For his show at Paris fashion week, Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing paid homage to Yves Saint Laurent in an autumn/winter collection 2015/16.
As recent events have reminded us, France has a long and proud history of defending essential liberties and artistic freedom.
That unique, openminded spirit is also something that sets Parisian fashion apart. Pierre Balmain and his contemporaries were anything but provincial. They were part of a generation that was unafraid to stir up controversy as it ventured beyond conventions and was inspired by the cultures, colors and traditions of what had previously been labeled as “exotic” foreign lands.
For Fall/Winter 2015/16, Balmain celebrate that Parisian tradition, as well as the evolution of my city into a truly global melting pot.
Echoing the spirit of the ‘70s catwalks, today’s presentation highlights the beauty of strong confident women of all races, as well as the vibrant tones that that recall the richness of other cultures.
Of course, this is also a bittersweet moment for the House of Balmain.
This collection is the first that my team and I have prepared without the support and encouragement of our recently departed friend and mentor, Alain Hivelin. With the recent opening of the London flagship and a New York address set to open before the end of this year, Monsieur Hivelin’s vision of transforming Balmain into a Parisian house with a truly global reach is well on its way towards becoming a reality.
“We celebrate his daring and impressive accomplishments and we will never forget his generosity and many kind words and deeds.”
Photo Credit – studio Biasion,
