In his show notes, Olivier Rousteing, the creative genius behind Balmain, revealed the meticulous process of delving into the brand’s rich archives to prepare for the Fall/Winter 2024 collection. Drawing inspiration from the green thumb of Monsieur Balmain himself, Rousteing embarked on a journey that intertwined the founder’s cultivated embellishments with elements of his own identity. At the heart of this manifesto lay a homage to Rousteing’s hometown of Bordeaux, symbolized by three-dimensional depictions of grapes— the iconic crop of the Bordeaux region.
Rousteing’s affection for his childhood home shone through as he proclaimed Bordeaux as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. This sentiment reverberated throughout the collection, as the designer sought to juxtapose the town’s graceful dignity with Pierre Balmain’s revolutionary “New French Style,” crafting a line tailored for women of all ages.
Central to the range were trench coats, a nod to Bordeaux’s rainy weather. Rousteing reinvented the traditional silhouette, infusing it with modern flair while drawing inspiration from archival pieces. Elements from these hero pieces were translated into cropped jackets, dresses, skirts, and trousers, showcasing the designer’s masterful reinterpretation of classic styles. Embracing Bordeaux’s vibrant outdoor markets, Rousteing elevated traditional string, panier, and wicker bags into luxurious accessories fit for the Balmain woman.
Picnics, a cherished pastime in Bordeaux, served as further inspiration for the collection. Balmain’s classic Vichy print took center stage, adorning fruit-laden gowns with oversized flair. An embroidered green viscose coat paid homage to the town’s natural beauty, capturing the essence of Bordeaux’s enchanting landscapes.
Delving deeper into Bordeaux’s culinary delights, Rousteing drew inspiration from escargot, crafting intricate details reminiscent of snail shells. From gold metal breastplates to embellished buttons and jewels, these elements added a touch of opulence to the collection, echoing the designer’s meticulous attention to detail.
As Rousteing aptly noted, “the fruit of the House is in the details.” With each garment meticulously crafted to perfection, Balmain’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection invites closer inspection, revealing the intricate beauty woven into every stitch, bead, and embellishment. Through this captivating ode to Bordeaux, Rousteing once again demonstrates his unparalleled creativity and vision, solidifying Balmain’s status as a beacon of luxury and sophistication in the world of fashion.
