In a surprising twist, Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing showcased a stunning array of khaki pants on the runway for fall. Known for his glamorous and edgy designs, Rousteing proves once again that he cannot be placed into a single category.
The collection also featured grape motifs, paying homage to the founder Pierre Balmain’s signature fruit and other charming embellishments. As the models strutted down the runway, it was clear that Rousteing had made a deliberate choice in selecting a more mature cast.
Photo: Giovanni Gianonni The women, all possessing an air of confidence and self-assuredness, effortlessly carried his hefty-shouldered trenchcoats adorned with large snail-shaped buttons. The designer expressed his admiration for this diverse group, stating that they embodied power, strength, and beauty.
Bethany, a statuesque model, opened the show dressed in a chic ensemble, holding her bag close to her ribs. The choice of khaki pants added a touch of casualness to the collection, while still maintaining the brand’s signature luxurious aesthetic.
Rousteing explained that he wanted to celebrate women of all ages through his designs, and the inclusion of khaki pants helped to achieve this goal. Moving away from his previous floral motifs, Rousteing delved into the archives of Pierre Balmain and discovered a fascination with fruits.
Inspired by this discovery, the designer incorporated apple, nut, and strawberry embellishments into his collection. Bethany wore a unique belt buckle in the shape of a strawberry, adding a playful touch to her ensemble.
Drawing inspiration from his hometown of Bordeaux and its rich winemaking heritage, Rousteing introduced grape prints, grape earrings, and grape handbag charms into the collection. Models were even seen carrying big gold bunches of grapes instead of traditional handbags, adding a whimsical element to the runway.
Photo: Giovanni Giannoni Another notable inclusion in the collection was gingham, a fabric often associated with picnics in the French countryside. Rousteing showcased a sparkling, checkered evening column dress in a stunning shade of blue, reminiscent of recent designs by Burberry.
This unexpected addition proved that Rousteing is unafraid to experiment and push the boundaries of his designs.
While the collection featured various motifs and influences, it undeniably bore the signature style of the Rousteing-era Balmain. The garments were adorned with exuberant embellishments, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity of the brand’s atelier.
Photo Credit: Giovanni Giannoni
