Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing prepares for the launch of Balmain Beauty in partnership with Estee Lauder
BALMAIN BEAUTY
It was through the vision of Pierre Balmain in 1945 that he first introduced the “New French Style”. He revitalized the eminence of Paris haute couture in post-war France with elaborate creations hand-embroidered with gold, pearls, and crystals. Oriental art was a key inspiration for Balmain’s debut collection. Despite the utilitarian style of the day, he dressed his muses and models in satin, silk, furs, and other luxurious patterned fabrics to reflect oriental opulence. This would later pave the way for a prestigious client list of royalty (including Queen Sirikit of Thailand), movie stars (Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, and Sophia Loren), and leading figures of society. The fashion coup also crowned Balmain as the King of French fashion.
Following its successful debut, Balmain launched a line of fragrances. Fashion historians say that the decision to venture into beauty was due to the advice of a trusted friend and perfumer, Germain Cellier. In 1946, Elysees 64-83 (a name inspired by the maison’s telephone number) hit the shelves and filled the dressing tables of the wealthy in Paris. Balmain’s range of fragrances later grew to include the iconic Vent Vert, Jolie Madame, Ivoire and Eau d’Amazonie.
Now, under the creative direction of Olivier Rousteing, the Balmain legacy lives on. The maison’s rich archives and savoir-faire inform what we now know as the “renewed French style.” Rousteing has brilliantly succeeded in uniting the past with the present. Under his leadership, the brand paved the way for a more inclusive fashion world while respecting traditional Parisian haute couture techniques. “For ten years, my Balmain team and I have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in fashion. We have been determined to reflect the way today’s diverse generation wishes to live and dress.”
Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing shares: “There was no way we were going to … [+]
BALMAIN BEAUTY
This mission inclined Rousteing and the Balmain team to continue expanding into beauty as its founder did some 76 years ago with Elysees 64-83. “There’s no way we were going to expand without making sure we found the perfect partner,” hints the Creative Director. They found their perfect match in the world leader in luxury beauty, Estee Lauder. As a prestige brand known for its deep-seated value and heritage, it was easy to find common ground between the two luxury houses, born around the same time.
Rousteing states: “From the beginning, the Estée Lauder Companies team made it very clear that they support Balmain’s distinctive vision.” By fall 2024, the collaboration of these two French luxury giants will launch under the Balmain Beauty parasol. Makeup and fragrances will comprise the product range. At its core, a shared passion for exceptional design, craftsmanship and innovation. “They also support our goal of altering the global paradigm of luxury beauty. Knowing that, and knowing that Estée Lauder is the model of excellence, I can’t wait to start working with them.”
Balmain Beauty will launch in the fall of 2014 with a line of makeup and beauty products.
BALMAIN BEAUTY
Guillaume Jessel, who serves as president of global brands including Tom Ford and Balmain Beauty, says: “Balmain and Olivier Rousteing are visionary forces in global fashion. We look forward to working with them to expand the Balmain universe and carve out a new space in luxury beauty that clearly reflects the strong, inclusive and bold spirit of the brand.”
Source: news.google.com