After a spring/summer season filled with vibrant colours and bold graphics, Balmain shifts gears, embracing comfort without compromising on luxury.
If anyone ever doubted that a monochrome, relaxed ensemble could be high fashion, Olivier Rousteing has proved them wrong. For this new collection of Balmain presented at the Paris Fashion Week, the designer elevated oversized silhouettes, from voluminous cardigans to slouchy jumpers and, of course, the iconic groutfit, demonstrating that effortless style can still be sophisticated.
The show opened with a silhouette that has become Rousteing’s signature: a flowing black hooded jumper, paired with a structured leather peplum and relaxed leather trousers. While the upper half of the looks leaned towards casual, striking details made all the difference—bold gold accessories and boho-inspired boots balanced comfort with refinement. The result? The ultimate off-duty model look.
Monochromatic outfits in neutral tones dominated the runway, yet they were anything but dull. Contrasting textures, from pleats and embossed fabrics to ruched details, added depth and dimension. Where smoothness prevailed, pops of tangerine—whether in a fuzzy coat or statement boots—brought an energetic twist.
Despite its relaxed inspiration, Balmain’s signature glamour remained intact. Rousteing introduced striking pieces such as a zebra-print trench coat, a cargo jumpsuit, woven leather garments, and a striped peplum dress paired with stirrup leggings, reaffirming his mastery of eveningwear.
Among the front-row guests, Doja Cat turned heads. A long-time friend of the house, the singer recently dazzled at the Oscars in a custom leopard-print beaded Balmain gown, further cementing her connection with the brand.
With this collection, Olivier Rousteing makes it clear that dressing comfortably doesn’t have to mean dressing down. Rather, it’s about striking the perfect balance between ease and elegance.
