A MODERN-BAROQUE SPIRIT
THE HOUSE CODES
Both Pierre Balmain and Olivier Rousteing are inspired by what surrounds them—in particular the beauty of Paris, with its rich history of architecture and art. In particular, both are drawn to the complex richness of the French Baroque, and Balmain collections are often filled with flamboyant Baroque patterns and silhouettes channeling powerful curves and flourishes.
During every Paris fashion week, true connoisseurs of this house can spot them as they make their way down the Balmain runway: those complex forms, ornate lines, and impressive embellishments that highlight the singular savoir-faire of the skilled artisans working inside Balmain’s historic atelier.
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Balmain Fall- Winter 2023 Fashion show
Olivier Rousteing explains the collection’s focus on a rich heritage.
PEARL BEAUTY
“The word Baroque in French was originally used to describe the distinctive silhouettes of some of the world’s most highly valued pearls. So, it seems only fitting that many of the Baroque-inspired designs of this house rely on complex and precise pearl embroidery.”
Olivier Rousteing
All of those Baroque flourishes help to add a sense of drama and richness to the designs that I oversee each season while building directly upon the many past Baroque-inspired designs from Monsieur Balmain.
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BALMAIN’S MODERN BAROQUE
Of course, Balmain’s Baroque-inspired embellishments are always designed to complement how today’s new generations wishes to live and dress.
THE BLAZE’S MODERN-BAROQUE SPIRIT
Beyond embodying the house’s trail-blazing superpower, Balmain’s Blaze collection of luxury leather bags, with their dramatic lines and eye-catching embellishments, clearly reference the house’s modern-Baroque spirit.
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Channeling both the superpower of a heritage house and the protective armor of historic superheroes, the Balmain Blaze collection is made up of a variety of luxury leather shoulder bags and clutches that rely on strong juxtapositions of colors and textures. The energetic force of the designs is underlined by the collection's many couture-inspired embellishments and the abundance of very shiny, very visible hardware that help ensure Olivier Rousteing's goal of creating a uniquely powerful and eye-catching accessory.
MONOCHROME? YES.
MONOTONE? NEVER.
THE HOUSE CODES
