Shot during the lockdown, Balmain’s Resort 2021 is a fresh hit of breeze in the grim hours of the current pandemic. At a time when the fashion industry is trying to see through the blurred lens of the future, Balmain is unstoppable in finding ways to keep the bar of creativity high.
The French luxury brand’s Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing calls it the Zoom collection; every stage of Resort 2021’s production was checked and approved mostly via Zoom video calls or Whatsapp. That’s the new normal the fashion fraternity might be looking at.
Courtesy- Francis van / Instagram
The entire collection, which features menswear and womenswear was shot in a chateau in Normandy, against a very green and sunlit backdrop. The theme mixes two important sources of inspirations—Founder Pierre Balmain’s signature style of Jolie Madame (the iconic perfume from the brand) and fun yet sophisticated references of pop culture. The ensembles look straight out of cult 90s shows and movies such as Pretty Woman, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Miami Vice and Clueless.
Balmain’s Resort 2021 lookbook sports generous hints of bold colours, vivid prints and sharp tailoring. One would see calculated intersections of shades like red, pink, yellow, orange, blue and black on one outfit; while on some other pieces, a neatly done monotone or dual-tone speaks for itself.
Courtesy: Francis van / Instagram
Embroidered motifs, chic embellishments, polka dots, gingham checks, ruffles, statement military patches and buttons also take away a major chunk of the limelight.
Courtesy: Francis van / InstagramCourtesy: Olivier Rousteing / Instagram
The creative brain behind Balmain, Rousteing has attempted to make this collection as sustainable and eco-conscious as possible. Many designs have been created out of Ecocert-certified organic cotton, the labels and tags are made of recycled polyester and the strings and packaging is 100 per cent compostable.
