Holographic Mad Max at Balmain

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Mar 2, 2018

Warrior chic in the Hotel de Ville, a blaze of uber models in holographic metallics and blinding silver in the latest Balmain show.

 
After seven years at Balmain, all fairly respectful of the house’s couture DNA, designer Olivier Rousteing looked into the future with high-tech PVC and Space Age materials. All leavened with a dash of Tina Turner folly.
 
“I’ve always been a huge Mad Max fan. So, I wanted a futurist woman. She’s a warrior, she is fierce and she is not scared. She is breaking boundaries. My biggest luxury in fashion is to feel free!" exclaimed Rousteing, in between embracing Farida Khelfa and Olga Kurylenko.

He opened with flared pants and a snug top, all fairly classical except they were made in liquid silver polyester. Reflecting the giant ceiling frescos of Paris City Hall.
 
With Kim Wilde emoting through “You Keep Me Hangin' On,” the huge cast stomped out in holographic and psychedelic blazers worn with black PVC pants; or a series of day-glow lime cocktail dresses. All defiantly dressed up to go out – whether in flesh-colored, semi-sheer chiffon jumpsuits or bandage dresses in the house logo. Nobody looked like they were going anywhere near an office.
 
Rousteing is best known for his craftsmanship, embroideries and beading, but this show was much more about playing with new materials like PVC. However, despite the sleek fabrics, the designer maintained his lean and mean silhouette.
 
“It’s been seven years at Balmain. I went through so many things and critics and some was quite hateful. But today I feel very peaceful, as Balmain is a strong brand with a strong identity. And I feel proud of what I do,” said a clearly emotional designer, his pulse visibly pumping on one temple.