Paris Fashion Week continued during what may be the most strenuous time for Ukrainians and Europe, with creative director of Balmain Olivier Rousteing paying tribute to the atrocities occurring in Europe, making it clear that the show is against 'lies, hate and aggression.'
Rousteing wants to make it clear that the designs he sketched and flowed on the catwalk were conceived before the travesty of the scenarios the world is currently witnessing.
The designer and creative mastermind returned to PFW following a long recovery from burns suffered last year; feeling liberated from the response of sharing his experience with the world, Olivier used this strength to produce a courageous collection for the Maison focusing on solidarity.
This season guests experienced a contrast to previous designs where pale whites, creams, soft pastels were prominent on the runway alongside soft denims, which Rousteing states are not tones of sweetness or vulnerability and are instead a present reminder of truth and transparency.
It's a different style of amour for the Balmain army this season, where lace pairings and delicate fabrics bring ethereality to padded shoulders, metal and neoprene.
Biker jackets, armoured breastplates, gladiator sandals and provocative padded thigh-high boots are highlights of the collection, still paying homage to Balmain's sensual DNA.
Rousteing adds "These unique combinations—light and delicate touches mixed with symbols of security and strength— reflect recent lessons learned: we need not be defenceless in the face of toxic pile-ons if we can depend on individual honesty, collective empathy and shared hopes for progress."
See more of the collection below:
For more information visit Balmain Universe
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
