peculiar boots worn by by the 37 year old in the print campaign.

“She was the inspiration for the [catwalk] show. I had this vision of her,” Ghesquière said. “Even for the casting, I only wanted brunette girls. Her beauty and her character are so inspiring.”

Plastered in the boldest, brightest floral prints, the dresses look a little like traditional Chinese garb, yet so perfectly structured, they could be made of plastic. The puffed shoulders and ballooned hem make the waist appear miniature, and the black feathered gathering in the centre draws the eye inward, further emphasizing the hourglass shape.

“She had an opinion on the brooch we put on one dress, the best colors for her skin,” Ghesquière said.

And the gladiator boots? All I can say is, I wouldn’t want to see these in combat.

Check out Balenciaga’s entire Spring/Summer 2008 runway show below.