Credit: Vogue.com
First of all, Olivier Rousteing is capable of some seriously exquisite detail work. I love what he has brought to the table when he became the head designer for Balmain just last season. Before Rousteing’s promotion, I always skipped over the Balmain show; it was boring and far too obvious in its message. Rousteing has revived an ailing house with pure class. More significantly, he has managed to capture the oh so compelling Gallic allure. Beautifully intricate opulence is almost given an irrelevant shrug with how casually “rich, crosshatched pearl-and-satin embroidery” is paired with sleek leather trousers. Fabergé egg-esque decorated velvet trousers are easily coupled with a creamy knit sweater whereas quilted motorcycle jackets are nonchalantly placed over silk blouses. I love the insouciance to Rousteing’s collection; he manages to stay true to Balmain’s heritage while ushering haute couture level extravagance into contemporary leisure. But above all, he has crafted some highly lust-worthy pieces.
