BALMAIN creative director Olivier Rousteing’s 2023 Pre-Fall collection is heavily influenced by the House’s archives from the late 1960s to early 1970s. Rousteing is well-known for his ability to incorporate historical elements into his designs, and this collection is no exception. He has delved deeper into the archives of the brand to uncover new inspiration and has been particularly drawn to the glamour of the period when the founder of Balmain moved away from traditional styles and embraced slinkier, sharper, and more international fashion.
The collection features a variety of elements inspired by the brand’s past, including leopard prints, round shapes, gold buttons, and the Labyrinth monogram. Rousteing has also incorporated vintage pieces from the archives, such as printed silk scarves from the 1970s, into the collection by turning them into draped tops, loose tunics, and wrap skirts. Other elements, such as the PB logo, have been transformed into embroidered patches on gym suits or eye-catching hardware for belts.
In addition to the daywear, Rousteing also included some more extravagant pieces in the collection, such as crystal-paved tops and dresses resembling blown-up brooches and bows. The crystal-studded eyewear also pay homage to the founder’s obsession with opera glasses and mask-like hats.
Rousteing sees Balmain as a “sleeping beauty” with rich archives and countless narratives to mine, and he is excited to continue exploring the brand’s history. He believes that by uncovering the stories of the past, he can create a diverse, groovy and approachable collection that resonates with today’s fashion enthusiasts. The collection is a perfect representation of how Rousteing continues his intensifying dialogue with the legacy of Pierre Balmain, who founded the fashion house in 1945.
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Click on this link to read this article in French version.