How Did Balmain Become Such an Iconic Fashion Brand?

Balmain is an iconic fashion brand known around the world thanks to its stunning pieces, unrivaled glamour and often extravagant designs. Founded by iconic designer Pierre Balmain in 1945, the brand has become one of the most well-known names in the world of fashion. But how did Balmain become such an iconic fashion house?

In 1945, Pierre Balmain launched his own fashion house in Paris, focusing mainly on women’s haute couture. Balmain had spent many years working with other haute couture designers, such as Robert Piguet and Lucien Lelong, honing his skills in design and business. He was experimental and creative, something which showed in his designs, and soon he was a name to be reckoned with in the fashion world.

In 1952, Pierre Balmain entered the ready-to-wear market with the launch of its first ready-to-wear collection. This helped to expand Balmain’s reach, making his designs more accessible to a wider audience. As the years passed, Pierre continued to design luxurious, opulent pieces often focused on modernism, intricately detailing his garments with trimming and delicately embroidered fabrics – two features which were seen as iconic trademarks of the house of Balmain. However, despite the high design aesthetic presented through his collection, Pierre would often make use of fabrics that were not purely luxurious – he liked to mix the high end fabrics with more everyday materials like cotton and linen.

At this stage of the company’s development Pierre Balmain was garnering acclaim from not only the fashion elite but also from the buying public at large. His style oozed glamour that was timeless but also cutting edge. One particular person that was taken with Pierre Balmain was Jackie Kennedy Onassis. He was often seen wearing Balmain at important events and even invited to the late President’s second inauguration ceremony in 1961.

It was the popularity and success of the fashion house which saw its riches rise in the 1970s, when the company was taken over by designer Oscar de la Renta and Balmain himself was constantly travelling and showing collections – raking in millions of dollars a year as a result. In 1989 his life tragically ended as he passed away and the baton was passed to his protégée, Eric Bergere and later Claude Montana who both continued with Pierre’s vision upholding the high-end designs on which the company was built and ensuring that the company remained an elite name which set trends rather than follow them.

Even today, more than 70 years after it opened for business Balmain remains one of the leading names in fashion. Creative Director Olivier Rousteing has kept Pierre Balmains’s original vision alive for decades ensuring that balanced glamour and timeless statement pieces remain in production; pieces which will always be sought after due to their excellence craftsmanship and stylish designs. Everything from a classic blazer to a complicated couture gown carries the iconic name of Balmain – a name that has come to be synonymous with decadence and elegance.

From its inception, the brand has stood for opulence, modernism and experimentation within fashion, something which rings true today. The pieces offered by Balmain are definitive of luxury fashion; never overdone and carefully crafted. His combination of high fashion with more everyday materials blended together are admired by many to this day.

It is clear why Balmain has become such a iconic brand over seventy five years since Pierre Balmain first launched it. From its iconic designs, to their commitment to quality, craftsmanship and timeless elegance; these are all things which have helped it become one of the most recognised names within fashion today. By linking itself with high-profile figures such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis or with attending star-studded events in both Paris and New York, Balmain continues to be positioned at the forefront of haute couture – a place befitting what can only be described as one of fashion’s most beloved houses. To find out more about Balmain – click here.

A Local’s Guide to Exploring the Vibrant City of Paris

Bonjour! Paris is a city wonderfully interwoven with history, art, and fashion. While the city’s obvious attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral are worth a visit, this guide aims to take you beyond the beaten path and let you explore some of Paris’s hidden gems. As a local, I present to you a comprehensive off-the-beaten-path travel guide to Paris.

Local Attractions

Paris has so much to offer beyond the standard tourist destinations. One such less-known spot is Rue de Cremieux, a picturesque pedestrian street adorned with colorful houses and floral window boxes. Another is the Promenade Plantée, a leafy walkway perched above the city, that provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A walk along Canal Saint-Martin would also make for a beautiful and peaceful experience, especially in the evenings, where the city’s vibrant nightlife spills over into an effervescent jazz-filled ambiance.

Dining Spots

A French trip without getting lost in the city’s culinary marvels is incomplete. Parisian cuisine is like a storybook that takes you through the city’s history and culture. A visit to Benoit, a traditional Parisian bistro, for steak tartare, quiche, and St. Marcelin Cheese is an absolute must. Another spot is Cafe de la Nouvelle Mairie that offers the very best of classic French desserts like tarte tatin and lemon tart.

For exploring the elusive Parisian dining experience, venture to Fondue de Tell, a traditional Swiss fondue place where you can try raclette and sip on some lovely French wine.

Cultural Experiences

The City of Lights is brimming with a unique charm and is an art lover’s paradise. Paris is home to some of the world’s legendary galleries, including the Musée d’Orsay, the Rodin Museum, and the Centre Pompidou.

To witness a different side of Paris, visit Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, the city’s most extensive flea market. It’s an excellent place to discover some vintage treasures and perhaps engage in some friendly haggling.

To delve further into the French art scene, consider the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, where you’ll find a whimsically displayed array of nature-themed paintings, taxidermy animals, and hunting artifacts.

Local History

Journey through history and get engulfed in the romantic tales of the city. Visit the Musée des Égouts de Paris and explore the underbelly of the city. Take a stroll through the Père Lachaise Cemetery where you can pay your respects to Oscar Wilde and other famous personalities buried there.

Finally, visit the Catacombs, a maze of tunnels and chambers that doubles as a burial place for six million Parisians. The eerie, yet reverential ambiance of the space is a must-visit, if you can brave it.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique perspective of Paris, take a hot air balloon ride over the city, enjoying the stunning view of the city’s icons from a different perspective. Furthermore, visit Shakespeare & Company bookstore, where the walls are adorned with book lovers’ fascinating messages, to make for an enchanting visit.

Finally, visit Musée de Montmartre, featuring the former Bohemian lifestyle of the artists of Montmartre through its dazzling and varied collections of paintings, photographs, drawings, and posters.

In conclusion, Paris has countless stories to share – stories of love and heartbreak, lessons of past glory and battles, and tales of culinary finesse and artistic rebellion. This insiders’ guide offers an invitation to explore the city’s hidden gems and connect with the soul of the city. So, pack your bags, and let Parisian love enchant you.