Balmain: a modern legacy.
Initially distinguished by the subtleness of its cloth and the clean lines of its creations, the Balmain fashion house has been adept at changing with the times. The list of influential designers who have lead the brand, have all managed to find a fine balance between modernity and respect for the label’s rich heritage. Little by little, lacing, beads and sparkly materials have found their way into their collections, infusing the brand with the style that defines it today. The silver embroidered jacket embodies this renewal perfectly.
Talented creative directors.
Pierre Balmain founded the Balmain fashion house in 1945. He opened his workshop at 44 Rue François 1er, in Paris, and presented his first haute couture collection on 12th October that same year. In 1952, he invented the "Jolie Madame" (pretty madame) style, together with his first ready-to-wear collection, named "Florilège". His approach to garments was described by journalists as a "new French style", because it was way ahead of the trends. This avant-gardism can be recognised in the choice of fabrics, the paring down of the cuts and the ability to produce iconic pieces, like the Amazone dresses. It's with this in mind that Erik Mortensen found himself at the head of the creative direction, closely followed by Oscar de la Renta. Christophe Decarnin returned to the brand in July 2006, and brought his own personal touch to the collections, which could be described as rock’n’roll chic, with his sequinned mini dresses and jackets with shoulder pads standing out from the rest. Olivier Rousteing succeeded him in 2011, after two years spent managing the design studio. Somewhere between classic and pop cultures, he proposed structured models, with geometric patterns and shiny cloths which generated a whole new wave of enthusiasm.
Beaded, braided, sewn with gold, silver or black thread, the numerous models of handbags designed by the fashion house marry perfectly with Balmain's clothes, especially the Pierre bag, that comes in a choice of colours and materials and which has become one of the brand's iconic pieces. With impressive shimmering patterns, the women's leather belts bring the finishing touch to Balmain style, perfectly defining the waist.
Olivier Rousteing, star designer.
Olivier Rousteing enjoys being surrounded by huge international stars, and is quite happy to call on controversial personalities to showcase his designs, as seen with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna becoming muses for the designer. In November 2015, the Balmain capsule collection for H&M caused a sensation and helped make the luxury brand more accessible. The silk shirt with beads and rhinestones, and the black velvet blazer dress, were two of the key pieces.
Elaborately embroidered, adorned with multiple gems and beads, Balmain creations are simultaneously chic and sensual. Among the brand's signature items are: