In this collection note from Balmain Men SS24, Creative Director Olivier Rousteing pays homage to the house’s founder, Monsieur Pierre Balmain, who emphasized the importance of fashion evolving with each generation rather than relying on past inspirations. While drawing inspiration from the rich Balmain archives, Rousteing highlights the house’s audacious, forward-looking values established since 1945.
The SS24 collection reflects Monsieur Balmain’s passion for travel and fascination with post-war American culture. Balmain’s cross-country expeditions in the USA led to the absorption and adaptation of American styles and influences into his designs. Rousteing’s own travels to the States evoke memories of Balmain’s experiences, particularly the iconic souvenir jackets found in vintage shops. These jackets, which blend American bomber styles with Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese iconography, epitomize the American mindset of mixing and adapting.
For Spring 2024, the collection updates the iconic souvenir jacket, blending Parisian tailoring with classic American varsity styling. The collection also prominently features the swallow (hirondelle) silhouette, a symbol of spring and hope. Balmain’s take on this symbol includes flocks of graceful swallows, each heralding the return of joy, hope, and better days, emphasizing a message of optimism and renewal.
