Wednesday night was a dazzling affair at Balmain’s runway show and after-party, where beauty took center stage to celebrate the brand’s exciting new launch. The event marked the lead-up to the opening of the first Balmain Beauty boutique in the heart of Paris, which will feature their exquisite fragrance collection to start.
Olivier Rousteing, the creative mind behind this initiative, has big plans for Balmain Beauty, aiming to expand into a full makeup line and a range of beauty products. He’s creatively woven beauty themes into his latest collection, showcasing stunning beaded dresses that playfully highlighted motifs of lips, nails, and eyes. One standout piece was a sculpted bustier that sparkled like eyeshadow, reminiscent of the looks he created for Tyla at the Met Gala earlier this year.
Rousteing is passionate about beauty and wants to shift how it’s viewed within the house. He believes it’s not just a business but a crucial part of a brand’s artistic identity. “There’s often a gap between what we present at fashion shows and our beauty campaigns because of different licensing deals,” he noted. He plans to bridge that gap by working closely with Estée Lauder.
“My goal is to create a cohesive brand identity. Balmain is set to become a beauty powerhouse, and it just feels right,” he explained. This new venture is not only expected to boost the brand’s revenue but also elevate its presence on the global stage. “I want Balmain to gain international recognition, which has been my focus for the past 14 years,” Rousteing added.
The front row was a vibrant mix of musical stars, with Brazilian pop sensation Anitta sitting next to K-pop star Hong Joong from Ateez. They chatted about their cultural influences, with Anitta gushing over Hong Joong, saying, “What a superstar! It’s an honor to sit next to you.” They quickly bonded, especially when Anitta shared her recent trip to South Korea and her love for K-pop, leading to playful talks of a possible collaboration.
Cardi B also made a stunning entrance in towering platform shoes and a striking green coat, taking a seat near French First Lady Brigitte Macron. After the show, Macron introduced herself and even took a selfie with Cardi. “What an honor to meet you! I’m so grateful,” Cardi told Macron as they shared a warm hug.
Rousteing has been a strong advocate for inclusivity on the runway, working to diversify both the age and skin tone of models. This vision was exemplified during the show, which featured seasoned models and ended with the fabulous Paulina Porizkova in a stunning slip dress.
The upcoming beauty products will be more accessible, featuring a range of price points to promote inclusivity. This approach is reminiscent of Rousteing’s past efforts with social media, where he faced skepticism for wanting to make fashion more accessible. “Back then, people criticized me for diluting luxury,” he recalled. “If they question my move into beauty now, I stand firm—I believe beauty will open new doors for fashion.”
After the show wrapped up, Porizkova and a lively group of models turned the runway into a dance floor, grooving to Lenny Kravitz’s hit, “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” Guests then made their way to the after-party at Café de l’Homme, where crowds eagerly gathered for a glimpse of Hong Joong.
For Rousteing, the evening was about more than just launching a beauty line; it was a celebration of Paris and the essence of summer. “I’m Parisian; I love my city and everything it has to offer,” he said. “Having such an incredible crowd here tonight is refreshing, especially with the Olympics showcasing France. It’s a night full of excitement and gratitude.”
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