It’s hard not to spot a Balmain girl in the crowd. Dynasty-style shoulder pads? Mid-80s beaded jackets? Jaw-dropping embellishment? It also helps that Beyoncé, Rihanna and the Jenner/Kardashian clan are unofficial ambassadors for the brand on many a red-carpet event (FYI: the label’s creative director Olivier Rousteing is one of the most well-connected designer’s in the biz - just check out his Instagram). But now the famed visionary is dressing a very different squad: Ballet dancers…
Dancer and choreographer Sébastien Bertaud has tapped the Balmain designer to create the costumes for the Paris Opera, outfitting a troupe in a piece called ‘Renaissance’ from June 13th-18th.
‘Of course, it is an amazing honor to work with the Paris Opera,’ Rousteing says. ‘There are few institutions that embody so well the essence of French culture and creativity. Obviously, designing for the rigors and techniques of classical dance was a new challenge for me and my team—but it one that we very much enjoyed facing.
‘As someone who has always been fascinated by the beauty and power of dance, this project was a joy to work on, giving me the unique opportunity to learn from and share ideas with a group of incredibly talented artists and craftsmen for whom nothing seems to be impossible.’
Forget minimalist designs in varying shades of pearl – Balmain’s ballerinas will feature ‘impressive golden and silver embellishments’ and ‘rhinestones and pearls embroidered directly onto bodysuits, tights and draped tees.’
*Books mini-break to Paris in June immediately.
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