Balmain’s Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing, has once again amazed us with a stunning collection at Paris Fashion Week. Since he was appointed in 2011 at just 25 years old, this is his first collection paying tribute to his hometown of Bordeaux, a renowned wine region in France where he was raised by his adoptive mother, Lydia Rousteing. This latest collection seems to celebrate how Rousteing has refined his craft over the years, much like a fine wine.
Grapes were a prominent feature on the runway, showcased in various ways. We saw red and purple grapes highlighted on monochromatic outfits, embellished on dresses and tops, and even on accessories like grape earrings and picnic baskets filled with grapes—truly a “grape galore.”
Rousteing shared that his childhood influenced this collection significantly. He often went on picnics with his mother, who wore trench coats and laid out plaid gingham blankets. This inspiration was evident in the black and white plaid designs that featured throughout the collection, including maxi dresses and off-the-shoulder dresses adorned with white grape vines.
He also put a modern twist on the classic trench coat his mother used to wear by adding oversized lapels, sleeve loops, and gold snail buttons at the epaulettes. The snail motif continued in the collection with gold-plated tops, snail earrings, and belts, adding another layer of detail.
Overall, Rousteing’s latest designs, marked by their intricate techniques and thoughtful themes, truly dominated Paris Fashion Week!