Balmain has changed its logo and philosophy for the first time in seven decades. Olivier Rousting, the creative director, hired Adulte Adulte from the design studio for the task. He altered the brand logo to something bolder and cleaner.
The new logo weaves together letter B and P as one single letter, which is a reference to Paris and Balmain’s eponymous founder, Pierre Balmain. The change in logo is a lot more than a simple adjustment in the letters. The innovation embodies a brand new phase for Balmain that seeks to reach a global audience. Balmain is set to invest in extra accessories and parade the haute couture collections to keep up with the change.
According to Rousteing, the logo signifies the brand today, whereas still representing the past. This means that Balmain did not break down its rules and traditions simply for the sake of doing that but because times are changing. Balmain has become a fast-growing brand that relies on the most recent media to reach a global audience.
In a move to maintain its traditions, Roustening stressed the need to acknowledge the company’s roots in its re-design process. The eponymous founder also recognized the necessity to reference from Pierre Balmain initial design created over 70 years ago. The logo created is fantastic, contemporary, and clean and represents the attuned philosophy of reaching a global audience. Furthermore, the new logo and philosophy manage to preserve the original heritage while at the same time making it clear that it represents the French luxury band for the modern world.
Rousteing’s move to embrace Balmain’s past signals a stronger medallion which glitzes up jeans and jackets alike. This shows the brand’s commitment to preserve its heritage, sexiness, and craftsmanship.
Rausteing is inspired by women empowerment, with his design focusing on the strength of women. He once told British Vogue that a woman who is going to wear Balmain is a warrior. Moreover, as an influential advocate for diversity in the fashion industry, his new philosophy stresses on diversity with its flagrant universal display.
This philosophy lays the foundation for the company’s promotional campaign. To show diversity, Rousteing redesigned the buzzed-about photo with Dan Beleiu, the photographer, and model, friend, and actress Cara Delevingne for Balmain’s Summer/Spring 2019 campaign. With the photograph, he was referencing the Patrick Demarchelier portrait of 1993 that featured Janet Jackson. This photograph represented a vital pop culture moment during Rousteing’s childhood.
Rousteing’s campaign philosophy lies deeper than the photos themselves. Although these photographs look great and sensual, nothing is engaging about them. The messaging isn’t all about the 90s nostalgia, but inclusivity. This campaign and philosophy display reunion of two skin tones, one mixed race or one black and one white. Posing naked is all about authenticity. The new philosophy has considered the basics to represent something transparent and pure.
Along with inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity, the philosophy signifies global unity, providing an opportunity of needed discussion in the current global landscape. As for philosophy, inclusivity and diversity are the critical aspects for the new brand.
A FMW Production
Story by: Jeremy Cabral
FAQs
The new logo weaves together letter B and P as one single letter, which is a reference to Paris and Balmain's eponymous founder, Pierre Balmain. The change in logo is a lot more than a simple adjustment in the letters. The innovation embodies a brand new phase for Balmain that seeks to reach a global audience.
What does the Balmain logo mean? ›
THE “PB” INITIALS. Reference the founder and his house, while the motif reflects pierre balmain's fascination with the renaissance french labyrinths.
How did Olivier Rousteing change Balmain? ›
Rousteing has designed Balmain menswear since he arrived at the creative helm of the French house in 2011, staging his first dedicated men's runway show for spring 2016, and building it to represent about 30 to 35 percent of the business.
What is Balmain most famous for? ›
Balmain brand is known worldwide, primarily for the unique Balmain aesthetic. The style for the Balmain fashion house meant something more. Lavish and luxurious, it embodied timeless classic pieces, sticking to simple lines, with impeccable attention to detail.
What is Balmain's signature style? ›
The signature elements of Pierre Balmain's unmistakable silhouette—the strict tailoring, cinched waists, strong shoulders, perfect pleating, elaborate volumes—can all be traced back to his early architectural training. Balmain often underlined the connection between his two obsessions.
Why did Balmain change their logo? ›
According to Rousteing, the logo signifies the brand today, whereas still representing the past. This means that Balmain did not break down its rules and traditions simply for the sake of doing that but because times are changing.
Is Balmain a high end brand? ›
Pierre Balmain S.A. (French: [balmɛ̃]), trading as Balmain, is a French luxury fashion house that was founded by Pierre Balmain (1914–1982) in 1945.
What is the Balmain controversy? ›
Olivier Rousteing, creative director of Balmain, is accused of plagiarism. Sarah Diouf, founder of Senegalese brand Tongoro, claimed Balmain's accessories shown at its FW24 men's fashion show in Paris bore a resemblance to her designs.
Who wears Balmain clothes? ›
Milla Jovovich (2018), Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer (2016), Rihanna (2014) were all Balmain campaign muses and have inspired Olivier Rousteing as strong and powerful women.
Who is Balmain owned by? ›
Since 2016, Balmain has been controlled by Mayhoola For Investments LLC.
Yes, some Balmain products are made in China. Balmain's headquarters are in Paris, France, where the brand designs its entire collection. Certain haute-couture and ready-to-wear garments are crafted in Europe, while certain items, such as footwear and small accessories, are manufactured in China.
Why is it called Balmain? ›
The name Balmain comes from William Balmain, a Scottish-born naval surgeon who served in Sydney from 1788 to 1801. In 1800, for his hard work and leadership abilities, he was rewarded with 550 acres of land which in modern times came to be known as suburbs of Rozelle and Balmain.
What does Balmain stand for? ›
The name Pierre Balmain stands for a unique concept of elegance, a clientele of royalty and film stars, and a fashion hallmark recognized throughout the world. Balmain started out as an apprentice for designer Captain Edward Molyneux and stayed with him until Molyneux closed his house at the outbreak of the war.
Were Balmain and Dior friends? ›
Although Dior and Balmain had very different personalities and Dior was ten years older than Balmain, the two grew to become good friends and allies. In addition, Dior was a helpful, calming force, cooling tempers whenever Lelong and Balmain would have one of their many arguments.
Who is the CEO of Balmain? ›
Balmain's New CEO Matteo Sgarbossa Comes From Givenchy.
Is Olivier Rousteing still with Balmain? ›
Balmain, 2009–present
Rousteing joined Balmain in 2009.
What is the meaning of Balmain? ›
Etymology. Perhaps a habitational surname from a place in Scotland, from Scottish Gaelic baile (“village, town”) + meadhan (“middle, center”).
What is the Balmain brand personality? ›
The top 5 positive attributes associated with the balmain brand are chic, glamorous, fashionable, trendy and cosmopolitan.
What is the meaning of the Balenciaga logo? ›
At the moment, the Balenciaga mark stands for luxury and originality. It shows that the brand is committed to being innovative and coming up with new, unique designs that capture the spirit of modern fashion. The Balenciaga logo always stands for elegance and class, whether on a bag, shoe, or dress.
Who is the man behind Balmain? ›
Olivier Rousteing (French: [ɔlivje ʁustɛ̃]; born 13 September 1985) is a French fashion designer. He has been the creative director of Balmain since 2011.
