THE BALMAIN ARMY (2024)

The House Ethos

Balmain has a long history of trailblazing and today’s Balmain continues to pioneer. It is always building upon a long history of boldly championing changes—many of which are long overdue.

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“Almost a decade ago, it was the phrase “The Balmain Army” that stuck while brainstorming for a way to best describe our distinct, diverse, rebellious and empowered force of followers. Of course, there’s nothing aggressive or warlike about our Balmain Army. Instead, we wanted to stress that Balmain’s design and spirit seem to hold an appeal to a band of troublemakers—and I mean troublemakers in the best sense of the term—those strong individuals who can see when it is well past time to create some trouble.”

- Olivier Rousteing

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    • Olivier Rousteing and his friend Kim Kardashian celebrating his award at Parsons (May 2023)

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Olivier Rousteing and his forever muse Beyoncé
Renaissance Couture Collection (March 2023)

CELEBRATING A DECADE

Many of Olivier Rousteing’s closest friends and muses—all members of the Balmain Army—played part in the retrospective runway marking the designer’s ten years at Balmain.

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    • Olivier Rousteing and Naomi Campbell, 2021
      Celebrating his 10 years as Balmain creative director

Personalities are important. You talk to women who have power...they’re not just models, they're defending my clothes and my ideas, and that’s why we started the Balmain Army.

- Olivier Rousteing

While the year 2020 seemed to be taking shape between influences from the past, a sometimes frozen present and an uncertain future, Balmain was holding its own, supported by her "army". The house's universe, shaped for ten years now by the incisive vision of Olivier Rousteing, also comes to life every day through those whom Balmain sublimates in the manner of real goddesses.

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COMPOSED OF REBELS OF ALL AGES AND ALL BACKGROUNDS

The house’s “Balmain Army” is a one-of-a-kind grouping that is very much a reflection of the unique vision of Olivier Rousteing. Open to all, the Balmain Army is filled with members who are forward-thinking, diverse and excited about pushing the frontiers of society and fashion. While they value true craftsmanship, heritage and style, they are excited by new possibilities that Balmain’s rule-breaking makes possible.

Olivier Rousteing and Cara Delevingne
Balmain Monogram Campaign (2019)

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MET GALA 2018

Jennifer Lopez, Natalia Vodianova, Natasha Polly, Julia Stegner and Juliette Binoche wearing Balmain at Met Gala (2018)

When Olivier Rousteing is set to head up the red carpet, it is important for him to share those moments with colleagues and friends who have worked with him on campaigns, runways and inspirations. Those friends and muses are key members of today’s Balmain Army.

MET BALL 2016

Kim Kardashian & Kanye West, Kylie Jenner, Cindy Crawford and others wearing Balmain for the Met Ball (2016)

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LEGENDARY MUSES

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.

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THE HOUSE ETHOS

EXPLORE COLLABS

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THE BALMAIN ARMY (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of Balmain army? ›

“Almost a decade ago, it was the phrase “The Balmain Army” that stuck while brainstorming for a way to best describe our distinct, diverse, rebellious and empowered force of followers. Of course, there's nothing aggressive or warlike about our Balmain Army.

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.

Is Olivier Rousteing still with Balmain? ›

Balmain, 2009–present

Rousteing joined Balmain in 2009.

What does Balmain represent? ›

Pierre Balmain's distinctive contribution to the postwar fashion was therefore a true reflection of the empowering spirit of that new age, when women were suddenly allowed to envision new possibilities and enter into new positions.

Who are the Balmain army? ›

The house's “Balmain Army” is a one-of-a-kind grouping that is very much a reflection of the unique vision of Olivier Rousteing. Open to all, the Balmain Army is filled with members who are forward-thinking, diverse and excited about pushing the frontiers of society and fashion.

Why is Balmain so famous? ›

His unique and immediately popular vision ensured that Pierre Balmain would be among the handful of daring designers responsible for France's historic post-war fashion renaissance—helping to make very clear to all that Paris remained fashion's capital.

Who made Balmain famous? ›

In the period following World War II, Pierre Balmain was "a king of French fashion" and outfitted stars including Ava Gardner and Brigitte Bardot, the Nicaraguan first lady Hope Portocarrero, and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. Marlene Dietrich wore Balmain clothes that she selected in "No Highway in the Sky" (1951).

What ethnicity is Olivier Rousteing? ›

Rousteing had always, he said, hoped his birth parents were “two young people who were very in love with each other but couldn't stay together.” He had always assumed he was of mixed race, because of his skin color. Both ideas were wrong. “She was Somalian and he was Ethiopian, which means I am African-African,” Mr.

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.

What makes Balmain so special? ›

The result is a truly unique and recognizable silhouette, style and attitude that build upon the impressive craftsmanship that the house's ateliers are celebrated for, as well as the legacy of founder Pierre Balmain, who—just like Olivier Rousteing—is recognized for having never been afraid of going against well- ...

Why is Balmain so expensive? ›

Why is Balmain so expensive? Balmain can be considered an expensive brand because it's a well-known luxury label that provides status and exclusivity to those who wear its products. It also offers design value, has a loyal customer base, higher consumer demand, and celebrities love it.

Who is Balmain named after? ›

The suburb was named after Dr. William Balmain, a Scottish-born naval surgeon who arrived in Sydney, Australia in 1788. William Balmain was a brave and skilled surgeon. He was appointed the third assistant surgeon to John White, the principal surgeon whose crew set about a journey to the land of modern-day Sydney.

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. BALMAIN HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION SUMMER 1971.

What is Balmain named after? ›

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 is special about Balmain? ›

Balmain is a French luxury fashion house founded in 1945. Their headquarters are in Paris, France. They produce Haute couture, perfume, ready-to-wear, jewelry and accessories. Like every other brand on the market, they also make sunglasses.

What nationality is Balmain? ›

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.

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