Gigi Hadid, the media goddess, transformed into a desert priestess. Hair tightly pulled up into cornrows, with a long ponytail at the back. The kiss of an Amazonian killer, lips bearing a stripe of sculpted gold. The first of Oliver Rousteing’s Balmain women, building a global silhouette for the French house. Elements that move between Africa, the Far West and the Amazon. “I was a child when Nirvana were at their peak, but their powerful music of rebellion definitely made an impact on me. And continues to do so even today,” explained Olivier Rousteing, “those liberating words, encouraging us to ignore the rules and stay faithful to ourselves.” Reaching Nirvana to touch the things the designer holds dear. Nirvana going wild on the soundtrack, becoming an emotional souvenir. A remix of Sweet Dreams blends in with that golden age, soft lines, fringes that ripple with every movement, tie dye treatments. Then, Aerosmith’s “Dream On” as we move into exotic skins, nude, trompe-l'œil inserts. Followed by patchwork jackets with studs, concert style T-Shirts with canine heads. Necklaces with leather and animal print. Bold, statement, an exotic safari, revisiting the prints of the house’s founder, Pierre Balmain. Until we arrive at the finale of woven black: shiny, perfect for a warrior.
By Stefano Roncato - MFF Magazine for Fashion
