While “Quiet Luxury” seems to rule the runways and our social feeds, French label Balmain opted for a more maximalist version of Parisian chic for its Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
The show opened with the gold-buttoned tailoring Creative Director Olivier Rousteing is known for, but the sharp looks soon gave way to brightly-colored pleated skirts and dresses; fabrics printed with retro dots and oversized floral patterns; and unforgettable 3-D roses that adorned necklines or cinched the waist of a dress. Also present was Rousteing’s penchant for detailed embroidery, with structured mini-dresses glistening with intricate motifs. The collection was joyful, a stark contrast to the neutral classics that have been dominating the fashion conversation.
But all was not coming up roses. Just a week before the collection was set to debut during Paris Fashion Week, carjackers stole the majority of the pieces while they were en route to the label’s headquarters. Rousteing and his team were able to recreate most of the looks, proving that the fashion show must go on.
