Balmain’s recent rockin’ nostalgia

Balmain referenced the past this season, but unlike so many collections these days which looked back at the '80s, these clothes harked back to the beginning of the century.

Plenty of glamour in the front row, where Eva Longoria sat beside Kris Jenner - causing a gang of paparazzi inside the grand foyer of the ²Palais Garnier to go into a shutter overdrive frenzy.

The mood was MTV idol glamour – blended with the cathartic French gutsy chic so beloved by the house’s designer Olivier Rousteing.

Just like the mammoth black and white check carpet underneath the opera house’s gilded and frescoed ceilings, the opening looks were all in plissé black and white. Dramatic long check skirts; marvelous high glam jumpsuits and power shoulder gowns.

Gradually the sequins appeared – in dense art deco spirals, circles and geometrics. Before the show took flight in a great space age moment with shimmering cocktails made of perspex and plastic baubles – intergalactic Balmain at its best.

And, since everyone is doing sustainability, then why not Balmain, which revealed it has partnered with Diamond Foundry, the world’s leading carbon-neutral producers.

Plenty of great new bags on the catwalk as well. Balmain has desperately needed some hot bags to build out its product array, and this rich selection of new ideas should do the trick. Whether padded suede bags with golden studs finished with VIP velvet rope straps; or metallic matelassé clutches and several great marble pattern looks.

Building to a moment where, as Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time blasted out of the speakers, a quartet in primary color denim pants suits marched out – in pencil pants and jackets cut with massive mannish shoulders. Despite all the stylistic references to Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child, there was even a Grace Jones moment with two hooded ladies who smoldered by.

Post-show, scores of influencers staged impromptu mini shoots inside the Palais Garnier, profiting from the location. No one wanted to leave. Outside, some 2,000 fans and tourists scrambled and cried out for photos of the exiting guests. Balmain is certainly hot.

“It’s those addictive melodies – from Beyoncé, as well as artists like Britney, Christina (Aguilera) and JLo – that are the ones associated with the looks that inspired this collection,” explained Rousteing.

Little wonder he gave the collection the following title: Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation. Rousteing certainly does talk to his era, and plenty of clients are listening.

Balmain’s recent rockin’ nostalgia

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