Balmain SPRING 2025 READY-TO-WEAR

Where Beauty defies the ordinary, a captivating dance of light, texture and bead portraits emerges, blending refined embroideries with surrealism.

Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain, has come a long way since 2012 when he declared,

"I actually think the face is the sexiest part of a woman’s body."

Back then, he was just starting out as a young designer at the helm of a brand still recovering from a near-bankruptcy. Tonight, his runway show told a different story, a story of growth, evolution, and a vision coming to fruition.

Rousteing's signature style, characterized by sharp shoulders, intricate detailing, and a touch of French heritage (evident in the recurring marinière stripe), was on full display. But this show wasn't just a reiteration of his previous collections; it was a declaration of Balmain's entry into the world of beauty.

The face, that element of seduction Rousteing has always celebrated, was literally emblazoned across his designs.

Dresses, jackets, and shorts were intricately adorned with thousands of pearlescent beads, creating the illusion of delicate, shimmering skin. The multi-toned, multi-textured dress and top in looks 31 and 32 resembled wearable mascara palettes, further blurring the lines between fashion and beauty.

The influence of Balmain's new fragrance line, Les Éternels, was evident throughout. The collection’s sleek, glossy designs mirrored the shape of the fragrance bottles, inspiring the heels, bag hardware, and even the models themselves, who carried the fragrances directly on the runway.

The show, a testament to Rousteing’s journey, served as a powerful statement about the brand's evolution. Balmain has gone from a struggling house to a multi-faceted luxury brand, encompassing clothing, accessories, and now, beauty. And with the presence of William P. Lauder, the executive chairman of Estée Lauder Companies, Balmain's new beauty partner, the commitment to this new venture is undeniable.

Rousteing's vision, a decade in the making, has transformed Balmain into a brand synonymous with bold femininity and a celebration of the female form. This show was not just about clothes; it was about the power of the face, the allure of fragrance, and the beauty of a woman’s spirit, all beautifully intertwined with the DNA of Balmain.

As Rousteing himself said, "This show is me," and indeed, it reflected his journey, his ambition, and his unwavering commitment to the essence of Balmain.