A global pandemic cannot stop Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing or director Valentin Petit from creating an outstanding show. The collection is filled with gold and silver fabrics, headrests, and jet setter looks to mirrors the three environments of the fall/winter show. The show is inspired by the founder of Balmain, Pierre Balmain, and his travels to America, London after World War 2, and the Sydney suburb of Balmain. The collection aim is to channel the sensation of freedom through travel as the future is starting to look better.

The show begins with Rousteing on what looks like the moon filled with screens that allow for the show to start by closing in on one monitor showing a model exiting an airplane. Balmain’s first runway in the video is an airport runway at Air France, with models walking on plane wings and under planes on the tarmac, reminiscent of hectic airport settings before the pandemic. One model holds a paper airplane shaped bag and the rest carry circle and suitcase-like bags with the Balmain monogram pattern.

Many of the looks are inspired by pilot and astronaut uniforms with lace-up flight boots, Balmain’s take on parachute dresses, and shimmering anti-g jumpsuits. The next location in the collection’s video takes place in what looks like where space shuttles are held, filled with silver metal and yellow paint. Bomber jackets have a Balmain remix to them with structured centers and flashy sleeves and back design or bondage like straps. The camera perspective is reminiscent of late 90’s R&B pop music videos to accompany the futuristic style of the collection.

The video then shifts to an all light runway in front of the moon to top off the space-age inspiration. An orange plastic-like pant and strapped corset starts the space runway off. The men’s wear includes silver coats and neon yellow accents and sleek orange and black suits. The women’s collection displays all red outfits with puffed jackets and an all pink plastic looking pair of baggy pants and coat with an extreme collar. The show then ends with Rousteing walking on the wing of a plane to thank the viewers for watching.

The collection and accompanying video give a glimpse of the past while looking towards the future where travel and futuristic fashion will once again resume, with Balmain leading the way.