As Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing contributes to the evolution of the fashion house’s man, the new fall-winter 2015 menswear collection, which feels quite personal, is perhaps best described by the designer himself.
“For this collection, I was inspired by how I’m seeing today’s new generation dress for the evening. In all parts of the world—from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, with stops in Paris, London, Dubai and the other traditional and rising fashion capitals along the way — I’ve been noticing what you could call the evolution of the ‘new aristocrats.’ Unlike traditional aristocrats, this diverse and inclusive grouping of stylish men knows how to confidently blend together looks pulled from both their fathers’ wardrobes and the streets.
For Fall 2015, I’m channeling their energy and referencing that new creative mix made up of perfect doses of classic pieces, fluid silhouettes and hip-hop stylings. It’s a spirit that seems right for my generation and a style that I feel comfortable calling my own.
For spring, my collection had a casual and relaxed feel, due to an abundance of jersey and knits. For fall, I turned to more “regal” fabrics, including rich velvets, silks and cashmere, but I’ve worked to maintain that same easy vibe, in part by relying on over-sized and relaxed cuts.
This masculine silhouette—broad shoulders, belted waists and fluid, baggy pants—helps to give classics like double-breasted jackets, overcoats and smoking jackets a modern edge. Influences from today’s music and street cultures—which you can spot in the black cashmere beanies, drop-crotch pants and abundance of motorcycle jackets—remain, of course, key to the signature look of Balmain Homme.”
Olivier Rousteing
January 22, 2015
Paris
Models Abiah Hostvedt and Corto Boutan photographed by Dominick Sheldon. / Creative direction by Pascal Dangin of KiDS Creative.
