Everyone was waiting for this runway moment. With Olivier Rousteing’s A-list friends and celebrity designer status, the spectators (and fashion fans) of Balmain eagerly anticipated the brand's first menswear show.
Taking the safari theme to a whole new level, Rousteing did what he does best and sexed up a signature, cliché theme. The collection showcased his flair and love for texture and unorthodox techniques: brown leather jackets were made up of latticed leather, lavishly studded garments and belts that verged on gaudy, but the pared down brown palette grounded the heavy embellishments. The palette was full of rich browns, khaki, sand, black and a bit of gold. After all, a Balmain show wouldn’t be complete without a touch of bling.
Some pieces verged on military. Structured long jackets rolled at the sleeves came with brass buttons down the front and across the breast while Union Jack-printed jumpers with the signature Balmain studded over one shoulder was fiercely patriotic and commanded attention.
Tiger-print fitted jackets and roaring lion badges made an attempt to showcase male prowess, and all looks were finished off with suede khaki or black leather helmet hats, suggesting that these men were on the prowl for danger and adventure. However, with gladiator sandals coming laced up way over the ankle, these Balmain men seemed more ready for relaxing on a hammock at the safari lodge rather than running through dusty, jungle landscapes like Indiana Jones.
Of course, if Indiana Jones ever went shopping at Balmain or was styled by Mr Rousteing, this is what he would look like. The Balmain man was ready for action. All he needed was his whip and sexy sidekick.
