28 September 2023 |
It was a miracle collection, which needed superhuman strength and determination from Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing and his talented team to produce. Just a few days before the show, 70 percent of samples were stolen from a delivery van. It was a devastating blow. This is a house that prides itself on the intense hours and work that goes into each piece. But rather than send out a simple collection, the Balmain atelier went into overdrive and produced a riotous, rose garden of a collection.
Caged, corseted constructions were based on trellises with bead and crystal roses climbing up. Polished patent rosettes swirled over a coat like a shiny wearable bouquet. Rose prints from the Pierre Balmain archive bloomed over swishing silk dresses. A rose has thorns as well as flowers and Rousteing contrasted the heady, romantic, classic French couture vibe with Balmain’s signature imposing tailoring. It was a triumph of talent and teamwork over adversity. The designer, sporting beautiful long braids, took his bow to a well deserved standing ovation.
Photography courtesy of Balmain.
