Balmain’s creative genius and artistic director, Olivier Rousteing, is not just a designer – he embodies the persona of a rock star. The crowd at Paris fashion week erupted in screams and cheers as Rousteing threw white roses in the air after the spring/summer 2024 show.
Surrounded by models donning the collection that had just graced the catwalk inside the Théâtre National de la Danse, Rousteing addressed the crowd, proclaiming that the show was a symbol of love, Paris, France, and the entire world.
This display of affection and the message of “love is all” could be interpreted as Rousteing’s fierce response to adversity. Just days before the show, around 50 designs were stolen from a delivery van en route to the Balmain studio.
On September 17, Rousteing took to Instagram to reveal the unfortunate news to his 9.8 million followers. However, despite the setback, he made it clear that the show must go on, exclaiming, “We won’t give up.”
For those watching the show, it seemed like business as usual. Champagne flowed freely, and prominent figures like Cher, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Kim Cattrall occupied the front row. The collection itself exuded glamour, featuring vinyl minidresses, 80s-style skirt suits, polka dot trouser suits, and elegant pleated gowns.
Despite the obstacles, Rousteing declared, “We will work tirelessly, day and night, alongside our suppliers who are equally committed.” Remarkably, Balmain’s suppliers managed to reproduce 70% of the stolen pieces in time.
In the show notes, Rousteing revealed that the Paris police had recovered the stolen van along with some empty boxes that once housed the stolen clothes. He expressed his gratitude to the team and individuals who offered their support during this challenging time.
Roses were a prevalent theme throughout the collection, with designs featuring everything from rose-adorned cycling shorts to corsets covered in thorned branches. The metaphor was not lost on Rousteing, as he wrote, “We focus on the roses amidst the thorns, celebrating love, joy, and beauty.”
Rousteing sees the theft as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the fashion industry, where dealing with unexpected setbacks is part of the job. However, he has exceeded expectations. In just 10 days, he managed to flawlessly execute the show, and even music icon Beyoncé wore a dress reminiscent of the spring/summer 2024 designs during her Renaissance tour in Houston. In the face of adversity, Rousteing transformed lemons into fashion lemonade.
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