Why The Obsession With Balmain?

No. It’s not only because the Kardashian and Jenner clan take pride in donning themselves in the designer’s collection. There is much more to it.

The fashion industry was never short of spectacular designers. From John Galliano and Donatella Versace to Marc Jacobs and Jean Paul Gaultier, we’ve seen it all. But 2015 brought to light a new gem in this multi-billion dollar industry. Although Balmain was founded way back in 1946, Olivier Rousteing was the creative director of the French fashion house that helped it pass the million- follower plateau on Instagram.

Rousteing was appointed in 2011 as the creative head of Balmain, thereby replacing Christophe Decarnin. As an unknown designer then, he brought in a much needed fresh take on the major fashion label’s aesthetic. With his sharp jaw line and glowing skin, Rousteing is definitely not a regular pea in a pod.

At the age of 30, this designer has already created masterpieces for various big names in the industry, including Ellie Goulding, Rihanna and even Beyonce. Balmain also collaborated with Kanye West’s Yeezy, to bring out Yeezy x Balmain. Kim Kardashian has also been quoted calling Balmain as her most favourite fashion labels of all time (which is quite evident, considering how she’s been spotted so often in the designers custom made outfits for her).

Apart from his endless list of celebrity clients, there is something else that sets Rousteing apart. Unlike many of the other designers who chose lean and skinny models, he believes in a strong women.  “Women with all shapes. We have to get away from the real skinny girls” he was quoted saying, in an interview with WWD. Even though it hasn’t been confirmed whether we will be able to witness any pus size models walking the ramp for Balmain, it still is a step into the right direction. Balmain has collaborated with H&M in the past, and has brought out a much more affordable collection of the designer’s work. “The team at H&M have taught me a lot about different kinds of shapes and silhouettes”.

There is something about this young designer that has gotten all of us in awe with his work. His use of racially diverse models to endorse his bold prints, glittery embellishments and intricate detail certainly sets him apart from the rest of the famous French fashion houses. Olivier Rousteing believes in modern and fresh fashion which is why he is topping our charts as one of the best designers in recent times.