Olivier Rousteing

Glam-chic royalty

After a debut collection that was very much "applauded for looking just like Balmain usually does", Rousteing's second collection showed more of his own inspiration and talent. As he personally admitted in the interview here posted, he drew his inspiration from luxurious jewellery, in particular from the Faberge' Eggs, and from the opulent architecture of the Russian Orthodox Churches. This luxurious muse is clearly and brilliantly represented by the black jacket with a rich pearl and crystals embroidery, underlining the opulency and the delicacy of a Faberge' egg at the same time.

The shape of the jacket is also changed, it is now a more boxy shape with an extended shoulder line that reminds of the 80's style.

Matched with skinny leather trousers and killer heels, Rousteing's woman is sexy and confident, effect enlightened by the choice of styling: the hair, barely brushed, and the natural, almost non-existent make up. It all reflects the baroque mood of the season, confirming the jacket as a statement that defines the House of Balmain and its women as glamorous, chic and sexy.

The young man

Olivier Rousteing is a French designer born in 1986 in Bordeaux. He moved to Paris to study at the prestigious ESMOD (Ecole Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode). He started his career as a designer at Roberto Cavalli where he was quickly promoted as creative director of the label ready-to-wear collection. In 2009 he was appointed as head of Balmain's ready-to-wear line, where he worked closely with Christophe Decarnin who at the time was in charge of couture. In 2011 the young Rousteing replaced Decarnin as creative director of Balmain, showing his fresh and young talent embracing the values of the Maison.

"It's sexy, French, Balmain."

Karlie Kloss

"A very rich, edgy, modern girl."

Hamish Bowles, Vogue

"You want to be a Balmain woman because she is so desirable."

Gabriele Heckworthy, Harper's Bazaar UK