Balmain Spring 2019 RTW gave me my first ‘wow’ moment of this years’ fashion weeks.
It was a long wait but Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s designer in chief, sent a whole series of pleated, fanned, white tops, complemented by long legs, narrow black trousers and heels along the Parisian runway. See images above and below for my favourites – they were all gorgeous.
Along with cinched, high-waisted trousers in denim and jersey; huge slouchy jumpers; dramatically flowing dusters – this was tres-chic statement dressing.
Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s young design director, is having fun with his fashion. He is said to be referencing ancient Egypt – structural lines, pleating motif, sexy, mummy-like wrappings, hints of sarcophagi shaping – and, always, his love of Paris.
I’m not sure I was quite on his cerebral wave-length – anyone else reminded of 1980’s Thierry Mugler space-age disco diva’s with the wide shoulders, narrow hips, long legs and heels?
But, hey, who cares when you’ve got a ‘wow’. 👣









