Balmain’s popularity in the fashion industry and beyond has been quite strong for some time now — thanks in no large part to designer Olivier Rousteing and his bevy of stylish fans and friends. With the iconic French fashion house opening a new boutique in London next week and another set to open its doors in the trendy SoHo neighborhood of the Big Apple, the only way is up for the brand, as long as its customers get on-board with their hard-earned cash.
With global expansion becoming an even bigger priority this year, it only makes sense that Rousteing’s aim was about serving up that signature Balmain sensuality and ferocity, with a few different silhouettes and details thrown in the mix. He achieved that by embracing one of the most romantic motifs of all time in the form of flowers — a classic pattern to anyone but an entirely new print for the designer.
We all remember the hard shoulders and military-inspired accents of Christophe Decarnin’s Balmain — the kind of sharp and tough luxury that pulled so many of today’s starlets and “It” girls in and made a real statement for the brand on the red carpet. Rousteing has definitely turned the spotlight on the more ostentatious side of the fashion house, with eveningwear as a focus. The sheer striped blouses, paperbag mini skirts, and high-waist wide-leg trousers captured the 70’s trend which is the industry’s fad of the moment, though oversized blazers and waist-cinching belts shifted in the direction of everyday functionality.
The fluidity and ease here were the draw-ins. Tiered ruffles, plush velvet, delicate pleats in the fashion of Madame Grés, and fringe all created movement and just the kind of head-turning looks that get Balmain women noticed.
Whether Rousteing is setting trends or co-opting them, he is always successful at creating pieces that women want to wear. The collection at hand had all his trademarks, along with the quintessential Balmain bells and whistles like ornate embellishment and leg-baring hemlines. These designs might even end up on the Grammys red carpet in a couple of weeks. As always, we cannot wait to see what he brings to the fashion house’s next runway show and who he invites to sit front row.
What do you think of the latest from Balmain?
Images: Style.com
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