Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing chose to highlight house heritage through the lens of French couture tradition

Amongst the handful of designers chosen to represent French Culture for Vogue World Paris, Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing chose to highlight house heritage through the lens of French couture tradition.

His spectacular finale look called upon a number of “petites mains”: those artisanal ateliers which keep alive an invaluable savoir-faire specific to the country.

The iconic Gigi Hadid closes out last Vogue World Paris runway wearing an astonishing Balmain gown that Creative Director Olivier Rousteing has lovingly dubbed “a dress for a modern goddess”.

The billowing skirt recalls the electric blue of the French flag, while a draped gold bustier, armor-like in its construction draws inspiration from the French Revolutionary symbol: the Marianne de France. Channeling unparalleled strength and showcasing Parisian couture savoir-faire, the custom confection perfectly embodies the spirit of the famed City of Light.