A Symphony For World Rebirth: Balmain V03 Festival and SS23 Collection

An endangered beauty, a climate dystopia, Olivier Rousteing pledges to sustainability.

“After France’s summer of unending heatwaves, horrific droughts, rampant forest fires, and freakish storms—all direct results of our failure to address the dangers of global warming—I’m certain that I was not the only one asking fundamental questions about the possible dystopian future awaiting us.” During the launch of his third installment of the Balmain festival/show at this year’s Paris Fashion Week, Olivier Rousteing ponders questions surrounding existential climate dystopias – echoing “endangered beauty.” In details, silhouettes, and patterns, the collection’s composition envelops into a celebration of the rich and complex refinement of the natural world. Key elements demonstrate the remarkable artistry of the Balmain atelier artisans and help underline any possible future reboot for fashion.

With an emphasis on instigating a planetary “rebirth” or a present-day Renaissance, he notes the radical advances in science resulting in the complete transformation of thought and creativity – drawing influence from the hope, beauty, and advancements that foreshadowed the historical movement. For this Spring Summer ‘23 collection, Rousteing gestures to the global complexity and cruciality that accompanies fundamental environmental transformations – and the need for change – eventually circling back to sustainability. He accounts that through true transparency – as exemplified when he spoke that his prior Fall ‘22 was not entirely sustainable – environmental objectives may be met, such as shifting from certified sustainable wool for the majority of the house’s collections.

For the couture segment, Rousteing fuses his European heritage and perspectives with the beauty and traditions of Africa – spotlighting today’s diverse and influential new world, where rebirth and fresh possibilities are possible. Liberated from everyday commercial limitations – and unconcerned about following marketplace trends – he expands on his creative vision and gifts himself space to truly experiment. “Overseeing a couture offering is definitely a dream.”

In the heat of the moment, Rousteing builds upon his Spring 2023 runway’s planetary love letter and reaches out a Balmain welcome to new creators from outside of the Paris couture world – and we are not talking Cher, who popped out during the finale. Instead, these are the individuals who offer the label assistance during their journey to reducing their eco footprints. “No trees have been harvested to create these pieces—instead, sourcing teams were sent into forests to gather the perfect bark, branches, and twigs. Bark from chestnut trees has been formed into a one-of-a-kind bustier, and that from oak has been expertly shaped into a little bark dress. Striking basketweaves were created from pieces harvested from meadows, bogs, and forests, sorted by colors and softened in water before being woven and sculpted directly atop the house model.” Similarly to the main collection, this couture launch is a pledge to sustainability efforts.

Watch the full show below:

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