MILITARY INFLUENCES

THE HOUSE SIGNATURES

Balmain’s many references to traditional military tailoring and khaki tones reflect the Balmain Army’s spirit of boldly pushing new frontiers.

PUSHING BOLDLY

Our new realities call for boldness and resistance—and Olivier Rousteing is inspired by today’s new generation, which is proving itself to be a strong force for progress. It embraces the future, demands inclusivity, enjoys pushing buttons and eagerly breaks down remaining frontiers. Rousteing believes that today’s new confident and fearless spirit is the essence of today’s Balmain Army.

THE BALMAIN ARMY

That unique Balmain Army spirit is reflected in his collections’ many references to military tailoring and styles—from new takes on the traditional Veste Hussard (Napoleonic calvary jacket) to the Balmain runway’s most impressive greatcoats.

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The military influences in Balmain's collections reveal a new modern urban style, celebrating this inspiring tradition of openness and adaptability.

THE BALMAIN AVENTURIERS

When Olivier Rousteing and his team were designing the collection for the house’s first menswear runway show, they were excited about the many new possibilities that lay ahead. So, it seemed so very right that the collection look to the great French explorers and adventurers of the early twentieth century for inspiration. In addition to their unique style and thrilling exploits, what most inspired Rousteing was how that those men shared the same modern mindset as the members of his Balmain Army:

“Instead of glory, conquest and territories, these were men who were seeking new understandings and experiences. Above all, they were thrilled by the many as-yet-unknowns that lay ahead. During their epic journeys, they notably melded the styles of distinct cultures to create a truly adaptive wardrobe—so, just as they did, my collection relied on a host of influences, including the couture signatures, military tailoring and the relaxed, open- layered looks we see on the streets today.”
- Olivier Rousteing